You're surprised only because you apparently are unaware of the realities in Iraq.

And, it's not an entity named "corporate mainstream media" "pushing" it.

Anyway, before the Republican neocon-led misadventure in Iraq, that society has been led largely by the Sunni sect of Islam, and was somewhat secularist and inclusionary (perhaps you remember government spokesman "Baghdad Bob" was a Christian). Women had roles in government, as well.

The neocons initially claimed the invasion was necessary because of an imminent threat of an attack of mass destruction by Saddam Hussein, but when it became known that was untrue after the invasion, after trying out a few new excuses, they settled on 'bringing democracy to Iraq.'

So they further destroyed the existing social order, dismantling the governmental structure and decimating the military. Neocons then set about re-creating a new rickety government propped up by the US, with new elections decided by popular vote.

Problem was, the Shia sect of Islam, though not experienced in worldly affairs, lacking in government experience, deficient in science and education and most all other advanced social constructs, were about 60% of the population, living largely in the south, which borders Iran. Far from the secularist government they were replacing, the Shia were a very fundamentalist religious sect and tribalistic (insuring the majority of votes in a democratic election) . They were also traditionally linked to Shia-dominant Iran.

The Sunni sect, which shared more in common with the Western world, was replaced by force of gun with a US-orchestrated puppet government of backwards religious fundamentalists.

Being aware of this, then it's really no surprise that despite years of the US' efforts some are coming to the conclusion these Shia aren't ruling the country effectively. According to this article, apparently even the Shia young are demanding to be rid of it.