This Time It’s Different: The Implications of Recent Demonstration Events in Iraq

Analysis, Middle East
While demonstrations are not uncommon in Iraq, the most recent wave of riots and protests – which has been ongoing since 1 October 2019 – has been unusually violent. Despite some concessions, the high reported fatality count from these demonstrations, and the clear evidence they provide of citizens’ ongoing disenchantment with the government, will continue to pose a serious threat to Iraq’s stability in the near future.…

Regional Overview: Africa 13 – 19 October 2019

Africa, Regional Overviews
This week, while protesters amassed in Guinea to oppose President Condé’s bid to extend his tenure in office, the violence of Mozambique’s 2019 campaign season continued through election day. In Ethiopia, clashes between the military and the Bodi community, and an incursion of gunmen from across the Djiboutian border left many dead, while clashes in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo displaced thousands.…

Regional Overview: Asia 13 – 19 October 2019

Asia, Regional Overviews
In South and Southeast Asia, key trends last week include: ongoing armed conflict in Afghanistan (including the year’s second deadliest attack in the country), Pakistan, India and Myanmar; the inauguration of President Widodo for a second term in Indonesia amid protest over changes to anti-corruption laws; and disorder in the Philippines from President Duterte’s continued “War on Drugs.”…