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IRAQ + TURKEY

The Iraq protests explained in 100 and 500 words:

Anti-government protests have erupted on a regular basis in Iraq in recent years. But these are the largest and bloodiest since the US-led invasion in 2003 that overthrew Saddam Hussein.

Here's all the background you need to know in 100 or 500 words - you can read each individually or in turn.

The unrest started on 1 October, when people took to the streets of Baghdad and in the south to express their anger at endemic corruption, high unemployment, dire public services and foreign interference.

The prime minister has resigned in response, but protesters want to sweep away the entire political establishment.

Image copyright REUTERS Protesters inside Tahrir Square, Baghdad (28 October 2019)
Image caption The epicentre of the unrest has been Baghdad's central Tahrir Square
They have blocked roads, oil facilities and ports, and clashed with security forces, who have fired live ammunition in response. At least 420 people have reportedly been killed and 17,000 injured.

The UN has urged the government to stop using violence against protesters, and pass electoral reforms and anti-corruption measures.

The story in 500 words
What triggered the unrest?

At the end of September, Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi demoted Iraq's popular counter-terrorism chief. The decision was met with anger on social media and calls went out for protests on 1 October against the government's failure to provide basic services, create jobs and stamp out corruption.

The biggest protest took place in Baghdad's Tahrir Square. When people tried to cross a bridge to reach the Green Zone - the location of the main government offices - security forces opened fire.

Image copyright REUTERS A woman shouts in front of anti-government protesters in Baghdad, Iraq (21 November 2019)
Image caption The protesters represent a cross-section of society in Iraq
The heavy-handed response fuelled popular anger and the protests spread to southern and central provinces.

After the first wave of protests ended on 9 October, Mr Abdul Mahdi promised to reshuffle his cabinet and launch schemes to reduce unemployment. Angered by his refusal to also call early elections, the protesters returned to the streets on 25 October.

What do the protesters want?

The protesters, who are mostly under the age of 30 and represent a cross-section of society, do not have leaders to present their demands.

A group of young people in Baghdad found a different way to protest against the government.
Video caption A group of young people in Baghdad found a different way to protest against the government.
However, it clear they want an overhaul of the post-2003 political system, which has failed to protect living standards despite Iraq's enormous oil resources.

A narrow elite has been able to keep a firm grip on power because of a quota system that allocates positions to political parties based on sectarian and ethnic identity, encouraging patronage and corruption.

What do Iraq's leaders say?

After violence intensified at the end of November, Iraq's top Shia Muslim cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, urged parliament to reconsider its support for the government.