currenzcraze

The best barrier to remove is to make our toilet paper worth something.

Probably not. Just another reason to get more money for themselves.

Washington criticizes Iraqi legislation, Baghdad responds IraqWashingtonFuad Hussein 2024-05-08 15:57 Font Shafaq News/ On Wednesday, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein received the US under-secretary for civilian security, democracy, and human rights, Uzra Zeya, in the capital Baghdad. A statement said that during the meeting, both sides reviewed the outcomes of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani’s visit to the United States and discussed topics of mutual interest. Zeya praised the steps taken by Iraq, “reflecting its commitment to democracy and the promotion of human rights.” emphasizing that “the partnership between the United States and Iraq is fundamental in building institutional democracy and human rights.” The US official indicated that some Iraqi legislation are “not aligned with Iraq’s international commitments in the field of human rights and its international presence.” On his part, Hussein affirmed that “Iraq has made significant progress in building its democratic institutions, and its people have suffered widespread human rights violations under the previous regime.” The Iraqi Foreign Minister stated that Iraq is “working to make human rights a culture by providing the appropriate climate for its sustainability, and it seeks to enhance its international presence to clarify its perspectives in a way that serves the development of its foreign relations.” However, Minister Hussle n responded to the US comment, stressing that Iraqi legislation is “an issue concerning Iraq, and it is essential to take into consideration the culture of Iraqi society,” emphasizing Iraq’s keenness to protect and develop relations with other countries based on common interests. Last month, the Iraqi Parliament voted on a draft law titled “Combatting homosexuality,” targeting behaviors deemed harmful to Iraqi society. The Law stipulates life imprisonment or death for individuals involved in homosexual relationships or swapping spouses for sexual purposes, carrying a minimum penalty of seven years imprisonment for violations. The new Law faced criticism from the United States and human rights organizations; however, no Iraqi voices were heard against it. Washington expressed concern over the Law, viewing it as a threat to human rights and freedoms. “The United States is deeply concerned by the Iraqi Council of Representatives’ passage of an amendment to existing legislation, officially called the Anti-Prostitution and Homosexuality Law, which threatens constitutionally protected human rights and fundamental freedoms. The Law bans same-sex relations with steep fines and imprisonment and punishes those who “promote homosexuality.” Limiting the rights of certain individuals in a society undermines the rights of all.” A State Department statement said. The US said this Law could be used to “hamper free speech and expression and inhibit the operations of NGOs across Iraq.” It also “weakens Iraq’s ability to diversify its economy and attract foreign investment.” “This legislation is inconsistent with these values and undermines the government’s political and economic reform efforts.” The US Department of Stated concluded. In response, some Iraqi politicians called to expel the US ambassador for intervening in internal issues.

Iraq produces over 2 million tons of cement in 2024’s first quarter Amr Salem May 8, 2024 705 3 min One of the cement factories of Northern Region Cement Company. Photo: NRC Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The General Company for Iraqi Cement, a subsidiary of the Ministry of Industry and Minerals, announced on Wednesday that it recorded a notable increase in output during the first three months of 2024. The increase in output represents 22 percent compared to the first quarter of 2023, according to Shafaq News. The Director of the General Company for Iraqi Cement, Haider Hadi, revealed that the company’s factories throughout Iraq produced more than 2.35 million tons during the first quarter of 2024. Hadi indicated that some of the company’s cement factories have reached their maximum production capacity, while the rest of the factories will soon reach their maximum capacity. In January, Al-Diyar Al-Iraqia Investments Company and Saudi Arabia’s Northern Region Cement Company struck a cooperation agreement wherein the Iraqi company would purchase 49 percent of the Saudi company’s investments in Iraq. In light of the high cost of borrowing, a portion of the $43.95 million in earnings from the acquisition will be used to pay back the costly loans and to make outside investments. Northern Region Cement would accomplish its objective of establishing a strategic alliance that will enable it to increase its investments in promising markets through this cooperation. The Northern Region Cement Company announced in November that it signed a $139 million contract with the German company KHD to build a production line with an output of about 1.32 million tons of cement annually in Iraq. According to the corporation, the financial effects of the deal will become apparent in the second half of 2025. The company achieved profits worth $3.74 million in the second quarter of 2020, compared to nearly $3.75 million in the same period of 2022, representing a growth of 0.16 percent.

