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Iraq .. Barham Salih sets the specifications for the next prime minister


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7 hours ago, yota691 said:
05-12-2019 11:02 PM
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Baghdad - News

The political class in Iraq has beaten all constitutional deadlines, legal expert Ali al-Tamimi said Thursday, noting that it would be new if it breached again for six months to keep Adel Abdul Mahdi as head of the caretaker government.

Al-Tamimi told Al-Ikhbaria that after the 15-day deadline expires, if the president fails to appoint a candidate for prime minister as an alternative to Abdul-Mahdi, the outgoing prime minister will stay for another 30 days. Abdul Mahdi and his ministers worked, and matters are transferred to the President of the Republic, in accordance with Article 81 of the Constitution.

He added that the President of the Republic "runs the country for 30 days as well, and during this period must assign a new candidate, and if Iraq does not succeed in the face of a constitutional vacuum, the Constitution did not put solutions to this problem, because he did not expect things to remain so loose."

He considered the expert Tamimi, "the political class hit the constitutional deadlines more than once did not abide by, so we expect the survival of Abdul Mahdi for six months to come, including a constitutional violation, the decisions during this period will be incorrect, and can be appealed before the Court of Justice Administrative. "

 

This dude must have forgotten about the protestors and the reason Mahdi resigned in the 1st place.. Good luck with that way of thinking may your house be burned down 3 times as well in the next 6 months.. lol

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Iraq: Sistani calls for a government «away from any outside interference»

 
Friday, December 9, 2019
 
 
2019-12-06T105056Z_500300444_RC2MPD9TTL1O_RTRMADP_3_IRAQ-PROTETS-NASSIRIYA-KILLINGS.JPG?itok=aboYQFE2
Demonstrators in the southern Iraqi city of Nassiriya carry a picture of people killed in protests (Reuters)
Baghdad: «Middle East Online»
Iraq's top Shi'ite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, said on Friday that the new prime minister should be chosen "away from any outside interference" as protests against Iran's power and influence continue.

Sistani said in his Friday sermon read by his representative, Sheikh Abdul Mahdi Karbalai: «We hope that the selection of the new prime minister and its members within the constitutional period and according to what citizens aspire to away from any external interference», stressing that the reference «is not a party in any talk in this regard and no role It has it in any way. ”

Al-Karbalai added that «the popular movement, if its scope extends to various groups, is an effective means to pressure those in power to make room for real reforms in the management of the country. "But the main condition is that it should not be dragged into violence, chaos and vandalism." He called for «to maintain the peaceful demonstrations and free from acts of violence and vandalism, a solidarity responsibility borne by all, as it is the responsibility of the security forces to protect peaceful demonstrators and allow them to express their demands freely, it is the responsibility of the demonstrators themselves not to allow saboteurs to take this The title is in their ranks, they attack the security forces or public or private property and cause harm to the interests of citizens. ”

Karbalai said that «support and respect for security forces and enhance morale

Encouraging them to play their part in maintaining security and stability as required is the duty of all, it is indispensable for these dear ones to avoid chaos and disturb public order ». He warned «those who lurk in the country and seek to exploit the protests demanding reform to achieve certain objectives that undermine the higher interests of the Iraqi people and do not conform to its inherent values».

On the other hand, a member of the Council of the Independent High Commission for Human Rights in Iraq Ali al-Bayati that the death toll in the demonstrations in Iraq since the start of the first of October (October) reached 460 dead and more than 20,000 wounded.

Al-Bayati said in a statement to the German news agency that «the number of detainees reached 2650 detainees, most of them were released, but about 160 others are still in detention». He revealed the existence of «a complaint of missing and abducted up to 23 people all referred to the prosecution for investigation». He said two paramedics were killed and 15 wounded.
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Date: 2019/12/14 14:03  182 times read
Massive demonstrations take place in Tahrir Square
(Baghdad: Euphrates News) Demonstrated mass peaceful demonstrations in Tahrir Square in central Baghdad.
The demonstrators raised Iraqi flags, slogans and banners that emphasize the peaceful demonstrations and stand against saboteurs and engineers.
The highest religious authority confirmed today that `` maintaining the peaceful demonstrations and free from acts of violence and vandalism is of paramount importance, a solidarity responsibility borne by all, it is also the responsibility of the security forces to protect peaceful demonstrators and allow them to express their demands freely. ''
"It is also the responsibility of the protesters themselves not to allow the saboteurs to take this title and get into their ranks, attack the security forces or public or private property and cause harm to the interests of citizens," she said in Friday sermons.
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Constitutional treatment of the resignation of the Iraqi Prime Minister

