This blog is now closed, thanks for joining us. These were the updates on the Iraq’s political turmoil on August 29.
- Powerful Iraqi leader Muqtada al-Sadr is going on a hunger strike until “violence and the use of weapons” ends, according to an allied legislator.
- The move came after deadly violence erupted in Iraq’s capital, Baghdad, amid protests by al-Sadr’s followers. At least 30 people have been killed and hundreds more wounded, according to a medical source.
- The protests were triggered by al-Sadr’s announcement earlier that he is quitting political life for good and closing his political offices.
- Gunfire rang out in the Green Zone of Baghdad after al-Sadr followers converged there and stormed the government palace.
- Tensions have soared in Iraq amid a political crisis that has left the country without a new government for 10 months.