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Al-Muttalabi: There is no agreement on the person of Muhammad Tawfiq Allawi 22:58 - 01/20/2020 https://www.almaalomah.com/2020/01/20/450914/ Information / Baghdad Member of the Legal State coalition, Saad Al-Muttalabi, said on Monday that there is no agreement on the person of Muhammad Tawfiq Allawi, as the crisis continues despite the talk of decisiveness. Al-Muttalabi said in a televised statement that I followed (Al-Maalouma), "All the candidates were occupying sovereign positions, and it is not possible to bring a person from the street and assign him as prime minister." He added that "the crisis is still continuing despite talking about decisiveness, as the parties to the crisis reject dialogue and the horizon is still closed." He explained that "the talk about resolving the prime minister candidate falls within the pressure, as there is no consensus on the person of Muhammad Tawfiq Allawi." And that "the blocs fear the nomination of an unidentified figure for prime minister and the decision is currently in the hands of other people and conquest," pointing out that "the construction and the Kurds have a comfortable majority to pass the candidate for prime minister." 25 n ended

01/20/2020 23:31 News that no agreement has been reached on any candidate to head the Iraqi government http://almasalah.com/ar/news/186414/أنباء-عن-عدم-التوصل-الى-اتفاق-على-أي-مرشح-لرئاسة-الحكومة-العراقية Baghdad / Obelisk: An Iraqi source confirmed on Monday that there is no agreement on any candidate to head the transitional Iraqi government. The source said, according to the Russian RT. He added, "It is expected that no candidate will be agreed upon within the next 24 hours." Source: RT

Asia Hawala wins four international awards in the field of digital transformation and financial inclusion http://economy-news.net/content.php?id=18831 Economy News _ Baghdad Asia Hawala Company has won four awards at the level of Iraq, the Middle East and the world in the field of digital transformation and financial inclusion. The company said in a statement, "Economy News" received a copy of it, that our company won the forefront and advanced positions in four awards at the level of Iraq and the Middle East as well as internationally with several international companies, by the organizers of the awards ceremony in the prestigious communications world award 2019 (Prestigious Telecoms World Award 2019), as the awards were presented on September 24, 2019 at the Conrad Hotel in Dubai - United Arab Emirates, during the Telecoms World Middle East Summit. She added that the company received the Best Emerging Market Initiative Award, which indicates the contribution of emerging markets to developing the economic level and services, especially electronic ones, that facilitate financial requirements and thus the life of the citizen, as well as the Digital Transformation Award Which indicates the companies and organizations that have taken upon themselves the future view of the digital trend and contribute to the global digital transformation and financial inclusion. The company noted that the other awards are the Best Use of Mobile 2019 award, which indicates the best use by companies for existing communications networks by adding new services that enhance the economic development of the market and various segments of society, and the award for the best digital experience 2019 (Best Digital Experience 2019), which indicates the best example to follow in the field of digital development taking place and the search for the best digital experience that has served both the citizen and the market. Number of views 88 Add date 20/01/2020

Iraqi Private Banking Association organizes a workshop «The private banking sector in the current circumstance» http://economy-news.net/content.php?id=18841 A side of the workshop at the headquarters of the association Economy News _ Baghdad Yesterday, Sunday, the Association of Iraqi Private Banks organized a specialized workshop (the private banking sector in the current circumstance) in which the colleges of administration and economics at the University of Baghdad, Al-Mustansiriya University, the University of Al-Nahrain, the Iraqi University and the Central Technical University attended by some deans, heads of scientific departments, teaching professors and graduate students. Representatives of the Central Bank of Iraq, government and private banks, and the Iraq Stock Exchange attended the workshop. The workshop discussed the first two papers entitled (The Private Banking Sector .. Notes and Ideas) presented by Dr. Star Al-Bayati, Professor at Al-Nahrain University, and a paper entitled (Our Banks in the Current Situation and Requirements for the Year 2020) presented by the advisor to the Association of Iraqi Private Banking Samir Al-Nassiri, and the session was chaired by Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Mashhadani From the Iraqi University. The workshop included discussions and proposals to support private banks from the Central Bank and the government, and the workshop reached a number of recommendations that will be submitted to the Central Bank and the Ministry of Finance. Samir al-Nusiri said in an interview with "Al-Iqtisad News" on the sidelines of the workshop, that one of the most important recommendations reached by the attendees is to activate the decisions of the Council of Ministers and the Committee for Economic Affairs to support private banks that were previously issued and have not yet been implemented, and activate the initiative to finance small and medium projects . Number of views 54 Date added 20/01/2020

