New Iraqi Holiday on July 14th

July 14th is now a holiday in Iraq. According to Aswat al-Iraq, officials announced the holiday in honor of the Iraqi coup d’état of 1958. This coup, which is also known as the Massacre of al-Zuhoor Palace, was an important step forward in Iraq’s struggle to develop a form of government that included a constitution and a balance of power.

Photo: SXC

While the country ultimately failed in its quest because of a power grab by Prime Minister Qasim, the fight to overthrow the monarchy has similarities to the more successful French Revolution.

Hopefully, as people celebrate the Revolution of 1958, they will use the holiday as a reminder to diligently defend their new freedom to elect the people who govern them.