Iran Issues Travel Advisory after its Consulate in Najaf is Torched

Arab World

December 5th, 8:40am

Baghdad - Asharq Al-Awsat

Anti-government protesters gather on barriers set up by security forces to close Rasheed Street during ongoing protests in Baghdad, Iraq, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019. (AP)

Iran urged its citizens against heading to protest sites in Iraq after demonstrators torched its country’s consulate in Najaf city earlier this week. It marks the third time the building was set on fire by angry protesters. Anti-government protest demanding the overhaul of the entire political class erupted in Iraq in October. They accuse the entire ruling elite of being inept, corrupt and beholden to foreign powers. Security forces have cracked down on the movement, leaving more than 420 people dead. The movement is Iraq's biggest since the US-led invasion of 2003 toppled Saddam Hussein and installed a democratic system in the oil-rich but poverty-plagued nation. The demonstrators have vented their anger at neighboring Iran, which is seen to wield huge influence in Iraq.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/2022011/iran-issues-travel-advisory-after-its-consulate-najaf-torched