Iraqi government announces slew of reforms following protests

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi's cabinet has issued a series of reforms after an extraordinary session overnight in response to sweeping anti-government rallies that have left nearly 100 dead.

Iraqis have gathered in Baghdad and across the south since Tuesday to demand widespread government reforms, which Abdel Mahdi had promised to tackle when he came into power just



under a year ago.

His cabinet today issued a decree including more than a dozen planned reforms including land distribution, military enlistment and increased welfare stipends for needy families.

The government has officially designated those killed as martyrs, granting their families a special set of benefits.