The Bundeswehr has been deployed in Iraq since 2015, at times against the opposition of the Iraqi parliament. The assignment has now been extended. The argument that this would reduce the risk of terrorism in Germany is implausible in view of the uncontrolled arms deliveries to Ukraine.

The unrest comes just days after supporters of Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr burst into the heavily fortified Green Zone in the center of the Iraqi capital, where they danced, sang, posed for selfies, and dispersed.