Iraq’s first solar power plant sees progress Amr Salem May 8, 2024 1114 3 min A field of solar panels. Photo: Chris McGrath/Getty Images Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Iraq is now moving forward with the construction of its first large-scale solar power facility. The Iraqi government has increased its efforts to carry out a more ecologically friendly energy strategy, which combines the inclusion of renewable energy sources with a reduction in gas flaring from oil activities. A one-gigawatt solar power plant will be constructed in Iraq by French energy giant TotalEnergies as part of an agreement for an integrated project that would require a $27 billion investment spread over 30 years. The TotalEnergies project in Iraq is the first to be implemented, despite the fact that the country is working on several other solar initiatives. The Iraqi Ministry of Electricity signed a contract last April with TotalEnergies to generate 1,000 megawatts of solar energy in the southern governorate of Basra. According to the deal, TotalEnergies would build a solar power plant at the Artawi site in Basra in four stages over the course of two years. Iraq’s national grid will have 250 megawatts of electricity installed in each phase. The reason these projects are happening now is mainly because Iraq is going through a unique phase of political stability, enabling Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Sudani’s cabinet to move forward with several long-delayed energy projects. Iraq’s poor electrical supply hindered economic growth and contributed to societal unrest. Due to the increasing population expansion, the supply of power is not keeping up with the rising demand, which is making the situation worse. Adviser at Iraq’s National Investment Commission (NIC), Rahim Al-Jaafari, revealed in February that Iraq plans to produce approximately 12,000 megawatts of solar energy by the end of 2030. In a statement to the Iraqi News Agency (INA), Al-Jaafari explained that significant progress has been made in terms of generating electricity from solar energy, as the Iraqi cabinet has already authorized a 12,000-megawatt plan, of which around 7,500 megawatts have been assigned to companies. The Iraqi official indicated that Iraq has committed to upholding the terms of the Paris Agreement, which include switching from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power.

Akkas gas field to supply Anbar power plant with 100 million feet of gas Amr Salem May 8, 2024 657 2 min An employee turns a valve at the Nahr Bin Omar natural gas field, north of the southern Iraqi port of Basra. Photo: AFP Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The Iraqi Ministry of Oil announced on Tuesday that it will cooperate with the Ministry of Electricity to supply the national grid with 1,640 megawatts. The Oil Ministry’s Undersecretary for Gas Affairs, Izzat Sabir, said in a statement issued following a meeting between officials from the two ministries that the Oil Ministry is keen to meet the needs of the Electricity Ministry, particularly after concluding agreements with foreign companies to utilize associated gas and develop gas fields in Iraq, the Iraqi News Agency (INA) reported. Sabir elaborated that the meeting addressed coordination between the two ministries to supply a gas-operated power plant in the western Iraqi governorate of Anbar with 100 million cubic feet of gas per day from the Akkas gas field. According to Sabir, the step will enable Anbar’s power plant to generate 1640 megawatts of electricity by mid-2025 as part of a larger plan allowing the gas field to produce 400 million cubic feet per day over four to five years. The Akkas gas field, which was found in 1992, has approximately 5.6 trillion cubic feet of confirmed natural gas deposits. The Iraqi Ministry of Oil announced in April that it had signed a contract with the Ukrainian company Ukrzemresurs to develop the Akkaz gas field in western Iraq. The Akkas gas field, which has sizable reserves, was being developed by the Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS), a South Korean public natural gas company, before Ukrzemresurs won the contract.

