Iraq News Now

MOSUL, Iraq – The people of Mosul suffered under brutal Islamic State rule for years, but they do not have the heart to celebrate the defeat of the group’s self-styled caliphate across the border in Syria. Instead, the city is in mourning for about 100 people who died when a ferry sank in the Tigris River this week. 

"Mosul was waiting for the most joyful news in the world, which is the victory over the Islamic State group and them being wiped from the face of the earth. But this thing was not highlighted here because of the tragedy of the ferry that sank,” said Ali al-Badrani, a civil activist from the city. 

Tents set up for families of the victims to receive visitors offering their condolences are always full and shop shutters are down. 

"This is a grave tragedy, people are mourning everywhere today; in the schools, houses and shops. Everywhere people are wearing black, on the first day of spring,” said Mosul resident Yusra al-Azzawi. 

The initial grief has given way to anger about the lack of government assistance in reconstruction and corruption. 

A lot of the city’s rage is directed at Nineveh Governor Nawfal Hamadi who may lose his job. Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi proposed the parliament sack him. 

The Iraqi parliament will sit on Sunday afternoon. Nineveh is on the agenda.