BAGHDAD — As demonstrations against government corruption worsen in Iraq, Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi is calling for a Cabinet reshuffle, and Kurdish leaders are trying to quell protesters' calls for his ouster, at least for now.
Negotiations continue between the Iraqi Kurdistan government in Erbil and federal officials in Baghdad. Erbil opposes the demands of demonstrators in Baghdad and the southern provinces to dismiss the central government. However, Erbil recognizes the legitimacy of the rest of the demands, in particular the need for political and economic reform.