 
 
 DECEMBER 6TH, 2019
 
 84 VIEWS
 
 

Zarzis Kolizade *

According to the first paragraph of Article (81) of the permanent Iraqi constitution, the most numerous parliamentary bloc candidate is assigned by the President of the Republic of Iraq to form the Council of Ministers, and this happened when Barham Saleh, President of the Republic, assigned Adel Abdul Mahdi, the candidate of the conquest blocs and those who walked in the Parliament nearly After the mandate, Abdul Mahdi was able to form the Council of Ministers and received the approval of the House of Representatives, and it is no secret that the nomination of Abdul Mahdi to form a government was a consensual option within the Shiite parliamentary blocs Aakar parliamentary group, and a green light from Iran and the United States, with strong support from Massoud Barzani and support.

However, less than two years after the formation of Abdul Mahdi's consensual government, there was no sign of the effectiveness of the programs and activities of the Council of Ministers. Prime Minister in his program of work after winning the confidence of Parliament.

More surprisingly, the Prime Minister has done absolutely nothing against the rampant corruption within the joints of the presidencies, parliament, government and parties, and did not make a small effort to pay attention to the major economic problems that plague Iraq, did not go through the social, living and life crises suffered by the Iraqis, did not go to meander On the problem of large unemployment, which suffers from the Iraqi youth, and the absence of job opportunities in the public and private sectors, did not deal with the problem of the poverty line suffered by millions of citizens.

This was the spark of the revolutionary youth uprising on October 25, and began to put forward a set of demands for the demonstrators, including the departure of presidencies and faces of the ruling authority and the solution of the problem of unemployment and the elimination of corruption and the amendment of the Constitution and change the system of government. On the contrary, he resorted to the use of force and excessive violence against the demonstrators, causing hundreds of martyrs and thousands of wounded and wounded, and resorted to the atrocities in Baghdad, Basra, Karbala, Nasiriyah and Najaf.

Were it not for the intervention of the reference of Mr. Ali al-Sistani on the front line, and his successive calls to the House of Representatives to address the situation and the dismissal of the government and its president, Abdul-Mahdi corrupt and his deadly clique to enter Iraq in a fierce civil war, and for this did not pass hours on the position of resolute reference to the criminal acts of the government and its President Adel Abdul-Mahdi Declaration of resignation to the House of Representatives, which is more accurately dismissal.

Here, the issue of the mechanism to submit the resignation of the prime minister was subjected to various analyzes because the provisions of the Constitution did not address this matter, and carried the subject must submit a letter of resignation to the House of Representatives or the President of the Republic?

In view of the legal scene of the issue, despite the submission of the Prime Minister's letter of resignation to the House of Representatives, but the issue from the angle of reading the Constitution and the powers granted to the President of the Republic in accordance with Article (73) and the powers of Parliament according to Article (61), we find that the House of Representatives is not the work Submitting a candidate to form a government but to vote on it to gain the confidence of the majority of the members of the Council, and the assignment is through the President of the Republic constitutionally in accordance with Article (76), and this interpretation is logically necessary that the procedures for submitting the resignation of the prime minister go through the same process that the Constitution is going to submit a candidate to form a government, Therefore, the reward Submission of the letter of resignation must be made through the President of the Republic and not through the House of Representatives, as Abdul Mahdi went to him with the wrong advice of the President of the Council of the Judiciary.

Therefore, after the above-mentioned narrative, it is useful to show that post-October 25 Iraq is not an Iraq before it. Turning it into a caretaker is of no use and does nothing for the Iraqis and the rebellious revolutionaries. Therefore, early parliamentary elections must be carried out according to new election laws and the Independent Commission to draw a new political map completely away from the corrupt rogue politicians. Peacefulness against unjust and corrupt rule.

* Writer and political researcher

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Friday 6 December 2019 03:19 PM
Number Of Hits: 95

irq_249113699_1575634795.jpg&max_width=300

 


BAGHDAD / ... Demonstrators continued to flock to Tahrir Square in central Baghdad on Friday, despite the targeting of demonstrators by stabbing through knives and sharp machines on Thursday to continue the sit-in in the square for the second day in a row to demand the identification of the killers of the demonstrators and their trial and early parliamentary elections under international supervision By dissolving the House of Representatives after amending the Electoral Law and replacing the Electoral Commission.

