Crisis Brief: What Could Happen Next

The crisis in Iraq continues to escalate. Multiple reports of assassinations and other targeting killings of activists and demonstrators reflect an attempt to suppress the protests through intimidation, likely by Iran’s proxies. Leading Shia political figure Muqtada al Sadr called for the dissolution of the government and a new election in an attempt to oust the sitting Prime Minister, who has failed to address the crisis. A parliament session is reportedly scheduled for October 5th. It remains unclear whether a reshuffle in the political leadership in Baghdad would ameliorate protest demands, however. ISW’s Iraq expert Samantha Leathley joins Jennifer Cafarella to discuss developments on the ground and what ISW is watching for next. Crisis Brief is a special edition of the Overwatch series intended to provide timely updates on unfolding national security crises.