Protests against Prime Minister Maliki spread through country as counter-protest begin with Iraq peaceful protests erupting ahead of crucial local elections

Hundreds back Maliki amid calls for Iraq PM to quit

AFP – Hundreds of demonstrators rallied in central Baghdad on Saturday to back Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, as the latest in weeks of anti-government rallies in Sunni areas of Iraq called for him to quit. The demonstrations have worsened a political crisis that pits Maliki against his erstwhile government.