A source said that "the security situation in the fields of Tahrir and Khalani and the bridges of the Republic and the hermits in central Baghdad, witnesses the arrival of citizens to it," noting that "the security situation is good."
 
"The security situation near al-Ahrar bridge this morning is also good, and there is no friction between the demonstrators and the security forces," the source said.

The demonstrators in Tahrir Square in the capital Baghdad, confirmed on Saturday, the continuation of demonstrations and sit-in in the square until the fulfillment of all their demands, pointing out that the dismissal of the government was only the first demand, which is the first victory, which was achieved thanks to the blood of the martyrs and the sacrifices and steadfastness of demonstrators and protesters throughout Iraq. 

Since Friday, October 25, Baghdad and nine other provinces have witnessed widespread protests demanding the dismissal of the government, bringing the killers of the demonstrators to justice and holding early elections under international supervision. Hundreds of demonstrators and security forces were killed and injured as a result of the brutal repression. The demonstrators were subjected to it.

The religious authority in Iraq considered that this uprising is the first of the fraudulent ballot boxes in expressing the will of the people and choosing them to represent them. At any time the legitimacy of the ruler fell. Finished 2

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6 hours ago, markb57 said:

Iraq just moved to #1 corrupt country...

 

our investment is toast...

Respectfully disagree with you, this is a turning point.  We've never seen the people rise up like this...ever, and out of this, corruption will be exposed and dealt with in public. A Leader will arise for the people and introduce the world to a new Iraq. This is an exciting time, we've never seen this.

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1 hour ago, yota691 said:
Date: 2019/12/14 14:03  182 times read
Massive demonstrations take place in Tahrir Square
(Baghdad: Euphrates News) Demonstrated mass peaceful demonstrations in Tahrir Square in central Baghdad.
The demonstrators raised Iraqi flags, slogans and banners that emphasize the peaceful demonstrations and stand against saboteurs and engineers.
The highest religious authority confirmed today that `` maintaining the peaceful demonstrations and free from acts of violence and vandalism is of paramount importance, a solidarity responsibility borne by all, it is also the responsibility of the security forces to protect peaceful demonstrators and allow them to express their demands freely. ''
"It is also the responsibility of the protesters themselves not to allow the saboteurs to take this title and get into their ranks, attack the security forces or public or private property and cause harm to the interests of citizens," she said in Friday sermons.

Thanks my friend.  This just moved Iraq to a higher point, an evolution of a much different Iraq the world has ever seen.  This is the beginning of our turning point.

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Peaceful demonstrations launched in Tahrir Square

Editing Date: 12/6/2019 14:47 • 59 times read
Peaceful demonstrations launched in Tahrir Square
[Baghdad-where]
Peaceful demonstrations were launched in Tahrir Square, in the center of the capital, Baghdad.
The demonstrators raised the Iraqi flags, slogans and banners that confirm the peacefulness of the demonstrations and stand against saboteurs and intruders.
The religious authority affirmed today that "maintaining the peaceful demonstrations and free them from acts of violence and sabotage is extremely important, and it is a solidarity responsibility of all, as it is the responsibility of the security forces to protect peaceful demonstrators and allow them to express their demands freely."
She added in the Friday sermon today that this responsibility "also falls on the demonstrators themselves not to allow the saboteurs to seize this address and run over in their ranks and attack the security forces or public or private property and cause harm to the interests of citizens."
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Washington: We will ask the Treasury to punish Iraqi officials. We will not remain silent about the status of demonstrations

Political | 07:32 - 06/12/2019

 
image
 

 

BAGHDAD balances News
State Department announced that the US, on Friday, it will ask the Treasury Department to include Iraqi officials on the list of sanctions.
The State Department stressed that "Washington will not remain silent on the killing of demonstrators in Iraq."
Hours earlier, as violence against demonstrators rose in Iraq, especially in the southern provinces where dozens fell in a single day, US sources indicated earlier that Washington intends to impose sanctions on Iraqi officials, pointing out that the announcement will be within hours.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said his country would use its legitimate authority to impose "sanctions on corrupt figures who steal the wealth of Iraqis and those who kill and injure civilian protesters."
US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, David Schenker, has hinted at possible sanctions by Washington against those responsible for what he called "atrocities in Iraq," denouncing the appalling and heinous use of force against demonstrators.
This came as sources from the medical detachments deployed in Tahrir Square in central Baghdad, that unknown elements belonging to political parties in the Authority carried out stabbing operations against the demonstrators on Thursday morning.