At least two protesters killed in Baghdad as Iraq's demonstrations swell 34 minutes ago Mohammed Rwanduzy https://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeast/iraq/200120202 Anti-government protesters parkour up the metal beams of a former advertisement banner frame currently used as a make-shift roadblock during clashes with security forces in Iraq's southern city of Basra on January 20, 2020. Photo: Hussein Faleh / AFP ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – At least two Iraqi protesters were killed and over 50 injured in Baghdad on Monday alone as demonstrations surged amid perceived procrastination by the political class in implementing protester demands. Citing Tahrir Square activists, Rudaw’s reporter from Baghdad reported two protesters were killed and over fifty injured by the fire of live rounds and tear gas by Iraqi security forces in the Tayaran and Gaylani Squares, near the city’s Mohammed al-Qassim highway. Medics told AFP three protesters were killed and more than 50 injured in the Iraqi capital. In the holy city of Karbala, sources told Rudaw that one protester was killed and 6 more injured as security forces broke up a protest in the city center’s al-Sanatir Street using live rounds of ammunition. Protesters later reassembled at the site to resume their demonstrations. Reuters, citing medical and security sources, reported four protesters and two policemen were killed across Iraq on Monday. “Disheartening reports that security forces once again meet protesters with violence in Baghdad. It is the right of every Iraqi to be allowed to protest peacefully. It is the duty of Iraqi security forces to protect that right,” Amnesty Iraq said on Monday. Earlier in the day, 14 members of Iraq’s security forces were injured when protesters hurled rocks at them in Baghdad. Monday’s violence was preceded by major escalation on Sunday, as angry protesters began to seal highways and main roads in a bid to pressure Iraq’s ruling class to respond to their demands. Iraqi protesters have been on the streets since October 1, 2019, to demand an overhaul of the political and electoral system, as well as the end of rampant corruption and widespread unemployment. Persistent Iraqi protesters have faced brutal repression in response, including the use of live rounds and military grade tear gas. As of December, more than 511 protesters and members of security forces have been killed and around 17,000 wounded since protests began, according to the Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights. Protesters have been able to secure to partial victories, including the resignation of now caretaker Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi and the passing of a new electoral law in parliament - though the demonstrators have slammed the law’s shortcomings. However, progress has stagnated as a successor to Abdul-Mahdi remains unchosen and major demands have yet to be met by Iraq’s politicians – catalyzing an escalation in protests on Sunday. Protesters are demanding through the escalation that a non-partisan, anti-corruption figure be tasked with forming the government. The fresh escalation by protesters seems to have sped up the selection process of a new premier. Aboud al-Issawi, MP from the State of Law Coalition of former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, told state media outlet al-Iraqiyah on Monday that three figures, all of whom have formerly held government posts, have been shortlisted. They include Ali al-Shukri, former Minister of Planning from 2011 to 2014 and MP from 2014 to 2018, Mohammed Toufiq al-Alawi, Minister of Communication from 2006 to 2007, and again from the end of 2010-2012, when he resigned. The third shortlisted is Mustafah al-Kadhimi, head of the Iraqi National Intelligence Service since 2016. He has worked to purge the influence of parties over the institution, and is seen as the least partisan among the candidates. Hikmah Movement member Hassan al-Khalati told the state media outlet that “this week will witness the selection of a prime minister-designate”.

Communications Minister Among Candidates for Iraqi Premiership BasNews 20/01/2020 - 23:59 Published in Iraq http://www.basnews.com/index.php/en/news/iraq/575810 ERBIL - The current Minister of Communications is one of the candidates for the Iraqi premiership while the protesters have repeatedly rejected to accept any figures affiliated with any political parties. According to a report by Al-Arabiya, Communications Minister Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi, the chief of intelligence, Mustafa Al Kadhimi, and ex-planning minister and presidential adviser, Ali Youssef Shokry, are the three candidates for the country's premiership. Other reports said that Allawi arrived in Baghdad from Lebanon on Monday evening. He was received by President Barham Salih. Iraqi protesters had given the federal government an ultimatum to decide on a new prime minister, for which Monday was the deadline. However, the demonstrators have repeatedly made it clear that they would not accept any figures affiliated with any political parties as the future Iraqi PM.

