Background: The Diverse and Fragmented Iraqi Diaspora
The busy markets of Wembley in London, the peaceful Rabiah in Amman, and the vast suburbs of Detroit may seem like very different parts of the world. However, they all have one thing in common: they are all connected to the rich tapestry of the Iraqi diaspora. Millions strong, this global community is a testament to the enduring spirit of a nation that has weathered countless storms. The exodus began not just after the 2003 US-led invasion but stretches back much further, its roots entangled with the tumultuous chapters of Iraq’s history.
From the mid-20th century onwards, waves of Iraqis, each carrying the weight of their unique experiences, sought refuge abroad.
The first significant exodus began in the 1950s, following the overthrow of the Hashemite monarchy in 1958. This wave was dominated by wealthy elites, landowners, and former government officials who felt threatened by the new political climate. Many were Sunni Muslims aligned with the deposed monarchy but also included a significant number of Christians and Jews who feared persecution under a potentially more nationalistic regime.1
The 1960s and 1970s saw a new wave of migration triggered by the rise of the Ba’ath Party. This time, the exodus consisted of middle-class professionals – doctors, lawyers, artists, and intellectuals – who felt increasingly marginalised under the Ba’ath government’s repressive policies. Ethnic and religious minorities, mainly Kurds and Assyrians, also faced growing pressure and discrimination, prompting many to flee during this period.2
The Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988) further fueled the exodus. Shia families perceived as sympathetic to Iran were targeted by the Ba’ath regime, forcing many into exile.3 The war also devastated the country’s economy, pushing many ordinary Iraqis to seek a better life abroad.4
The 2003 US-led invasion undoubtedly marked a significant turning point, displacing millions more Iraqis due to the ensuing instability and violence. This wave included a mix of professionals fleeing the breakdown of order, families seeking safety, and those who had collaborated with the occupying forces fearing retribution.
The Iraqi diaspora is fragmented into multiple categories: ethnicity, religious conviction, sect, class, ideology, and geographical location. It is, thus, mistaken to talk of the Iraqi diaspora as one homogeneous group; instead, it is a collection of diverse groups, each living their own traditions, memories, imaginations of community, and individual transnational, spiritual, and emotional connections to Iraq. There is little overlap between these groups and often very little knowledge about the events, activities, and lived experiences of others. 5
Understanding these intricate threads—the historical turning points that spurred migration, from the mid-20th-century persecutions to the later wars, the social and economic profiles of each wave, and the challenges of integration into new societies—is key to unlocking the story of how this global community mobilised in response to Iraq’s recent struggles.
I will delve into the unwavering efforts of Iraqi diaspora activists fighting against a corrupt political system, their fight against the rising tide of misinformation during protests, and the ingenious ways they strive to keep the memory of the Iraqi people’s fight for a better future alive, even from afar. Join me on an eye-opening journey as we explore the unheard, untold stories of the Iraqi diaspora and their contributions.
Iraqi Protests 2011-2016
The protests in Iraq were not a spontaneous occurrence but rather a culmination of various factors that had been brewing for years. Iraq’s political landscape was significantly influenced by events in Egypt and Tunisia, and the institutionalisation of a sectarian discourse post-Saddam Hussein’s era had deeply divided the country along ethnic and religious lines, hindering any united popular initiative. This divisive system marginalised alternative voices and stifled political diversity, leading to a paralysed political life where identities like Kurd, Shia, Sunni, and Christian took precedence over a unified Iraqi identity. The return of opposing members in 2003 exacerbated the sectarian discourse, fueling the thirst for government positions and sidelining voices that challenged the status quo. Iraq initially remained distant from the wave of protests sweeping across the Arab world, but that changed when Prime Minister Al-Maliki’s announcement on February 5 stirred discontent. Al-Maliki’s decision not to seek a third term and his symbolic gesture of donating half of his salary in solidarity with Iraqis facing poverty sparked demonstrations against unemployment, high prices, and corruption.6
The significance of Tahrir Square in Baghdad cannot be overstated in the context of these protests. Tahrir Square, known as the Monument of Freedom, holds a deep historical significance dating back to the July 14, 1958 revolution that ended the monarchy and British rule in Iraq. The square’s iconic statue symbolises the nation’s journey through three distinct periods: oppression and hope, a struggle for freedom, and the vision of prosperity and coexistence. Tahrir Square became the focal point for Iraqis to voice their grievances and demand change, echoing the spirit of defiance and resilience embodied in its monuments.7
Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki’s heavy-handed tactics aimed to quash the protests, which were not supported by Shi’a or Sunni Islamist movements that felt targeted by them. Several demonstrators were shot dead during clashes with security forces using live ammunition. Journalists were threatened, attacked, and detained, with their equipment confiscated or destroyed. TV station offices were raided to prevent further broadcasting.8
