Iraq PM gives gov't 100 days to improve _ or else

[maddezmom]

Source: AP

Iraq PM gives gov't 100 days to improve _ or else
(AP) – 34 minutes ago

BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraq's prime minister says he is giving his ministers 100 days to improve their performance or risk losing their jobs.

Nouri al-Maliki's warning came two days after thousands of protesters across the country demanded better public services.

The prime minister told his Cabinet on Sunday that he would evaluate each ministry's performance. His office said personnel changes would be made, depending on the outcome.

In Friday's demonstrations, thousands had marched on government buildings and clashed with security forces. Fourteen protesters were killed in the largest anti-government protests in Iraq since political unrest began spreading in the Arab world weeks ago.



Read more: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gHjUPddGWiofNk0acda9ishcHAlw?docId=539f2655e7e64ad599a3cd2ab88c3e4d

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More deaths and clashes follow Iraq demonstrations
Baghdad (CNN) -- At least eight people were wounded Saturday in the Iraqi city of Samarra during clashes between security forces and angry mourners accompanying the caskets of two people killed in protests the day before, according to local police.

Also, two protesters critically wounded in Friday protests in Tikrit died on Saturday, police said. And a teenaged boy died Friday night during protests in Kubaisa, in Anbar province, police said Saturday.

With those deaths, the number of those reported killed in protests across the country rose to 13, according to official accounts.

Since early February, thousands of protesters have participated in a series of demonstrations across the country, apparently inspired by popular uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia. Their protests are against corruption, restrictions on freedom of expression, unemployment and poor government services.

more: http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/02/26/iraq.protests/?hpt=T2

Lid lifted on Iraq rights violations: report
February 21 2011 at 06:11pm


It was found in a Human Rights Report released that the rights of Iraq's most vulnerable citizens, especially women and detainees, are being routinely violated with impunity. Photo: Reuters

Iraq – It was found in a Human Rights Report released on Monday that the rights of Iraq’s most vulnerable citizens, especially women and detainees, are being routinely violated with impunity.

After conducting research in seven cities across Iraq in 2010, the 102-page report “At a Crossroads: Human Rights in Iraq Eight Years After the US-lead Invasion” represents the reality of vulnerable groups in Iraq while pleading for the government to protect the rights of these groups to amend its penal code and all other laws that discriminate against women and violate freedom of speech.

The report also urges Baghdad to open independent and impartial investigations into all allegations of abuse against detainees, minorities, and journalists.

“Eight years after the US invasion, life in Iraq is actually getting worse for women and minorities, while journalists and detainees face significant rights violations

more:http://www.iol.co.za/news/world/lid-lifted-on-iraq-rights-violations-report-1.1029877