Iraq’s KRG employees to receive salaries via Trade Bank of Iraq Amr Salem May 9, 2024 238 2 min The Trade Bank of Iraq. Photo: Trade Bank of Iraq Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The Trade Bank of Iraq (TBI) announced on Wednesday that government employees in Iraq’s Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) will receive their salaries through the bank. More than one million government employees in the KRG will enjoy digital banking services provided by six Iraqi private banks, according to Rudaw News. Since January 2024, the federal government in Baghdad has been paying the salaries of the KRG employees but has not agreed to use My Account, a KRG banking initiative. Baghdad aims to use Tawtin, a version of its own banking program. TBI revealed that once officials in Iraqi Kurdistan provide the lists of names of the KRG employees, it will start paying their salaries through the Tawtin initiative. In late April, the Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, met in Baghdad with the President of the Kurdistan region of Iraq, Nechirvan Barzani, to discuss important issues and measures taken by the government in the sectors of service and development to improve services provided to citizens throughout the country. The two sides emphasized the significance of maintaining positive discussions on common issues between the federal government and the KRG. Al-Sudani viewed Barzani’s visit as a start in the right direction toward resolving all outstanding issues. Barzani conveyed gratitude for Al-Sudani’s endeavors and persistence in fostering dialogue and contact with different national forces, with the aim of enhancing political stability.

Iraqi Cabinet allocates 56B dinar to the Defense Ministry IraqBreakingSinjarIraqi Cabinet 2024-05-07 13:15 Font Shafaq News/ On Tuesday, the Iraqi Cabinet supported the Ministry of Defense with more than 56 billion dinars about ($43 million.) Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's media office said he chaired the 19th regular session of the Council today. During the session, they discussed the general situation in the country, addressed important files in various fields, deliberated on agenda items, and made decisions and recommendations regarding them. To support the armed forces, the Council approved allocating 56.375 billion dinars from the Ministry of Finance to the Ministry of Defense. This funding is intended for essential rehabilitation works to support army units within the Defense Ministry's budget in coordination with the Ministry of Planning. Furthermore, the Cabinet announced plans to establish residential complexes in the Sinjar district exclusively for district residents currently residing in displacement camps.

IRI strikes "Vital" target in Eilat, Israel confirms IraqBreakingIsraelIslamic Resistance In Iraq 2024-05-07 16:12 Font Shafaq News/ On Tuesday, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI) announced that it attacked an "Israeli vital target" in Eilat. At the same time, Israeli media confirmed intercepting a suspicious target in the city's airspace. IRI stated that its "operatives targeted a vital objective in Eilat (Umm al-Rashrash), in our occupied territories using drones." On the other hand, Israeli security officials confirmed intercepting a suspicious target in Eilat using the Iron Dome defense system. According to officials, no alarm sirens were sounded. Since the start of the Israeli war in Gaza, IRI has regularly attacked the US interests in Iraq and Syria and, recently, the Israeli sites in Palestine. IRI term commonly refers to Tehran's military allies in Iraq, including powerful groups such as Kataeb Hezbollah and Harakat Al-Nujabaa. It is a prominent part of the "Axis of Resistance," including Lebanon's Hezbollah, the Yemeni Ansarallah (Houthis), and other Iran-backed factions. IRI stated that its operations are to "expel the American occupation" and in support of "Palestinian brothers." The deadliest attack was in Jordan when Kataeb Hezbollah killed three American soldiers at a US base. In a series of retaliation, the US military launched airstrikes on sites related to Iranian-backed forces in Iraq and Syria, killing members of Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in Iraq and commanders of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) and Lebanon's Hezbollah in Syria. All groups within the Axis have declared that their attacks will persist until a ceasefire is achieved in the Gaza Strip, where Israel's actions have resulted in the deaths of about 34,000 Palestinians, predominantly children and women, and injured about 76,000. The war has also displaced approximately 1.5 million people, leading to the destruction of infrastructure, hospitals, schools, and even UN facilities. The United Nations reports that the Gaza Strip is currently experiencing famine conditions, exacerbated by Tel Aviv's rejection of humanitarian aid through Rafah.