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A cleric calls on Trump to protect Iraq money: the government transfers hard currencies to Iran https://www.alghadpress.com/view.php?cat=231229 01/19/2020 Baghdad / Al-Ghad Press: On Saturday, cleric Hassan al-Musawi called on the United Nations and US President Donald Trump to protect Iraqi money, accusing the government of transferring hard currencies from Iraq to Iran. Al-Mousawi wrote on his account on "Twitter" and followed him "Tomorrow Press", a message he sent to the United Nations and US President Donald Trump, in which he said, "We appeal to you to put your hand on the central bank and other Iraqi banks, because the resigned Iraqi government intends to transfer Iraqi money from currencies." Difficult like the dollar and the euro to Iran under the pretext of protecting it, we ask you to protect our money. "

Urgent .. The Iraqi president assigns a candidate to head the government today Wrote: Agencies https://www.elwatannews.com/news/details/4535148 11:36 AM | Monday 20 January 2020 Iraqi President Barham Saleh Iraqi sources indicated that President Barham Saleh will appoint a candidate for the position of prime minister today, according to what was published by "Sky News Arabia". And the Iraqi parliament approved last December the resignation of Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi, after the escalation of confrontations between the demonstrators and the security forces, and the fall of a number of deaths by the security forces, which considered Abdul-Mahdi "an important step to dismantle the crisis and calm the conditions in Iraq.

01/20/2020 18:35 News of an agreement to choose Ali Allawi for the post of prime minister http://almasalah.com/ar/news/186406/أنباء-عن-اتفاق-على-اختيار-علي-علاوي-لمنصب-رئيس-الحكومة Baghdad / Obelisk: Political sources confirmed, Monday, January 20, 2020, that the nomination for the post of prime minister will be decided in favor of Ali Abdul Amir Allawi. The sources said to "Al-Masala", that the agreement was reached with the President of the Republic to assign Ali Abdul-Amir Allawi as the next Prime Minister to succeed the head of the caretaker government, Adel Abdul-Mahdi. While an informed political source revealed the designation of the Prime Minister, today, Monday, or Tuesday, as a maximum. The source revealed the meeting of the President of the Republic, Barham Salih, the President of the Victory Coalition, Haider al-Abadi, the President of the Alliance of the Hadi al-Amiri, and the President of the Al-Hikma Movement, Ammar al-Hakim, to resolve the nomination of the candidate for the position of Prime Minister. The source said, "There are 4 names currently nominated for the position: Ali Shukry, Mustafa Al-Kazemi and Muhammad Tawfiq Allawi, to whom I finally add Ali Abdul Amir Allawi." He added, "Ali Abdul Amir Allawi went from Beirut to Baghdad urgently to meet the President of the Republic, Barham Salih," noting that "the announcement of the nomination of one of the four candidates for the post will take place on Monday evening or next Tuesday morning." Political sources have spoken of the arrival of the presidential candidate to Baghdad from Beirut after hours, and President Barham Saleh will visit the Peace Palace as a prelude to his mandate to form the government and conduct preliminary consultations. The sources say that the assembled people agree that the candidate must win the approval of the masses of the demonstrations. Protests escalated in Baghdad and the provinces after the constitutional deadline to assign a candidate for prime minister ended. Totals, roads were cut in front of traffic, and many official departments were closed. And the Iraqis are waiting for the nomination of the candidate to be far from the choices of consuming or partisan personalities, and that the political forces give up their privileges and conditions in order to achieve stability and prevent further chaos. Obelisk