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Urgent US Treasury: sanctions against 4 Iraqis

Editing Date: 12/6/2019 19:42 • 287 times read
The US Treasury: Sanctions against 4 Iraqis
{International: Al Furat News} The US Treasury announced the imposition of sanctions on 4 Iraqis for violating human rights or corruption after the popular protests the country has witnessed since last October.
And the ministry stated that "3 of the Iraqis who have been subjected to sanctions are leaders of paramilitary factions."
The US Department did not reveal more details. It is finished
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Washington announces the preparation of new sanctions in connection with the protests in Iraq

Political 08:20 - 06/12/2019

https://www.mawazin.net/Details.aspx?jimare=75906

image.thumb.png.78077d19cb4253bfcfe89c1ccdf1ce97.png

 

 

Baghdad- Mawazine News
The US State Department announced Friday that it is preparing new sanctions in connection with the protests in Iraq.
"We want to provide support, advice and assistance to the Iraqi government in achieving the reforms," David Schenker, US Assistant Secretary of State for Near East Affairs, told a news conference followed by Mawazine News.
He added, "The path of US sanctions against Iraqi officials involved in the violation of human rights continues," noting that "Washington is preparing new sanctions in connection with the protests in Iraq."
The US Treasury Department disclosed, earlier today, Friday, the names of those covered by the sanctions imposed on Iraqi officials for their participation in the suppression of the demonstrations taking place in Iraq.
The treasury said in a statement, "The sanctions include the leader of Asaib Ahl al-Haq Qais al-Khazali, his brother Laith and the crowd security official Hussein Faleh Abdul Aziz al-Lami (Abu Zainab al-Lami) on charges of participating in suppressing the protests."
She added, "The sanctions list also includes, according to Executive Order No. (13811), the millionaire businessman Khamis Farhan Al-Khanjar, to bribe government officials and practice corruption at the expense of the Iraqi people." End 9 / h

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12/06/2019 19:22

Washington includes Thursday Treasury of the US Treasury sanctions: bribery involvement of Iraqi officials

http://almasalah.com/ar/news/183581/واشنطن-تشمل-خميس-الخنجر-بعقوبات-الخزانة-الامريكية-تورط-برشاوى-لمسؤولين-عراقيين

 

Baghdad / Obelisk: The United States of America announced, Friday, December 6, 2019, that the head of the Arab project, Khamis Al-Khanjar, would include US Treasury sanctions .

"Khamis al-Khanjar had previously provided bribes to Iraqi officials," US Assistant Secretary of State for Near East Affairs David Schenker said at a news conference, stating that "punishing officials were under the direct influence of Iran."

He indicated that his government intends to "impose sanctions on other Iraqi officials if violations continue," noting that "the sanctions appear to be symbolic but carry strong messages to Iraqi officials."

"We reject Iran's interference in forming the new Iraqi government," he said, noting that "Iranian-backed factions are attacking US bases in Iraq," as he put it .

He warned that "more than 200 Iraqis have been killed since the outbreak of the crisis," adding that "the Iraqi government should have responded to the demands of the people."

He urged "the Iraqi government to introduce the necessary reforms to the constitution."

Prior to that, the US Treasury announced the imposition of sanctions on 4 Iraqi officials, including 3 leaders of "Iranian-backed" factions, for "violating human rights and being involved in corruption ."

She added, "3 of these officials are the leaders of the paramilitary factions backed by Iran."

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Washington: Iran is interfering in the formation of the next Iraqi government, and reforms must be introduced in the constitution

https://www.shafaaq.com/ar/سیاسة/واشنطن-ايران-تتدخل-في-تشكيل-الحكومة-العراقية-المقبلة-وينبغي-ادخال-الاصلاحات-بالدستور/

 
2019/12/06 10:20:02
 

Shafak News / The United States of America expressed on Friday its rejection of Iran's interference in forming the next government for Iraq.

"America is ready to work with any Iraqi official who puts the interests of the people first," US Assistant Secretary of State David Schenker said at a press conference today.