Political turmoil in Iraq: struggle for Parliament Speaker position intensifies ReportIraqBreakingShiite BlocksParliament SpeakerMohammed Al-HalbousiSunni Blocs 2024-05-07 15:50 Font Shafaq News/ In the intricate tapestry of Iraq's political landscape, a fierce battle unfolds for the pivotal role of Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament. As factions jostle for power and influence, the contest narrows down to key contenders, each representing divergent interests within the Sunni and Shiite blocs. Against parliamentary disruptions, allegations, and strategic maneuvers, the nation braces for a critical session that could shape its political trajectory for years. Key Players in Iraq's Political Dynamics The Iraqi Parliament is comprised of 329 deputies representing various sects and governorates. According to the High Electoral Commission, in the 2021 elections, the Taqadum Party, led by Mohammed al-Halbousi, secured 37 seats, making it the second-largest bloc after the Al-Sadr movement, which won 73 seats. Notably, Al-Halbousi says that his Movement bloc comprises more than 40 members. Al-Azm Movement, led by Khamees Al-Khanjar, gained 14 seats, while the National Resolve Movement (Hasm) obtained three seats. In contrast, the Coordination Framework, representing Shia forces, holds approximately 129 seats in the Iraqi Parliament. The Framework includes the State of Law Alliance, led by Nouri al-Maliki with 33 seats, the Victory Alliance, led by Hadi Al-Ameri, with 17 seats, and the Al-Sadr movement's seats after Muqtada al-Sadr's withdrawal from the political process. Additionally, Kurdish parties play a significant role in the Parliament. The Kurdistan Democratic Party, led by Masoud Barzani, holds 31 seats, while the Kurdistan Alliance, comprising the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan and Gorran Movement, has 17 seats. The Largest Sunni Bloc After approximately a month following the elections, a new Sunni alliance emerged in Baghdad under the leadership of Al-Khanjar, named "Al-Azm." Comprising five political entities (Al-Azm Alliance, Al-Jamaheer Party Bloc, Hasm Movement for Reform, MPs from the National Accord Bloc, and the Arab Alliance in Kirkuk), the new Sunni alliance represents political blocs that participated in the elections across Al-Anbar, Saladin, Kirkuk, and Nineveh governorates. In its formation statement, the alliance declared, "We have decided to establish a cohesive and robust political alliance of 34 members, with the potential for expansion." In January 2022, a new alliance was formed, which included Al-Azm, headed by Al-Khanjar, and Taqadum, led by Al-Halbousi. With around 69 seats, this alliance is the largest Sunni bloc in Parliament. Notably, this number is not official. In 2023, a dispute arose between Al-Halbousi and Al-Khanjar, although both parties remained tight-lipped about the issue. Speculation suggests that the discord may be linked to the performance of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani's government, according to some sources. Others indicate that the primary cause lies in the growing rapport between Al-Khanjar and Mishaan Al-Matar, a rival of Al-Halbousi. What Happened? On January 9, 2022, the newly elected Parliament held its first session and re-elected Mohammed Al-Halbousi as its Speaker. On November 14, 2023, the Federal Supreme Court, the highest judicial authority in Iraq, decided to terminate al-Halbousi's membership. Then, on November 21, the Iraqi Parliament officially terminated his membership. The decisions came after a lawsuit against him by Deputy Laith Al-Dulaimi. The lawsuit accused Al-Halbousi of forging Al-Dulaimi's resignation from Parliament membership, leading to the Federal Supreme Court's decision to end both memberships. Al-Halbousi expressed his "surprise and disappointment" in a video statement following the ruling, "I am surprised by the issuance of these decisions. I am surprised by the lack of respect for the Constitution." He emphasized that during his five years as Speaker, he operated with "integrity and never discriminated against Sunnis or Shiites." The Forefront Candidates Following the 2003 US-led invasion, Iraq follows the sectarian political settlements over the three presidencies (known as Muhasasa Ta'ifia in Arabic). Therefore, the parliament speaker is customary of Sunnis share. The race for the next Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament is narrowing, with Salem Matar Al-Issawi and Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani emerging as the top contenders. Al-Issawi, an Iraqi politician born in 1972, served as a member of Al-Anbar Governorate Council from 2010 to 2014 and has been a deputy in the Iraqi Parliament since 2014. Al-Issawi is a member of the Sovereignty (Al-Siyada) Party under the leadership of Khamees al-Khanjar. On the other hand, Al-Mashhadani, born in 1948, is an Iraqi politician and parliamentarian. He was the first Speaker of the Council of Representatives following Saddam Hussein's regime's downfall. He has held various political positions, including heading the political bureau of the Islamic Dawa Party and serving as a founding member of the National Dialogue Council. He served as the Speaker from March 16, 2006, to December 23, 