Shiite protesters get broad backing throughout Iraq
Though the majority of Iraqis currently protesting are Shiite, many other groups are supporting and participating in the massive demonstrations.
![1180050493 An Iraqi protester waves the natioanl flag in Tahrir square in the capital Baghdad on November 5, 2019, amid ongoing anti government demonstrations. - Iraqi security forces fired live rounds yesterday at protesters in Baghdad, after four demonstrators were shot dead overnight outside the Iranian consulate in the holy city of Karbala. (Photo by SABAH ARAR / AFP) (Photo by SABAH ARAR/AFP via Getty Images)](/sites/default/files/styles/article_hero_medium/public/almpics/2019/11/GettyImages-11800504931.jpg/GettyImages-11800504931.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=b76ZwC39)
BAGHDAD — The crowd in Baghdad’s Mohammed al-Qasim Street on Oct. 31 was not caused solely by a street vendor selling Iraqi flags for 1,000 dinars (less than $1).
The street, the longest highway that wraps around the perimeter of Baghdad, had never seen so many flags flying from the windows of every passing car, in a show of great solidarity among Iraqis. The vendor smiled as he told Al-Monitor, “So far, I have sold more than 1,000 flags and it’s not even 2 p.m.”