Baghdad graduates escalate protests over jobs, say government offers no solution

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Protests over employment demands in Baghdad and other Iraqi cities have intensified, with graduates holding three to four demonstrations a week calling for appointments, permanent contracts and improved working conditions. On 18 May 2026, around 5,000 graduates marched demanding government hiring, followed by later protests from master's degree holders, resident doctors and other health-sector graduates, according to a representative. Haydar Ali Kadim, who represents unemployed graduates, said the government has met with representatives after three rounds of demonstrations but has set no timeline for resolving the issue. He put the number of unemployed graduates at roughly 150,000 and warned that some are nearing retirement age, leaving them with limited time to wait before returning to the streets. Reports indicate clashes broke out between security forces and demonstrators during some protests, with injuries reported among protesters from various sectors. Political analyst Qasim al-Rubay'i attributed the limited government response to stabilized security conditions and reduced state capacity to meet employment demands. Mustafa Sa'dun, head of the Iraqi Observatory for Human Rights, said the absence of a response is widening the trust gap between citizens and state institutions, reducing demonstrations to temporary measures aimed at defusing unrest. Sociologist Ahmed al-Zuhebi warned that prolonged protests could replace initial hope and a sense of collective power with waiting, disappointment and anger.