Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Iraq's Violent Protests Raise Fears About Country's Future

Henry Ridgwell

   LONDON - At least 27 people have been killed and hundreds injured
   following anti-government protests this week in Iraq's capital,
   Baghdad, and other cities.

   Security forces opened fire on demonstrators close to the center of the
   capital, where a number of casualties occurred. A curfew has been
   imposed and the internet cut off in several regions in an attempt to
   restrict access to social media, which the government blames for
   fanning the protests. The United States and the United Nations have
   urged authorities to exercise restraint.

   A few hundred protesters defied a government curfew Thursday on the
   streets of Baghdad as security forces fired tear gas and warning shots.

.