Followers of the Iraqi anti-American Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr rallied on Monday in the city of Basra demanding better living conditions on the ninth anniversary of the US-led invasion of their country. Iraqis have struggled with high unemployment, corruption and an infrastructure degraded by years of sanctions, war and economic neglect. As the violence across the country has abated, economic development has become a key concern for many Iraqis. The protesters started gathering on Sunday night in the central city of Basra, as the council of the city, announced Monday, an official holiday in the province. The rally was attended by famous Sadrists political figures, MPs and ministers.