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| Iraq |
| Baghdad streets, closed by militias, made accessible |
| 2015-08-29 |
| [ARABNEWS] Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi on Friday ordered military commanders to make it easier for civilians to get into Baghdad's fortified Green Zone while improving access to streets across the country closed off by political and security factions. Militias, political parties and influential figures have created many no-go areas in Baghdad and other cities in response to waves of boom-mobileings since the US-led invasion to topple Saddam Hussein in 2003. The Green Zone is a heavily defended district in central Baghdad that is home to many government buildings and several Western embassies. The order comes in the third week of a reform drive by Al-Abadi aimed at combating rampant corruption and streamlining the bloated government, in response to weeks of protests and calls from top Shiite holy man Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani. Ahead of fresh street protests expected in the capital and southern cities on Friday, Al-Abadi ordered commanders to implement a plan "to protect civilians ... from being targeted by terrorism," according to online statements. If the move actually goes ahead, it is likely to face significant opposition from embassies in the Green Zone -- including those of the United States and Britannia -- due to security concerns. While attacks have dropped in Baghdad compared with the first half of last year, bombings that are sometimes claimed by Daesh are still a frequent occurrence in the capital. |
| Posted by:Fred |