Blog Post 9: Iraq April 2nd to April 10, 2011

Protesters in Tahrir Square

It has already been 8 years since the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime. The anniversary, however, hasn't stopped protesters from occupying Tahrir Square on Friday to make statements about education, health care and corruption. When Hussein was captured and power was handed back to the people, the leaders promised for better schools and less corruption. With 8 years passing, over 50% of the population belonging to the youth, and less than 40% of those youth enrolled in school, the promises weren't exactly held up like promised. This has been some of the main inspiration for protesters to get out into the square. Protesters have also been demanding the immediate withdrawal of US troops.

An injured Iranian from Camp Ashraf

The Iraqi Army has been busy lately, too. The forces attacked Camp Ashraf, an Iranian dissident camp about 100 km north of Baghdad. The camp has around 3,500 inhabitants and is the base for the People's Mujahideen Organization of Iran, or the PMOI. The PMOI is an opposition group to the Shia Muslim rulers in Iran. Iran, Iraq and the US all consider the PMOI to be a terrorist group. There have been over 30 people killed, including women, and at least 320 wounded.


The attack has made some tension between Iraq and the US, as Defense Secretary Robert Gates was visiting the country and urging Iraq to not use force against the camp. The camp comes into question because the residents of Camp Ashraf technically fall under Iraqi law. The UN and the State department have "condemned the attack" and have tried to provide aid for the camp. But, they have been denied access by Iraq.