Iraqi youth 60% of population: New faces from youth standing in Iraqi election

Key Concepts

• Tishreen Uprising: A significant protest movement in Iraq demanding political change, independence from foreign interference, jobs, and dignity.
• Youth Unemployment: A persistent issue in Iraq, particularly affecting the younger generation.
• Gen Z in Iraq: Individuals born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, who have experienced only instability and limited opportunities.
• Political Participation: The decision of young Iraqis to vote or abstain from elections as a means of enacting change.
• Militia Influence: The significant control exerted by militias over various aspects of Iraqi society, impacting political processes.
• Patronage and Corruption: Traditional political practices in Iraq, such as "good buying" (likely referring to vote-buying or clientelism) and promises of short-term projects, which persist despite calls for reform.

The Tishreen Uprising and its Legacy

The transcript highlights the enduring impact of the Tishreen uprising, a movement that five years prior saw young Iraqis take to the streets demanding fundamental changes. Their calls focused on political reform, an end to foreign interference, employment opportunities, and the restoration of dignity. This movement, however, was met with significant violence, resulting in over 700 deaths due to clashes with security forces or militias. Many who participated in this uprising are now eligible to vote, but their commitment to electoral participation is varied.

Youth Perspectives on Voting and Change

The video explores the diverse viewpoints of young Iraqis regarding the upcoming elections.

• Fatima: A former Anastasia technician who transitioned to a career in coffee, Fatima emphasizes the importance of individual mindset change as the starting point for national reform. She believes that boycotting elections or not voting would be counterproductive, stating, "We can't change anything if we boycott the elections or don't vote. That's why I'm taking part."
• Mustafa: Expressing fatigue with politics, Mustafa still desires a better future. His voting criteria include a candidate who will improve law enforcement and expand medical services, seeking a "multiplatform candidate."
• Muhammad: Sitting with Mustafa, Muhammad plans to vote, driven by a belief in the younger generation's potential and energy. He states, "I will vote uh because I believe uh in uh youth uh we have uh a lot of uh young uh people came out u I I think they have uh that energy."
• Zenel Abedin: A communication engineering student, Zenel plans to vote but harbors limited hope due to the pervasive influence of militias. He acknowledges, "Uh because the militias are uh controlling over everything. Uh I'm only doing what I can do currently, which is voting."

Socioeconomic Context and Challenges

The transcript provides some key statistics illustrating the challenges faced by Iraq's youth:

• Literacy Rate: Above 80%.
• Youth Unemployment: Around 25%.

This demographic, identified as Gen Z (born mid-1990s to early 2010s), has grown up amidst persistent instability and a lack of opportunities.

The Persistence of Old Political Practices

Despite the emergence of new, young faces on campaign banners, signaling a generational shift in politics, traditional practices remain prevalent. These include "good buying" (likely referring to vote-buying or clientelism) and the pre-election promise of quick, often superficial, projects.

The Ongoing Struggle for a New Iraq

The core argument presented is that Iraq's youth are engaged in a continuous struggle to redefine their nation. This fight extends beyond the ballot box and into their daily lives as they strive to build a country that reflects their aspirations and values.

Conclusion

The video portrays a generation grappling with the legacy of past uprisings and the realities of a complex political landscape. While many young Iraqis are disillusioned, a significant portion remains committed to participating in the political process, particularly through voting, as a means to effect change. However, the pervasive influence of militias and entrenched political practices present substantial obstacles to their aspirations for a reformed and dignified Iraq. The struggle for a country that "looks like them" is an ongoing effort, waged both at the polls and in the everyday pursuit of a better future.