BAGHDAD (AP) - Iraq's Electricity Minister has resigned following a surge in angry protests over widespread power outages despite years of promises the situation would improve.

Monday's announcement by Karim Waheed comes as frustration over the issue boiled over into violence, with two protesters killed when police opened fire to disperse a crowd this weekend in the southern city of Basra.

The unrest has raised concerns that growing anger over the lack of basic services could jeopardize efforts to stabilize Iraq even as security improves.
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