2008, and was also the President of the Arab Parliamentary Union in 2008. No Elections, Just Disruptions On January 13, 2024, the Iraqi Parliament held an extraordinary session to choose the new Speaker. The first round of voting ended with the victory of the Taqadum" party's Shaalan al-Karim with 152 votes out of 314. MP Salem Al-Issawi followed him with 97 votes, MP Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani with 48 votes, MP Amer Abduljabbar with six votes, and MP Talal Al-Zobaie with one vote. However, due to verbal altercations inside the council hall, the session was adjourned without completing the election process, and no other session was held. Since then, the political blocs have been unable to agree on a replacement for Al-Halbousi, with each side wanting to nominate someone from their group. Waiting for Tomorrow's Session The top candidates, Al-Issawi and Al-Mashhadani, will compete in an extraordinary parliamentary session on Wednesday. Informed sources revealed to Shafaq News Agency a political agreement among parliamentary blocs to hold the session for the new Speaker's election. The three Sunni blocs, Al-Siyada, Hasm, and Al-Azm, have nominated MP Al-Issawi for the position. Azzam Al-Hamdani, a leader in the Azm Alliance, emphasized the importance of consensus and partnership, noting the Coordination Framework's positive approach to the issue to ensure the Speaker's position is filled. While there is a strong consensus among Sunni and Shiite political forces on Al-Issawi's nomination, sources suggest the State of Law, led by Nouri Al-Maliki, may favor the other candidate, Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani. The sources did not provide specific details about this matter, which could have sparked disputes within the Shiite bloc. However, other sources dismissed this hypothesis, confirming that the Framework forces will support Al-Issawi. Sunni Blocs: No Agreements Despite al-Halbousi's Taqadum Party insists on retaining the position because it holds the parliamentary majority within the Sunni component, his opponents from the Sovereignty (Al-Siyada), al-Azm, and Resolve (Hasm) blocs believe that the position is the right of the component without being bound by a specific political title. Last April, the Taqadum party, led by al-Halbousi, warned that it would withdraw the party's representatives from both the government and the Parliament and Iraq's entire political process if the position of the Speaker of Parliament is granted to a candidate from outside the party. Anwar al-Alwani, a prominent leader within the party, told Shafaq News Agency that the Taqadum party "holds reservations regarding any candidate from outside the party assuming the role of Parliament Speaker." Al-Halbousi told the reporters on the sidelines of the ceremony marking the anniversary of the founding of the Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq movement in Baghdad, "We anticipate reaching a consensus on a candidate for parliament speaker and will be updating the internal regulations soon." Asked about selecting a candidate for the position from outside Taqadum, al-Halbousi pointed out that his party holds a majority in Parliament and has "both political and electoral claims to the position." In response, the CF Member MP Salem Al-Anbaki told Shafaq News that "the Framework's forces have rejected and continue to reject the amendment of the Parliament's internal system to reopen nominations for the presidency of the Parliament," considering that "contradicts the decisions of the Federal Court, and there is no justification for such a step, and such decisions cannot be made for the personal interests of some parties." Al-Anbaki pointed out that two candidates from the Sunni component, Salem Al-Issawi and Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani, have now been nominated for parliament speaker. "We believe that the matter is almost settled in favor of Al-Issawi, who will be elected in the next session of Parliament since there is parliamentary support for him from all blocs and parties." In contrast, Al-Siyada, al-Azm, and Hasm have supported the Coordination Framework's call for the prompt election of a new parliament speaker within a week. In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, these blocs urged the Parliament's presidium to swiftly schedule a vote, emphasizing the critical importance of this step for Iraq's political and institutional stability. Describing the session to elect the Speaker as "crucial, necessary, and urgent," the Sunni signatories warned against further delays, citing potential disruptions to parliamentary work, risks to the country's interests, and threats to the democratic process. They implored the Parliament's leadership not to postpone the session under any circumstances, pointing out the significant support with over 150 lawmakers backing the request for a speaker election session and the Parliament's prior vote in favor of such a session. This statement follows recent remarks by the Shiite-led Coordination Framework, which placed responsibility for the vacant speaker position on Sunni groups. The Coordination Framework also expressed its intent to push for an extraordinary session to elect a speaker after a one-week deadline.

