Iraqi forces use water cannon to disperse protests

Demonstrations against a shortage of jobs, electricity, water and other basic services have been rising as Iraqis, inspired by protests around the Arab world, demand reforms from a formed in December after elections last year.

In central Basra around 700 protesters near the provincial council building were forcibly removed by Iraqi soldiers and police after they refused to stop demonstrating.

A Reuters reporter at the scene said some journalists were also beaten by security forces. A vehicle ban was in effect.

"I have been applying for a job for six years and did not get one so far. They (officials) ask for bribes to employ people," said 30-year-old Noor Mohammed, a graduate from Basra University's engineering faculty.

"I regret electing those people because their democracy is that people should smile at (Prime Minister Nuri) al-Maliki and should say nothing to him."

Some protesters carried a piece of wood that was carved in the shape of Iraq. A medical tube was attached to the wood, symbolizing Iraq as a weak body.

Thousands of Iraqis rallied nationwide last Friday against corruption and poor services. At least 10 people died and scores were wounded in clashes between protesters and security forces.