ISHM: DECEMBER 5 – DECEMBER 12, 2019
Key Takeaways: New Election Law Remains Deadlocked; Gunmen Attacks On Protesters Push Death Toll Past 510; U.S. Sanctions Iraqi Militia Leaders, Politician; No Agreement On New PM As Deadline Approaches – On December 5, Iraq’s Parliament approved a new law for the country’s Independent High Election Commission, but disagreements continue over a new election law, especially on issues of district size, proportional representation, and whether the law should allow party lists. On December 6, unidentified gunmen attacked protesters in Baghdad’s Tahrir Square using live bullets, killing 25 and wounding at least 130 more. The identity of the attackers remains unconfirmed, amid conflicting accounts and recriminations between militias suspected of being behind the violence. The death toll from the protests had reached 511 by December 11, according to Iraq’s Health Ministry. On December 6, the U.S. imposed sanctions on four Iraqis accused of extensive human rights violations, bribes and corruption. The