Source: Allawi leaves Beirut towards Baghdad to assign him to head the interim government Political 07:30 - 01/20/2020 https://www.mawazin.net/Details.aspx?jimare=82722 Private- Mawazine News A source familiar with the matter said, Monday, that Muhammad Tawfiq Allawi left Beirut for Baghdad to assign him to head the interim government. The source said in an interview with "Mawazine News" that "Allawi has left Beirut for Baghdad and will meet within the coming hours, President Barham Saleh, to assign him to form the interim government." He added, "Allawi presented several conditions for his acceptance as prime minister," noting that "the assignment will be within hours." Ended 29 / h

Learn about the favorite to head the government Editing Date: 1/20/2020 18:57 • 110 times read http://www.alliraqnews.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=86159 [Baghdad-where] A well-informed source revealed the most likely candidate to head the transitional government, who will be assigned tonight. The source stated in a press statement that "after the exclusion of 3 candidates from the position, namely [Qasim al-Araji, Mustafa al-Kazemi and Ali Allawi] from the nomination, the competition remained confined now between [Muhammad Tawfiq Allawi] and [Ali Shukri]." He added, "According to political sources, [Muhammad Tawfiq Allawi] is the favorite and the closest to assign him." Informed sources had revealed that the President of the Republic, Barham Salih, would probably appoint the candidate for the position of head of the new government today and "obtain the acceptance of the masses and political parties." Political analyst Wasiq Al Hashemi said in a press statement that "the names nominated for prime minister now are strongly and from my sources according to the sequence, Qassim al-Araji, Ali Allawi, Mustafa al-Kazemi [Director of the intelligence service], Muhammad Tawfiq Allawi, and Ali Shukri." A political source revealed that there are likely indications that 3 of the five candidates are excluded and that discussions are underway to assign one of the two remaining figures.

Kurdish, Iraqi officials to speak of regional instability at Davos summit 28 minutes ago Holly Johnston https://www.rudaw.net/english/world/200120202 ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Current events in Iraq and ongoing regional unrest are set to be a topic of hot conversation at this year's World Economic Forum, opening tomorrow in Davos, Switzerland. Centered on the theme of "stakeholders for a cohesive and sustainable world," leaders from Iraq, the Kurdistan Region and the United Nations are set to speak on recent regional unrest at a variety of panels throughout the week. Iraq will come to the forefront of discussions on Thursday, with a discussion on the "Unsettled Middle East" hosting Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, UNAMI chief Jeannine Hennis-Plasschaert, Finance Minister and Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) member Fuad Hussein, Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir and British international relations expert Dr Robin Niblett. Hennis-Plasschaert has been vocal in calling for restraint from the brutal force used to repress demonstrations that erupted in October, killing close to 460 people so far. Iraq's President Barham Salih has also headed to Switzerland for the forum, where he will deliver a special address on Wednesday. US President Donald Trump is expected to give an opening keynote address on Tuesday morning. However, Iran's Foreign Minister will forego the forum all together. Mohammed Javad Zarif pulled out from the summit following an "abrupt change" to the schedule which Tehran had not agreed upon, a ministry spokesman told Reuters. US-Iran tensions came to a boiling point early January following the US assassination of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani, threatening to turn Iraq into a battleground for the two foes. After launching a spate of rocket attacks on military bases in neighbouring Iraq, Tehran then spurred outrage after shooting down a civilian airliner bound for Kiev - killing all 176 on board, many of whom were dual Iranian citizens. "We have to understand the cancellation from the Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif against a backdrop of the uncertainty now in the region and what is unfolding in Iran," forum president Borge Brende said in response to Tehran's absence. Trump’s Middle East "peace plan" is also rumored to be on the agenda, before the US delegation swap Davos for Jerusalem later this week. Iran's absence at the forum may further abate tensions with Washington, which have calmed in the last week.