The demonstrations received minimal coverage in local media and lacked support from foreign entities, leading to a relatively unnoticed struggle between popular mobilisation and state repression. However, these protests marked the birth of a significant anti-sectarian movement that questioned the legitimacy of incumbent Shi’a Islamist parties and challenged Iraq’s post-2003 political order.9
Social Media Activism During the Protests
In 2011, the protests were led by key actors like Uday Al-Zaidi and various groups demanding political reforms, better living conditions, and an end to sectarian quotas. Social media platforms played a pivotal role, with Facebook pages such as ‘The Great Iraqi Revolution’, ‘The Iraqi Revolution of February 25’, ‘Support the Iraqi Youth Uprising’, and “The Free Iraqis’ Revolution pages, were disseminating information, coordinating actions, and rallying support globally. 10
The protests ultimately faced demise due to factors like weak organisational structures, lack of media coverage, lack of empathy, lack of international support and the regime’s propaganda backed by Shi’a clerics. 11
INSM: Advocating Digital Rights and Fighting Internet Shutdowns
Haidar Hamzoz, widely known as Hamzoz, has been a pivotal figure in mobilising efforts for over a decade, particularly as the founder of INSM (Iraqi Network for Social Media). One of his earliest contributions was a blogging video where he shared crucial advice with activists and demonstrators, focusing on strategies to keep themselves safe and secure, including using secure messaging tools like iMessage and BBM at the time.
INSM, established in February 2012, is Iraq’s premier network of bloggers and journalists dedicated to advocating digital rights. Its core mission revolves around championing free, open, and secure internet access for all and fostering a virtual space where freedom of opinion and expression flourish without censorship or privacy violations.12
The INSM team believes that digital rights are fundamental human rights essential for creating safe communities, ensuring unrestrained access to information, and facilitating the exercise of freedom of expression online. Due to repeated electronic attacks, digital security is a significant concern, so INSM has prioritised “digital safety.” This focus has led to robust international, regional, and national partnerships, providing access to top-tier expertise in the digital security domain.
Central to INSM’s activism is the campaign #No_to_Internet_Shutdown, which was particularly crucial during demonstrations13. INSM conducted vital research shedding light on critical digital issues such as hate speech glossaries and online incitements to violence in Iraq. The network has spearheaded numerous campaigns that garnered substantial regional support.
During the massive demonstrations in October 2019 demanding improved living conditions and ending corruption, Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Instagram and other services were blocked on Wednesday, October 2, 2019. INSM swiftly mobilised, calling for the restoration of Internet access and the protection of citizens’ rights. The network’s #No_to_Internet_Shutdown petition gained significant traction, attracting over 20,000 supporters and earning backing from the #KeepitOn Coalition.14
The Fight Against Impunity in Iraq
In the heart of Baghdad, amidst the bustling streets and echoing calls for justice, a movement brewed with determination and resilience. It was a cry for accountability, echoing the sentiments of hundreds of Iraqis who had taken to the streets on July 18, 2021.15 Their demand was clear: end the reign of impunity that had shrouded the nation for far too long.
The backdrop to this call for justice was grim. Over 70 activists, daring souls who had dared to speak truth to power, had fallen victim to targeted assassinations and abductions since the eruption of Tishreen protest movement in 2019. 16
Yet, in the face of such adversity, voices rose undeterred. Organizations like End Impunity in Iraq (EII) stood at the forefront, 17 called out for demonstrations for all Iraqis all over the world. Their demands were to end corruption, hold the killers of protestors and journalists accountable, put them to court, and arrest the perpetrators.
In one of their statements condemning the torturing of a young Iraqi man by security forces, they remind the government of its duties to respect the constitution, implement the law, punish the perpetrators, compensate the victims, pay the cost of their treatment and put an end to such violations.
They draw attention and international support by drawing parallels with historic movements like Madres De Plaza De Mayo. This organisation was formed by mothers of missing protestors in an attempt to know their son’s fate. They marched towards the Plaza De Mayo in 1977 in front of the presidential house in a stance that speaks volumes about the government’s atrocities to silence protestors.
On July 14, 2011, EII’s demands echoed through the streets, demanding an end to corruption, the prosecution of killers and torturers, and justice for victims and their families. Their message was clear: uphold the constitution, implement the law, and end the cycle of violence that had silenced dissent for too long.
Fast forward to November 2021, and the voice of the Mothers of Tahrir Square resonated with the same urgency. They called upon the parliament to enact laws that acknowledged the rights of victims, protected their families, and brought perpetrators to justice. Theirs was a plea for recognition, for resolution, and for a future where justice prevailed over impunity.