Gold dips in Baghdad, stabilizes in Erbil EconomyBreakingGoldGold Prices 2024-05-08 05:22 Font Shafaq News / Gold prices decreased in the local markets of Baghdad, while remaining stable in Erbil on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. Our correspondent reported that gold prices in the wholesale markets on Al-Nahr Street recorded a selling price per mithqal (equals to five grams) of 21-carat Gulf, Turkish, and European gold at 468,000 IQD, with a buying price of 464,000 IQD. The selling price per mithqal of 21-carat Iraqi gold reached 438,000 IQD, with a buying price of 434,000 IQD. Regarding gold prices in jewelry stores, the selling price of a mithqal of 21-carat Gulf gold ranged between 470,000 and 480,000 IQD, while the selling price of a mithqal of Iraqi gold ranged between 440,000 and 450,000 IQD. In Erbil, the selling price of a mithqal of 24-carat gold was 550,000 IQD, 21-carat gold was sold at 480,000 IQD, and 18-carat gold was sold at 410,000 IQD.

USD/IQD exchange rate stabilize in Baghdad, inch up in Erbil EconomyBreakingUSD/IQD Exchange 2024-05-08 02:52 Font Shafaq News / The exchange rates of the American dollar (USD) against the Iraqi dinar (IQD) stabilized on Wednesday in Baghdad, while they slightly increased in Erbil. Our correspondent reported that Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya central exchanges in Baghdad recorded 145,500 IQD for $100. The selling prices at exchange shops reached 146,500 IQD, while the buying price was 144,500 IQD for $100. In Erbil, the selling price stood at 145,400 IQD, and the buying price at 145,300 IQD for $100.

Iraqi Supreme Court suspends electoral procedures for Kurdistan Parliament elections: Pending lawsuit resolution IraqBreakingKurdistan 2024-05-08 04:34 Font Shafaq News / The Board of Commissioners of the Iraqi Independent High Electoral Commission decided, on Wednesday, to suspend the technical and financial procedures related to the Kurdistan Region Parliament elections for 2024. According to a statement issued by the Board, the decision to suspend was made "pending the resolution of the lawsuit pending before the Federal Supreme Court, numbered 12/Federal/2024." The Board also decided to task the electoral administration with taking necessary actions. Yesterday, the Federal Supreme Court issued an order regarding the system for registering candidate lists and approving them for the Regional elections, numbered 7 for the year 2024. According to a statement from the Federal Supreme Court's media office, "The Federal Supreme Court considered on 5/7/2024, the request submitted by the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, which includes issuing an order in lawsuit number 126/Federal/2024 pending the resolution of the lawsuit." The statement added, "The court decided to suspend the implementation of clause second of Article 2 of the system for registering candidate lists and approving them for the elections of the Kurdistan Region Parliament, numbered 7 for the year 2024, which states: The Kurdistan Region Parliament consists of 100 seats distributed among the following electoral districts: Erbil Governorate / 34 seats - al-Sulaymaniya Governorate / 38 seats - Duhok Governorate / 25 seats - Halabja Governorate / 3 seats, pending the resolution of the lawsuit, to avoid the potential consequences that may be difficult to rectify in the future." This decision came after a lawsuit filed by the Kurdish Prime Minister Masrour Barzani requesting the suspension of the Electoral Commission's procedures regarding the Region elections. Notably, the Supreme Court issued decisions on February 21st, 2024, regarding the Kurdistan Parliament Election Law, which included the cancellation of minority "quota" seats and the replacement of the Kurdistan Electoral Commission with the federal one. Kurdish leader Massoud Barzani stated that the Federal Supreme Court's decision to cancel the component quotas in the Kurdistan Region parliamentary elections is a "blow to partnership and coexistence." The number of eligible voters in the Kurdistan Parliament elections is approximately 3.7 million people. The last elections in the region, held in 2018, resulted in the KDP winning 45 out of 111 seats, while the PUK won 21 seats. Following the Court’s decision, the KDP announced its boycott of the parliamentary elections in the Kurdistan Region scheduled for June, threatening to withdraw from the political process in Iraq if political parties in Baghdad did not adhere to the agreements leading to the formation of the Iraqi government.