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A former lawmaker reveals a political move to persuade a figure to take overthe prime minister http://iraqtoday.com/ar/news/36470/نائب-سابق-يكشف-عن-حراك-سياسي-لاقناع-احدى-الشخصيات-بتسلم-رئاسة-الوزراء?latest Policy , 01/20/2020 16:45 , Number of readings: 651 Baghdad - Iraq today: Former MP Jasim Muhammad Jaafar revealed, on Monday, a political move to persuade one of the personalities to take over the position of Prime Minister to succeed Adel Abdul-Muadi, pointing out that assigning the new prime minister may not exceed the next 10 days. "The interests and benefits are claimed by everyone, and no one calls for reform without looking for his interests in successive governments," Jaafar said. He added that "the formation of the government came in an unconstitutional manner and was not formed by the largest bloc, and therefore today no one can determine who is the largest bloc." He explained that "there is a big difference between the direction of the conquest and those with him and others and those who allied with him, as the latter is trying to bring a prime minister away from the political front, while the other party wants a character that the political blocs are satisfied with in order to vote on it affirmatively in Parliament, and therefore this is The difference hinders the political process. ” And that "there was an agreement a week ago, according to which 3-4 people were identified, to choose a personality from among them, as one of them refuses to be prime minister, but there is a conversation with him to prevail over the national interest to take over the position." Jaafar expected that "the position of prime minister will be decided in less than 10 days."

Before the decision ... around the clock contacts between political leaders Time: 1/20/2020 5:48 PM https://alforatnews.com/news/قبل-الحسم-اتصالات-على-مدار-الساعة-بين-القادة-السياسيين {Baghdad: Al Furat News} It is assumed that the President of the Republic, Barham Salih, will announce today the name of the candidate for prime minister, to succeed the resigned Adel Abdul Mahdi. The political corridors are witnessing rapid movement and extensive contacts between political leaders to resolve the candidate for prime minister. Well-informed political sources told {Al Furat News} that “The President of the Republic held contacts and political meetings with political leaders for the purpose of resolving the nomination of the Prime Minister to succeed the resigned Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi. The leaders also made contacts with each other for the same purpose.” He continued, "The number of candidates reached 6, which will make it difficult for the President of the Republic, especially since the views are different and there is no consensus on a particular personality." He pointed out that "the positions are mobile and not fixed, but what the leaders are working on is that the decision be made tonight and not depend on postponing again." Top of Form finished

The Central Bank of Iraq financing initiatives to support the growth of SMEs 128 views •Jan 20, 2020 Government of Iraq - الحكومة العراقية 1.18K subscribers The Central Bank of Iraq is introducing new financing initiatives to support the growth of SMEs in all Iraqi provinces so they can play their vital role in the economic development of Iraq, the creation of new employment opportunities, and in driving innovation. #InvestIraq

Death Toll Rises: 2 Killed, 60 Injured in Baghdad Protests http://www.basnews.com/index.php/en/news/iraq/575726 Basnews English 20/01/2020 - 16:45 Published in Iraq ERBIL — Anti-government protests across the Iraqi capital is stepping up further with growing clashes with the security forces, leaving at least two people killed on Monday only. Local sources also confirmed that more than 60 protesters were wounded after the security forces violently attempted to disperse the crowd near the Muhammad al-Qasim Highway. Earlier the day, protesters attempted to block the highway which connects Baghdad with southern provinces. According official statistics, over 620 people have been killed since the beginning of the protests across Iraq last October. Over 25,000 protesters were injured with many others detained by the security forces.

Iraq forced to halt operations at oilfield after renewed anti-government protests Kurdistan 24 | 10 hours ago https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/news/2516a4ee-2a3b-4f24-98bd-ca54203cb046 Fire burns from an oilfield in Iraq. (Photo: Reuters) Iraq Oil Baghdad Iraq Protests ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – An official at an oilfield located south of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad said they had to halt operations at the site because of anti-government protests that renewed on Sunday. An unnamed official at Iraq’s Al Ahdab field, located 180 kilometers southwest of Baghdad, said work and supply from a second production line at the oilfield had stopped after access to the facility was blocked, Bloomberg reported. The Al Ahdab oilfield was developed by the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) and produces approximately 70,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd). Elsewhere, officials at the Badra field said it was at risk of shutting down as well. Badra’s output is about 50,000 bpd. Some of its shareholders include Russian giants Gazprom and Neft. Clashes resumed between protesters and security forces in Baghdad on Sunday morning, while demonstrations in Basra joined a deadline set by those in Nasiriyah for political forces, stating that unless their demands are met, they would cut off major roads linking their areas with the capital. Read More: Protests escalate in Baghdad as Basra joins calls to block roads connecting to capital Local activists told Kurdistan 24 that early on Sunday, riot police attempted to storm Tahrir Square, the central gathering space of demonstrators in Baghdad, but the protesters prevented this and burned several tires. Following that incident, witnesses reported shootings of live rounds in the al-Tayaran Square, a short distance east of Tahrir, with claims of injuries among protesters. Amid the continued violence, security forces have killed over 450 protesters and wounded thousands more since demonstrations broke out in October 2019. Unofficial estimates range as high as 600 dead among demonstrators. Crowds first took to the streets in early October to express long-held grievances about chronically inadequate public services, a low standard of living, and widespread institutional graft among government officials.

