In Iraqi Kurdistan, hundreds of teachers, hospital workers and public sector employees have taken to the streets, demanding three months of backpay from the government.
But this protest quickly got out of hand... with tear gas and water cannons fired upon the demonstrators.
The region has been hit hard by an economic crisis... made worse by a drop in oil prices and a conflict with Islamic State.
Many Kurdish youth have fled the region as a result.
Protesters here are placing the blame on President Massoud Barzani and his governing Kurdish Democratic Party.
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) PROTESTERS, ISMA'IL, SAYING:
"They are corrupt and they are contributing to the crisis in the region and the migration of the youth."
And with the region's political factions in a deadlock over the government's future, tensions here are likely to remain.