Iraq Revolts: Special coverage of Mesopotamia's youth-led protests

In the 16 years since the US-led invasion and occupation in 2003, Iraq has offered its youths no hope. 

Its ruling elites have siphoned off the country's vast oil revenues, leaving vast segments of their people impoverished and humiliated. 

After decades of international sanctions followed by war, civil war and the scourge of Islamic State, Iraqis have had enough.

This year has seen a broad protest movement emerge from Baghdad to Basra. 

The movement quietened down only to reignite in recent weeks, led by young Iraqis fed up with corruption, sectarianism, unemployment and no prospects for their future.

The Iraqi government, backed simultaneously by the Iranian regime and the United States, has responded with extreme violence, killing hundreds of largely unarmed, peaceful protesters calling for little more than a better, more dignified life.

In the midst of this violence, tales of creativity, heroism and courage have emerged, even as the international media has given limited attention to the historic protests.

The New Arab, a project that hopes to give a voice to Arab youths fighting for freedom, equality, democracy and social justice, continues to cover these momentous yet hopeful protests, from Algeria to Iraq via Lebanon, Sudan, Egypt and elsewhere.

Click on Special Contents below to read our up-to-date coverage, analysis and commentary on the events in Iraq.