Asst Sec State for Near Eastern Affairs: the KRG is an ‘excellent partner’ Laurie Mylroie | 9 hours ago https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/news/f51284ec-88db-4f07-a60a-3a09c5264b80?platform=hootsuite David Schenker, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, speaks with Kurdistan 24. (Photo: Kurdistan 24) Kurdistan Region KRG United States David Schenker WASHINGTON DC (Kurdistan 24) – During a recent visit to the Kurdistan Region, David Schenker, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, sat down to speak with Kurdistan 24. “The KRG has been an excellent partner for the United States in the war against terrorism,” Schenker said during a Jan. 9 visit to Erbil, when he met with the senior Kurdish leadership, shortly after the Iranian missile strikes, launched in retaliation for the US assassination of Quds Force commander, Qasim Soleimani. “You are great partners to the United States,” Schenker affirmed, as he also noted that the US is “doing a lot of humanitarian work” in the Kurdistan Region, which currently hosts over a million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and refugees from other countries, the greatest number of whom fled the conflict in Syria. Read More: Kurdistan still home to 1 million displaced; annual cost nearly $1 billion: KRG “We provide all kinds of economic support,” Schenker continued, and “military support for the Peshmerga. You are great partners to the United States.” Schenker also welcomed the position of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) toward the Dec. 31 assault on the US embassy in Baghdad, which he charged had been “organized” by Tehran. “We appreciate the statements of President [Nechirvan] Barzani,” Schenker said, “condemning the attack on the US embassy by these Iranian-backed forces.” “So we consider the KRG to be an excellent partner, and my meetings today affirm that,” he concluded. For Washington, the attack on the Baghdad embassy recalled Iran’s 1979 seizure of the US embassy in Tehran, as well as the 2012 assault on the US consulate in Benghazi, Libya, which resulted in the death of the US ambassador, along with three other Americans. Indeed, US President Donald Trump will have the opportunity to thank Barzani for his stance in person, when the two meet soon at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Read More: Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani to meet Trump, world leaders in Davos It will be Trump’s first meeting with the KRG president and comes amid a period of unusually tense relations between Washington and Baghdad. Iraqi Protests are Legitimate Asked about the protests in Iraq, ongoing since October, Schenker characterized them as “legitimate.” “Since day one,” Schenker explained, that has been the US position. He summarized the protestors’ demands as “the demand for good governance, for an end to corruption, for service provision.” Although the demonstrators “have been protesting peacefully,” Schenker added, they “have been brutally suppressed by forces loyal to Iran.” “Over 400 innocent Iraqis” have been killed, he continued, as he explained that their graves “were later desecrated by these same pro-Iranian forces.” Schenker also cited the apparent collusion, or at least indifference, of elements of the Iraqi government in the attack on the embassy. Since October, the protestors have tried to cross the May 14 bridge over the Tigris River, “so they can protest outside of their ministries,” he noted. But “they were brutally repressed. Many were killed. Teargas canisters were fired into their heads.” “Yet on Dec. 31, Kata’ib Hizbollah tried to come across that bridge and walked right across without a problem,” he noted, calling it a clear example of “Iran’s unproductive and really negative role in Iraq.” Despite his complaints about Iran’s destabilizing activities in Iraq, Schenker, citing Trump, affirmed that the US was “looking for de-escalation.” “We do not want a war,” he said, “but neither will we tolerate being attacked by Iran or its proxies—here or any place else in the region.” Schenker served in the Pentagon during the Bush 43 administration, when he was Levant country director in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, responsible for Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and the Palestinian territories. He assumed his current position in June of last year. Editing by Karzan Sulaivany (Kurdistan 24’s Ferhad Resul conducted the interview in Erbil)