These voices are the beacons of hope; the guardians of truth and the champions of justice. Keeping the fight against impunity in Iraq alive.
Resilience and Reflection
As a young Iraqi who left my homeland amidst the chaos of civil unrest, I embarked on a journey in search of a brighter future and better opportunities. Little did I realise then the profound impact that leaving my country would have on my sense of identity as a diasporan. Having spent half of my life in Iraq, I was nurtured in the richness of our culture, taught to cherish our heritage, and implanted with a deep appreciation for what it means to be Iraqi.
However, as the years passed following the invasion and my resettlement in a new land, I grappled with a sense of displacement and the challenge of forging a new identity. Witnessing the hardships endured by my people back home, the struggle for basic necessities, and the longing for a better future, I felt a profound obligation to contribute to their cause. I envisioned myself standing alongside them in Tahrir Square, raising my voice in solidarity and demanding justice.
Yet, as I witnessed the escalating violence against protesters and activists, a sense of helplessness and frustration began to weigh on me. The distance between us, both physical and circumstantial, limited my ability to actively participate in their struggle. I realised that our roles as diasporans may be constrained and that our impact, while meaningful, may be different from those on the front lines.
Finding solace in accepting and understanding our circumstances’ limitations became my way of reconciling with my role as a member of the diaspora. It’s a delicate balance between yearning to do more and acknowledging the realities of our situation. Nevertheless, the flame of hope for a better future for Iraq and its people continues to burn within me, driving me to support their cause in whatever ways I can.
- Madawi Al-Rasheed, “Political Migration and Downward Socio-Economic Mobility: The Iraqi Community in London”, Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, 18(4), 1992; Hanna Batatu, The Old Social Classes and the Revolutionary Movements of Iraq: A Study of Iraq’s Old Landed and Commercial Classes and of its Communists, Baʻthists, and Free Officers, London: Saqi Books, 2004; Marion Farouk-Sluglett and Peter Sluglett, (2001) Iraq since 1958: From Revolution to Dictatorship. Rev. ed. London; New York: I.B. Tauris, 2001; Tamar Morad, Robert Shasha, and Dennis Shasha (eds.), Iraq’s Last Jews: Stories of Daily Life, Upheaval, and Escape from Modern Babylon, Palgrave Studies in Oral History. 1st ed. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2008.
↩︎ - Madawi Al-Rasheed, “Political Migration and Downward Socio-Economic Mobility: The Iraqi Community in London”, Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, 18(4), 1992 ↩︎
- Charles Tripp, A History of Iraq. 3rd ed. Cambridge, UK; New York: Cambridge University Press, 2007. ↩︎
- Al-Rasheed 1992, p.539. ↩︎
- Kadhum, O. (2021). The UK Iraqi Diaspora and their Mobilization towards Iraq: Homeland Politics, Internal Dynamics, and the Fragmentation of Diasporic Transnationalism. Retrieved from https://www.arab-reform.net/publication/the-uk-iraqi-diaspora-and-their-mobilization-towards-iraq-homeland-politics-internal-dynamics-and-the-fragmentation-of-diasporic-transnationalism/#_ftnref6 ↩︎
- Saleh, Z. (2012a). Iraq and Its Tahrir Square. In The Dawn of the Arab Uprisings: End of an Old Order? (pp. 270–273). essay, Pluto Press. ↩︎
- Ibid ↩︎
- Chams-El-Dine, C. (2018a). Out of the Ashes: The Rise of an Anti-Sectarian Discourse in Post-2011 Iraq. In Islamists and the Politics of the Arab Uprisings: Governance, Pluralisation and Contention (pp. 341–356). essay, Edinburgh, Edinburgh University Press.. ↩︎
- Ibid ↩︎
- Ibid ↩︎
- Ibid ↩︎
- Iraqi Network For Social Media (INSM). (n.d.). Retrieved from https://actogether.org/archives/stories/iraqi-network-for-social-media-insm ↩︎
- Editorial. (2019). Iraq blocks Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp and Instagram, then shuts down internet amid civil unrest. Retrieved from https://netblocks.org/reports/iraq-blocks-facebook-twitter-whatsapp-and-instagram-amid-civil-unrest-zA4zGlyR ↩︎
- Iraqi Network For Social Media (INSM). (n.d.). Retrieved from https://actogether.org/archives/stories/iraqi-network-for-social-media-insm ↩︎
- Al Jazeera. (2021). Iraq protesters demand accountability after killings of activists. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/7/18/iraqis-protest-against-unpunished-killings-of-activists ↩︎
- Ibid ↩︎
- End Impunity in Iraq (EII) is an independent non-profit organisation currently working on raising awareness of Iraqi human rights violations through community coalitions, policy, and grassroots initiatives. ↩︎
Marwa.A.N. 
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