BAGHDAD (AP) — Hundreds of Iraqis rallied in central Baghdad against corruption and the lack of government services that have plagued this country for years.
Many of the demonstrators Feb.14 carried banners that bore the image of a broken red heart, alluding to the fact that the protest took place on Valentine’s Day.
Iraqis endure electricity and water shortages after years of warfare, U.N. sanctions and corruption.
Across the Middle East, people emboldened by the protests that brought down longtime rulers in Tunisia and Egypt have staged demonstrations calling for change.
The gatherings in Iraq have been small in scale, although organizers are promising a much larger event on Feb. 25.
The Iraqis are calling for government reforms and more jobs.