At least 2 dead, over 60 injured after protesters clashed with security in Baghdad Kurdistan 24 | | https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/news/f9d5c6a3-67d8-4620-9c8e-29eabb4aa879 Amid the continued violence, security forces have killed over 450 protesters and wounded thousands more since demonstrations broke out in October 2019. (Photo: Archive) ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – At least two people were killed, and dozens of others injured when protesters clashed with Iraqi security forces in the capital Baghdad on Monday. Local Iraqi media said two Iraqis were killed and over 60 wounded as demonstrations turned violent in Baghdad after renewed anti-government protests over the weekend. Baghdad’s Operation Command said 14 of its officers suffered various injuries. Clashes resumed between protesters and security forces in Baghdad on Sunday morning, while demonstrations in Basra joined a deadline set by those in Nasiriyah for political forces, stating that unless their demands are met, they would cut off major roads linking their areas with the capital. Local activists told Kurdistan 24 that early on Sunday, riot police attempted to storm Tahrir Square, the central gathering space of demonstrators in Baghdad, but the protesters prevented this and burned several tires. Following that incident, witnesses reported shootings of live rounds in the al-Tayaran Square, a short distance east of Tahrir, with claims of injuries among protesters. Amid the continued violence, security forces have killed over 450 protesters and wounded thousands more since demonstrations broke out in October 2019. Unofficial estimates range as high as 600 dead among demonstrators. Crowds first took to the streets in early October to express long-held grievances about chronically inadequate public services, a low standard of living, and widespread institutional graft among government officials. The United Nations has called for Iraq to push for reform amid the ongoing violence in the country.

Two Iraqi policemen, two protesters killed as anti-government unrest resumes A man burns tires during ongoing anti-government protests in Najaf, Iraq January 20, 2020. (Photo Credit: Reuters/ Ala e al-Marjani) 1 Hours Ago http://www.nrttv.com/EN/News.aspx?id=19183&MapID=2 SULAIAMNI — Four Iraqis including two police officers were killed and scores were wounded in Baghdad and other cities on Monday (January 20) in clashes with security forces, medical and security sources said, as anti-government unrest resumed after a lull of several weeks. Two protesters succumbed to their wounds in a Baghdad hospital after police fired live rounds of ammunition in Baghdad’s Tayaran Square, security and medical sources said. One protester was shot by a live bullet in the head, while the second was hit by a tear gas canister, the sources added. Protesters threw petrol bombs and stones at police who responded with tear gas and stun grenades, Reuters witnesses said. “They [security forces] should stop shooting and aiming, who are they and who are we? Both sides are Iraqis. So why are you killing your brothers?” said one woman protester in Baghdad who declined to give her name. In the Iraqi oil city of Basra, two policemen were struck and killed by a civilian car during the protest, security sources said. The driver was trying to avoid the scene of clashes between protesters and security forces when he drove into the two officers, they said. Elsewhere in southern Iraq, hundreds of protesters burned tires and blocked main roads in several cities, including Nassiriya, Karbala, and Amara. They say Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has not fulfilled promises including naming a new government acceptable to Iraqis. Baghdad police said its forces had reopened all roads that were closed by “violent gatherings”. It said 14 officers were wounded near Tahrir square, including some with head wounds and broken bones. Traffic was disrupted on a highway linking Baghdad to southern cities, a Reuters witness said. Production in southern oilfields was unaffected by the unrest, oil officials said. Mass protests have gripped Iraq since Oct. 1, with mostly young protesters demanding an overhaul of a political system they see as profoundly corrupt and as keeping most Iraqis in poverty. More than 450 people have been killed. Numbers had dwindled but protests resumed last week as demonstrators sought to keep up momentum after attention turned to the threat of a US-Iran conflict following Washington’s killing of Tehran’s top general in an air strike inside Iraq. The killing of Qassem Soleimani, to which Tehran responded with a ballistic missile attack on two Iraqi military bases housing US troops, has highlighted the influence of some foreign powers in Iraq, especially Iran and the United States. (NRT Digital Media/Reuters) This story was updated at 6:04 p.m. EBL