He added that "the establishment of a new government and the installation of a new prime minister is an issue that involves complicated arrangements, especially there are personalities and parties that do not meet among themselves."

Schenker pointed out that "Iran is not acting as an Iraqi country that appears to be interfering in this issue of forming the new Iraqi government, and this represents a flagrant violation of Iraqi sovereignty, and we reject that."

He continued, "The Iranian-backed militias have attacked American bases in Iraq," noting that "there are figures affiliated with Iran that penetrate in shaping Iraq policy."

On the issue of amending the constitution, the US official said that "if Iraq wants to redraw the constitution in this matter that belongs to them," he added, saying that "the Iraqi government must introduce the necessary reforms to the constitution."

He stressed that America "helps the Iraqi government to strengthen its institutions, and we urge neighboring countries not to poke their nose in Iraqi affairs."

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WASHINGTON BLACKLISTS IRAN-BACKED IRAQI MILITIA LEADERS OVER PROTESTS

Including leader of leader of Asaib Ahl al-Haq
Photo: Alstair Pike/AFP/Getty Images

18 minutes ago

http://www.nrttv.com/EN/News.aspx?id=18164&MapID=2

 

SULAIMANI — The United States on Friday (December 6) blacklisted three Iran-backed Iraqi paramilitary leaders over their alleged role in killings of anti-government protesters in Iraq, the US Treasury Department said.

They are the latest US sanctions to target Iraqi individuals or armed groups with close links to Tehran as Washington ramps up economic pressure to try to counter Iranian influence in the Middle East, according to Reuters.

The sanctions target Qais al-Khazali, leader of the Asaib Ahl al-Haq Iran-backed militia and his brother Laith al-Khazali, another leader of the group.

They also target Hussein Falih al-Lami, security chief for the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), Iraq’s state umbrella group of paramilitary factions, which is dominated by groups backed by Iran, including Asaib.

The Treasury Department said in a statement that groups led by the three paramilitary leaders “opened fire on peaceful protests, killing dozens of innocent civilians.” Reuters reported last month that Lami, known also as Abu Zainab al-Lami, had directed fighters to open fire on protesters.

Iraqi paramilitary groups deny any role in the deaths of protesters, who have demonstrated against the government for more than two months. Security forces have killed more than 400 mostly unarmed protesters, police and medics say.

The new sanctions also targeted Iraqi businessman Khamis al-Khanjar for alleged corruption, the statement said.

The sanctions freeze any US assets held by the leaders and prohibit Americans from doing business with them.

Senior US Treasury officials said the violent crackdown on protests was “causing even more political instability.”

“Iraqis have a fundamental right to a political process that is free from foreign malign influence and the corruption that both comes with it and fuels it,” one of the officials said.

They said the militia leaders had been involved in forced disappearances and abductions of activists.

Iran-backed armed groups and politicians have dominated Iraq’s state institutions since a US-led invasion in 2003 that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein, plunged the country into years of civil war and destroyed infrastructure.

Iraqi protesters say the groups that dominate the government have kept people poor and jobless through corruption and failed to repair the country despite two years of relative calm after the defeat of Islamic State.

Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul Mahdi said last week he would quit.

Asked about whether sanctions were designed to distance the militia leaders from the process of forming a new government, one of the Treasury officials said: “The timing is quite deliberate... Iraq’s people are demanding a government that is free and clear of foreign interference.”

Tension between Washington and Tehran has ramped up as US President Donald Trump’s administration blames Iran for a series of attacks on oil infrastructure in the Gulf and bases hosting US troops in Iraq. Iran denies involvement in the attacks.

Iraqi paramilitaries have in turn accused the United States and Israel of attacks on their own installations. 

(NRT Digital Media/Reuters)

 

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Four Iraqis sanctioned by US government for corruption, killing of innocent protesters

29 minutes ago
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Four Iraqis, including two brothers, have been sanctioned by the US Treasury for alleged corruption and killing of innocent protesters in Iraq, the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced on Friday. 

Three of the sanctioned leaders are heads of Hashd al-Shaabi (PMF, Popular Mobilization Forces) units: Qais al-Khazali, his brother Laith al-Khazali, and Hashd al-Shaabi commander Hussein Falih Aziz al-Lami. All three men allegedly ordered the use of lethal force against peaceful protesters in different parts of Iraq.

