Thousands protest in Iraq as deadline for PM looms

Thousands took to the streets in Iraq’s capital and across the south yesterday to protest against Iran’s kingmaking influence as the latest deadline for choosing a new prime minister loomed. Anti-government rallies have rocked Baghdad and the Shia-majority south since October 1, with demonstrators calling for a complete overhaul of a regime they deem corrupt, inefficient and overly beholden to Tehran. Yesterday marked the latest deadline -- already pushed back twice by President Barham Saleh -- for parliament to choose a new premier to replace Adel Abdel Mahdi, who tendered his administration’s resignation last month. Officials say Iran wants to install Qusay al-Suhail, who served as higher education minister in the government of Abdel Mahdi. The protesters categorically reject Suhail’s candidacy.

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