Iraqi Uprising (2011)

The Iraq Uprising of 2011 was an episode of civil unrest in 2011 which were a part of the Arab Spring and a larger wave of global revolts.

Background

Following the invasion of Iraq by the USA in 2003 and subsequent occupation, Iraq had issues of instability, economic turmoil (especially high unemployment), poor public services, Saudi intervention in Bahrain's uprising and government corruption. This led to anger and inspired by the Tunisian Revolution a man set himself on fire in protest of unemployment.

Events

Protests broke out across cities in Iraq, and soon protesters began occupying government buildings and bridges and soldiers began killing them. Several government minsiters resigned and corrupt officers were arrested. Protesters then began liberating people from jails and police began to kill dozens and arrest hundreds. Protesters also came out against the US occupation, but the protests fizzled out after 4 months.

Results

The protests saw some corrupt government officials being arrested and increase subsidies for utilities. Whether or not the pullout of US troops in December 2011 was connected to this is unknown.

References

Wikipedia - 2011 Iraqi protests