Since the beginning of October, hundreds of thousands of Iraqis have taken to the streets to demand an end to corruption, nepotism, and unemployment, among other issues gripping the oil resource-rich country. They have been met with deadly repression tactics, including the fire of live ammunition rounds and tear gas.

Qais al-Khazali, Secretary General of a PMF unit called Asaib Ahl al-Haq, and his older brother Laith al-Khazali have ordered militia members to open fire and use lethal weapons against protesters in many cities in Iraq.

Laith al-Khazali is also accused of human rights abuses against Sunnis in Diyala Province.

“In late 2015, Laith al-Khazali controlled efforts to remove Sunnis from areas of Diyala Province, including killings to drive Sunnis from the area,” the press release added on Friday.

Additionally, the brothers are accused of targeting and killing US soldiers in Iraq.

“Qais and Laith al-Khazali had leading roles in a January 2007 attack on an Iraqi government compound in Karbala.  The attack killed five U.S. soldiers and wounded three.” the press release reads.

Finally, al-Lami, who is a senior Hashd al-Shaabi commander, was sanctioned for ordering the “assassinations and suppression” of the protesters in Baghdad.

“In late 2019, al-Lami was responsible for ordering the assassinations and suppression of protesters in Baghdad.  Al-Lami directed militia fighters who shot protesters in early October 2019, a time when dozens of protesters were killed,” The press release reads.

In response to the violence enacted during the first wave of demonstrations, protesters upped the ante and demanded the overthrow of the current government, structural reforms to decrease the power of parliament and create a strong executive branch, and the amendment of the 2005 constitution.

The second wave of protests that began on October 25 has been marked by government security forces’ widespread practice of firing heavy, military-grade tear gas canisters directly at protesters. A number of protesters have died as a result of skull injuries incurred by the gas canisters.

The fourth Iraqi who has been sanctioned is the famous businessman and millionaire Khamis al-Khanjar. He is being sanctioned due to allegations of corruption and the use of his wealth to gain political support. Khanjar, the secretary general of the Arab Project party, has made millions of dollars’ worth of payments to Iraqi political figures in exchange for their support.

“Al-Khanjar is designated for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, corruption, including the misappropriation of state assets, the expropriation of private assets for personal gain, corruption related to government contracts or the extraction of natural resources, or bribery,” the US Treasury Department said in a press release on Friday.

The US government has also accused Iran of interfering in Iraq’s affairs, including accusations that the Iranian government is behind the killing of innocent protesters. 

Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin stated in the press release, “Iran’s attempts to suppress the legitimate demands of the Iraqi people for reform of their government through the slaughter of peaceful demonstrators is appalling.”

Around 400 protesters and members of the security forces have been killed since October 1, and more than 16,000 others have been wounded due to the clashes between security forces and protesters.

Following the high casualties reported from Iraq, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stated during  a press conference in Washington on November 19  that the US would impose sanctions on those found responsible for  maiming and killing Iraqi protesters. 
 
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Thanks for the post. Out of the 11 years (yeah I know that's nothing compared to you more seasoned folks out there) I've been involved in this investment I truly have never been so excited about what we're seeing in Iraq right now. This has never happened before.  The people are rising up and the world is watching. People are fed up. Corruption is going to be exposed. Iran is going to be booted out of Iraq.  A Leader for the people will rise up and a new Iraq the world has never seen will emerge. This is our turning point. I believe this is pivotal for us.

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Middle East

US sanctions Iran-backed militia leaders for killing Iraqi demonstrators

4 hours ago
 
 

US sanctions Iran-backed militia leaders for killing Iraqi demonstrators
An Iraqi protester carries a wounded comrade in Baghdad's Tayran Square, Oct. 2, 2019. (Photo: AFP)
 
 

WASHINGTON DC (Kurdistan 24) – The US announced on Friday that it was imposing sanctions on three militia leaders for their role in killing protestors in Iraq’s protracted demonstrations, now in their third month.

The three sanctioned figures are all supported by Tehran. Although the protestors are predominantly Shi’ites, the militia leaders are Shi’ites too. Through most of its history—since its establishment in 1921, under British mandate, until the US-led war in 2003—Sunnis have ruled Iraq, and it is a new phenomenon for a Shi’ite regime to repress Shi’ites.

Indeed, on Friday, at least 12 protesters in Baghdad, including two policemen, were killed, and over 40 were wounded, after gunmen suddenly appeared in two vehicles and opened fire, before quickly disappearing. It is impossible to know who the gunmen were, but suspicion falls on Iranian-backed militias.

