Iraqis leave streets after clashes following cleric’s plea to retreat
PBS NewsHourDec 24, 2022
The Facts
On Thursday, the Iraqi government announced that a stampede outside Basra International Stadium killed at least four people and left around 80 critically injured.
Though Basra Gov. Asaad Al Eidani warned people without tickets not to flock to the stadium, videos shared on social media showed a sea of people gathered outside hoping to watch the country host its first international soccer match in four decades.
The Spin
Narrative A
The tragedy exposes Basra's decades-old woes. The southern Iraqi city was the battleground for most of Baghdad’s Western-imposed wars for years, which affected infrastructure and economic resources. More recently, it has suffered from unemployment, lack of water supply, security vacuums, and regional conflicts. Though its security infrastructure issues aren't the sole fault of the Iraqi leadership, the tenuous governance structure should have been more prepared.
Narrative B
The government couldn't have predicted this chaotic stampede. This is deeply disappointing as Iraq fought against all odds to improve its regional image through sports events like these. A successful end to the Arabian Gulf Cup could have boosted Gulf tourism to Basra and improved current Iraq-Gulf State relations, but unfortunately, the tragedy tarnished the country's image only a few hours before the final ceremony.
