Hundreds protest in al Hamza , an Iraqi town , over a lack of basic services and shortages . 7 are wounded in confrontations with police outside a council building , officials say . Dozens also demonstrate in the central Iraqi city of Kut , according to officials . - `` We have suffered more than any other country in the past eight years , and it is time for Iraq 's government to take serious steps to end our suffering , '' said one demonstrator , Qassim Harith . The United Nations says it is investigating reports that at least 20 people have been killed by security forces during protests against President Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria.
Hundreds protest in al Hamza , an Iraqi town , over a lack of basic services and shortages . 7 are wounded in confrontations with police outside a council building , officials say . Dozens also demonstrate in the central Iraqi city of Kut , according to officials . - The United Nations says it is investigating reports that at least 20 people have been killed by security forces during protests against President Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria.