Iraqis did not come out for the Astro-Turf protest and barbecue after America launched air strikes on Iran-controlled Iraqi militias (PMFs or PMUs):
Only members of Kataib Hezbollah, Kataib Sayyed al-Shohada, Badr Organization, Saraya al-Khorasani and Asaib Ahl al-Haq participated in the attack, as their respective flags were seen at the protests.
It is clear that public opinion has turned against Iran-backed militias in Iraq — especially since the beginning of anti-government protests Oct. 1 in which militias close to Iran are accused of being involved in the death of protesters and the abduction of a large number of them.
Their conduct during the violent anti-US protests only served to raise more criticism against them, as they raised their militia flags and put Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei photos on their chests. One could barely see Iraq flags. Their slogans were also mostly about Iran, like “Qasem Soleimani is our leader” and “US out out, Iran remain free.”
Note too that in addition to Iraqi government condemnation of the embassy attack (but don't think the Iraqis gunned down protesting the Iranians didn't notice how easily the Iran proxy forces reached our embassy), other factions condemned the attack:
Sunni forces, Kurdistan Region authorities, Ayad Allawi’s National Coalition (Watania), many Shiite parties like Ammar al-Hakim’s Wisdom Movement and even the Sadrist Movement all condemned the attack on the US Embassy in separate statements.
I guess Iraqis aren't terribly eager to die for Iran, which Iran counts on.
Iran forgot that the first rule of Fight-for-Iran Club is don't talk about Fight-for-Iran Club.
And worse for Iran, as Secretary of Defense Esper said before we put Soleimani at room temperature, "the game has changed."
UPDATE: Soleimani was such an accomplished killer that even after he died he managed to kill more: "At least 40 people died and 213 were injured in a stampede at the funeral for Qassem Soleimani, the influential Iranian commander killed in a U.S. drone strike last week, state TV reported."