The US also announced on Friday that it was sanctioning a Sunni politician and businessman, Khamis Farhan al-Khanjar al-Issawi, for “engaging in widespread corruption at the expense of the Iraqi people.”

As Secretary of State Mike Pompeo noted, the designations come on the eve of International Anticorruption Day, December 9, and International Human Rights Day, December 10.

“The United States is doing its part to advance those very same values,” Pompeo said, and “hold to account those who would undermine them through human rights abuses or acts of corruption.” 

Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq Leaders and PMF Security Chief  

The three sanctioned militia leaders include two brothers: Qais and Laith al-Khazali. Qais is the head of the Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq (AAH) and Laith is a senior figure in AAH.

The third militia figure was identified by US officials as Husayn Falih Aziz al-Lami, but is probably better known as Abu Zainab al-Lami. Al-Lami heads the Central Security Directorate of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and is said to be close to Qasim Soleimani, head of the Quds Force of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC.)

AAH receives some $2 million in money and weapons from Iran monthly, according to The New York Times. It has been involved in shooting protestors in the current demonstrations, US officials said, but the violence of the al-Khazali brothers—and their association with Iran—goes back over a decade, to the US-led war in Iraq.

In 2007, they played “leading roles” in the assault on the headquarters of the Karbala provincial government, in which five US soldiers were killed (the attack was directed by Iran, and on Thursday the US announced a $15 million reward for information on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force commander, Abdul Reza Shahlai, responsible for planning the assault.) 

 

In 2015, AAH was “involved in widespread forced disappearances,” which “[targeted] Sunni Iraqis with impunity,” the US said, explaining, “Laith al-Khazali controlled efforts to remove Sunnis from areas of Diyala Province, including killings to drive Sunnis from the area.”

Nonetheless, in the May 2018 elections, Qais al-Khazali won 15 seats in Iraq’s National Assembly. 

 

In announcing the new sanctions, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, David Schenker, decried Iran’s influence in Iraq. In doing so, he echoed many of the protestors who blame Iran for Iraq’s political and economic woes.

Prime Minister Adil Abdul Mahdi resigned a week ago in response to the protests, but no one has been selected to replace him. Yet, as Schenker noted, Qasim Soleimani—whom the US has designated a terrorist—“is in Baghdad, working this issue.”

“Foreign terrorist leaders, or military leaders, should not be meeting with Iraqi political leaders to determine the next premier of Iraq,” Schenker said.

Iraq is one of the world’s most corrupt countries, ranking 168 out of 180 on Transparency International’s list. Schenker expressed sympathy with the protestors, explaining, “Iraqis are fed up with economic stagnation, endemic corruption, and mismanagement.”

But without a commitment among Iraq’s political leaders to better governance, “it makes little difference who they designate as prime minister,” Schenker stated, as he also stressed the need for Iraqi politicians “to put Iraqi interests first.”

Schenker promised “further designations in the future,” suggesting Friday’s announcement was the start of a more sustained US effort to improve Iraq’s government.

He emphasized America’s good-will. “We are the largest donor of humanitarian, stabilization, demining, and security assistance to Iraq,” he said. “We want to maintain and expand that role to include helping with economic reform to create jobs for Iraqis and Americans alike,” but “we need to see Iraqi leaders” being “equally committed to that partnership.”Schenker confirmed earlier reports that Iran seemed increasingly engaged in hostilities against the US and its allies, attributing that to the US “maximum pressure campaign working over the months.”

“There is a trajectory,” he said, in which the Iranians began by increasing “the operational tempo of the Houthis [in Yemen] against the Saudis; then raised the rhetoric and the temperature in Iraq against US personnel;” then “scuttling boats in Fujairah; then kidnapping boats; then shooting down US drones in international airspace, and most recently Abqaiq, targeting directly with their own missiles Saudi oil facilities.”

CNN reported on Tuesday that “there is fresh intelligence of a potential Iranian threat against US forces and interests in the Middle East,” but provided no details.

On Thursday, two mortars landed in Balad Air Base in Salahadin province, some 64 kilometers north of Baghdad. US troops are stationed at the base, but the mortars caused no casualties or serious damage.

Asked who he thought was responsible, Schenker noted the investigation is ongoing, but “if past is prologue, I’d say there’s a good chance it was Iran.”

