The government panicked and declared a state of emergency, banning the movement of all vehicles and bicycles, but huge demonstrations took place not only in Baghdad but throughout Iraq. The main demands included: work, water, electricity and sewage systems, but political demands were also conspicuous.

What has happened in Iraq? Since early February it has been in turmoil.

First of all the Kurdish party of "Change "issued a statement directed only to the Kurdish population suggesting to follow the examples of Tunisia and Egypt and organize to demand the Removal of Barzany and Talabany from office and establish a better government in the Kurdish part of Iraq.

On 15th of February several thousands of people gathered at "Town-hall square"in the city of Sulaymania and marched to the headquarters of The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), headed by Massoud Barzani, who is also the head of the so called "Kurdistan Federal region ". The demonstrators demanded that Masoud as well as President Jalal Talabany must resign and withdraw from politics altogether.

The Kurdish "Peshmarga"forces belonging to Barzani and Talabany opend fire on the demonstrators, killing a child of 14 and wounding more than 10 people. The event inflamed the people to the extent that demonstrations have been Going on daily ever since. The University students joined in, declaring a strike for a week ending on the 27th. After that they decided to join the daily demonstrations. So far some 4 people have been killed and some 40 are injured. A few of these are policemen and/or Peshmarga militia.

In Baghdad an initial gathering took place in Ferdaws Square which was attacked by the Police and one of the leaders, Ouday Alzaidy- a brother, or a relative, of the well known journalist and the shoe thrower Muntather Alzaidy- was injured and arrested for questioning. This encouraged the people all over Iraq to declare Friday, February the 25th. as "A day of rage. "A group of people obtained government permit for a demonstration to start from the Baghdad Liberation Square. Meanwhile the colourful cleric Muqtada Alsader ordered a "one million "demonstration demanding better services.

It became clear to the government and to the sectarian religious leaders that events might escalate to Egyptian proportion. The government panicked and declared a state of emergency, banning the movement of all vehicles and bicycles on the 25th. It heavily surrounded the Square with armed troops belonging to the government and also with private armies belonging to the political parties. It also closed the Jamhooria bridge and the adjacent streets. Heavy and High concrete blocks were also placed in strategic positions to prevent the demonstrators reaching sensitive places such as the Green Zone. The prime minister Nuri Almaliki also declared that the demonstrations are going to be infiltrated by Baathist an Alqaida elements who want to start a revolution to topple the elected government.

In the meantime Muqtada Alsader and the grand Ayatolla Sistany also panicked and issued separate statements suggesting the newly established government should be given a chance to prove itself during the following six months and that the demonstrations should be postponed for a while until the government fails to improve services.

On Friday the 25th. Huge demonstrations took place not only in Baghdad but throughout Iraq. The main demands included: work, water, electricity and sewage systems . However many political slogans were also conspicuous. These included : "Revolt Baghdad to send Nuri to join Nuri Alsaeed." - A reference to the 1958 Revolution., "We refuse to loose our country and Suni and Shia are united."and "liar liar Nuri Almaliki."

Initial reports estimates that throughout Iraq some 17 people were killed and about 70 were injured. The following day demonstrations continued in Amara, Nasyria, Hilla and of course in Sulaymania and many other Kurdish towns. In Amara ten people are reported to have been injured

The people in Mousil and Kut burnt the town halls and some other government buildings. The governor of Kut is reported to have fled the city. The governor of Basra resigned and may have left the country. The governors of Nasyria and Hilla have also resigned. Nuri Almaliki has also ordered the governors of Baghdad, Basra and Nasyria to tender their resignations . This is in spite of the fact that  the last two have already left.

It is too early to forecast what follows next but Friday the  4th. of March is selected for another demonstration throughout Iraq