The country of Iraq has had a very turbulent history since the USA military invasion of 2003 that overthrew the dictatorship of Saddam Hussein. The invasion led to a series of social and military crisis since then, with armed militias now a feature of the countries political landscape.

Working class communities have borne the brunt of this violence. In addition, this instability has fostered a climate of nepotism, sectarianism and corruption that has seen billions of dollars being stolen.

Earlier this month, working class communities all over Iraq staged massive protests against this corruption, against widening inequalities, and the widespread poverty and unemployment affecting workers and their families. APC spoke to Moustafa Awad, a human rights campaigner, in regards to these latest protests and their significance.

Asia Pacific Currents provides updates of labour struggles and campaigns from the Asia Pacific region. It is produced by Australia Asia Worker Links, in the studio of 3CR Radio in Melbourne, Australia