Protests All Over the Mideast

Hundreds of thousands of protesters hit the streets Friday in a show of solidarity with the uprising in Libya and in opposition against their own leaders. Demonstrations in Iraq turned violent as security forces fired on crowds demanding better government services, while large protests in Yemen—more than 100,000 people—stayed peaceful as the country’s president appeared to make good on his pledge not to crack down on protesters. In Bahrain, Shiite leaders led people to Pearl Square. In Egypt, tens of thousands returned to Tahrir Square to celebrate the first month since the revolution there. Tahrir Square was festive, with vendors selling food and souvenirs, but the military’s demand that protesters leave the area set off arguments and chants demanding civilian participation in the government.