A large protest over the lack of electricity shut down traffic in Baghdad on Friday night, and more protests took place Saturday in southern Iraq.
BAGHDAD — In the Iraqi summer, when the temperature tops 120 degrees Fahrenheit, electricity becomes even more of a political issue than usual. Last week, at the top of Iraqis’ agenda, it has even eclipsed war with the Islamic State group.
Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared a four-day weekend to keep people out of the sun, but he did not stop there. He also called in the electricity minister for emergency consultations, and ordered an end to one of the most coveted perks of government officials: round-the-clock power for their air conditioners.