Kataib Hezbollah calls for US troops to leave Iraq AFP May 8, 2024 705 3 min Iraqi mourners in Baghdad carry the coffin of a Kataib Hezbollah fighter who was also part of the ‘Islamic resistance in Iraq,’ which has claimed recent attacks against US troops in Iraq and Syria, and who is believed to have died in a US air strike in November 2023 Baghdad – Iraq’s powerful Kataib Hezbollah on Tuesday renewed its call for US troops to withdraw from Iraq, months after the Iran-backed armed group suspended attacks against American forces. Washington and Baghdad have been engaged in talks over the presence of US troops in Iraq, who are stationed there as part of an international anti-jihadist coalition. A spokesman for Kataib Hezbollah said in a statement that the group “did not perceive the American enemy’s seriousness in withdrawing the troops and dismantling its spy bases in Iraq”. “We also haven’t seen the necessary seriousness from the Iraqi government to remove them,” the spokesman, Abu Ali al-Askari, added in a statement. The United States considers Kataib Hezbollah a “terrorist” group and has repeatedly targeted its operations in recent strikes. During more than three months, as regional tensions soared over the devastating Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, US troops were targeted more than 165 times in the Middle East, mainly in Iraq and neighbouring Syria. The Islamic Resistance of Iraq, a loose alliance of Iran-backed groups including Kataib Hezbollah, had claimed the majority of the attacks. But a deadly drone attack in late January triggered retaliation, with US forces launching dozens of strikes against Tehran-backed groups, including Kataib Hezbollah. Three US personnel were killed in the January 28 drone strike in Jordan, near the Syrian border. Two days later, Kataib Hezbollah said it was suspending its attacks on US forces. In February the United States and Iraq resumed talks on the future of the US-led coalition’s presence in Iraq, following a request by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani who has been calling for an end to the coalition’s mission. The United States has some 2,500 troops in Iraq and 900 in Syria as part of the international coalition against the Islamic State (IS) group. The coalition was deployed to Iraq at the government’s request in 2014 to help combat IS, which had taken over vast swathes of Iraq and neighbouring Syria.

This sounds like Barzani trying to retain power. Iraqi court suspends parliamentary elections in Kurdistan AFP May 8, 2024 412 3 min Baghdad – Iraq’s highest court on Tuesday temporarily suspended preparations for June 10 parliamentary elections in the autonomous northern Kurdistan region, a source of tension between the two main Kurdish parties. The Federal Supreme Court suspended procedures related to “the registration of lists of candidates”, while it decides on another case linked to legislative elections in Iraqi Kurdistan, a statement on the court’s website said. Iraqi Kurdistan’s Prime Minister, Masrour Barzani, had filed an appeal to the supreme court arguing the “unconstitutionality” of the division of electoral constituencies planned for the vote. While awaiting a verdict, Barzani requested “a halt and suspension of the procedures of the electoral commission”. “The proceedings are suspended from today until the verdict,” an electoral commission source told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity. The suspension comes amid a long-running conflict between the region’s two historic parties, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). The court issued a ruling in February to reduce the number of seats in the Kurdish parliament from 111 to 100, effectively eliminating a quota reserved for Turkmen, Armenian and Christian minorities. In response, Barzani’s KDP said it would boycott legislative polls and did not register candidates. Since then the KDP pushed for postponement of the June 10 elections, which had initially been scheduled for October 2022, but were pushed back several times. The PUK has opposed any delay in holding the elections. Tuesday’s verdict comes as Kurdistan’s President, Nechirvan Barzani, is visiting Iranian leaders in Tehran, after meeting senior politicians in Baghdad. The KDP is the largest party in the outgoing parliament, with 45 seats against 21 for the PUK. Iraq’s Kurdistan region has been autonomous since 1991, and presents itself as an oasis of stability favourable to foreign investment in Iraq. However, activists and opposition figures denounce what they say is corruption, repression of dissident voices and arbitrary arrests in the region.