Thousands of Iraqis Turn Out for Protests
Protesters chant anti-government slogans during a demonstration in Baghdad, Iraq, March 4, 2011
Thousands of Iraqis are again demonstrating against the government, calling for better public services and measures to clean up government corruption.
This is the second Friday Iraqis have protested, joining a wave of anti-government protests across the Middle East and North Africa.
A government ban on vehicles in Baghdad and other cities, announced late Thursday, meant some protesters were forced to walk many kilometers to reach the demonstrations.
Security is high in Baghdad, particularly at Liberation Square. Elsewhere in the capital, security forces are on patrol and some streets are blocked by barriers and guards.
Last Friday, clashes between security forces and protesters caused some 14 deaths across the nation. Anticipating more protests this week, many cities have put in place new precautions to keep crowds in check.
In response to the unrest, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has cut his own pay and increased funding for food programs for the needy. On Sunday, he gave his cabinet 100 days to improve or be fired.
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