Updated3 hours ago
 

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"Saleh Muhammad al-Iraqi", who is close to the leader of the Sadrist movement, Muqtada al-Sadr, stressed on Saturday the necessity of not leaving the demonstration squares "so that they are not exposed to danger."

Saleh replied to a question from one of the followers of the Sadrist movement, which stated, "People are afraid and say that the demonstrations will remain empty and in danger," saying: "Yes, it is important not to leave the arenas of reform ... so it may be at risk."

"Saleh Muhammad al-Iraqi", who is close to the leader of the Sadrist movement, Muqtada al-Sadr, revealed earlier today, Saturday, that al-Hanana area in Najaf governorate, where al-Sadr had been established, was bombed by a "droning plane", attributing this to the orders issued by Sadr towards " Blue Hat Hats Protected Protesters.
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International condemnation of the bloody attacks in Baghdad and calls to hold those responsible to account

After dozens of people were killed in violence against demonstrators
Saturday - 10 Rabi` Al Thani 1441 AH - 07 December 2019 CE
 
 
Iraq_Protests_20548--ea80c.jpg?itok=MjMghEpE
A protester carrying the Iraqi flag during the anti-government protests in Baghdad (AP)
Baghdad: «Middle East Online»
Western countries condemned several violent incidents that permeated the anti-government protests, yesterday (Friday), in the capital, Baghdad, killing about 25 demonstrators and wounding more than a hundred.

On her Twitter page, the US embassy in Iraq tweeted, "The brutal acts of violence that took place last night against the demonstrators are horrific and terrifying. Peaceful protesters should have the right to express their opinions without risk of harm. ”He called on the Iraqi government to protect them.

"We ask the government to take additional steps to protect the demonstrators, and hold perpetrators of last night's attacks accountable," she added. The French embassy in Baghdad commented on the attack, saying: “The French embassy in Iraq condemns the deadly attack against the demonstrators near Tahrir Square last night. The identity of the guilty should be clearly disclosed, and they must be brought to justice for these heinous acts. ”

The European Union also condemned the bloody events, and the Union’s ambassador to Iraq, Martin Houth, said through his account on Twitter: “We are deeply angry and saddened by the killing of dozens last night by criminal elements. Who is the third saboteur?



In turn, Stephen Hickey, the British ambassador to Iraq, denounced the incident, and said: “I condemn the killing of peaceful demonstrators in Baghdad last night, and I offer my sincere condolences to the families of the victims, and my best wishes for recovery for the wounded. I call on the government to do more to protect the demonstrators, and to take urgent measures to hold the perpetrators of these crimes accountable. ”

For his part, Canadian Ambassador to Baghdad, Eric Shannon said: “It is not permissible in any sovereign country for the state to allow the presence of armed groups representing private agendas. After yesterday's heinous events, I call on the authorities to fulfill their responsibilities by holding the criminals who attacked the protesters accountable. The state must protect its citizens in the context of the law. Otherwise, how can we restore stability?

Iraqi demonstrators took this morning (Saturday), to the streets in the cities of the south and the capital, after a bloody night in Baghdad, after 25 people were killed in an attack by unidentified gunmen, according to a report by the French Press Agency.

The demonstrators were attacked yesterday by unidentified gunmen who briefly controlled a building occupied by the protesters for weeks near Jisr al-Sinak, according to security and medical sources, amid the absence of any reaction from the security forces near the place, according to witnesses.

The attack in Baghdad came after demonstrators expressed concern about violence, after supporters of pro-Iranian factions organized a march in Tahrir Square on Thursday, the protest center in the center of the capital, in a show of strength.

Since the protests began on October 1, 440 people, most of them demonstrators, have been killed and about 20,000 injured, according to the French Press Agency census, according to medical and other police sources.
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07-12-2019 02:50 PM
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Baghdad / News

Informed sources revealed that political meetings were held recently among various spectrums that saw the introduction of new names to take over as prime minister, including Muhammad Tawfiq Allawi, Ashraf Al-Dahan and Asaad Al-Eidani.

The sources assured to "Al-Akhbaria" that "there are reservations on all who were nominated, especially as large political blocs distanced themselves from the responsibility of choosing an incoming prime minister because of the nature of the next critical stage."

She added that "Allawi's nomination and paint came for their balanced relations with the political blocs of all shades, as well as their good relations with the Kurds, while Al-Eidani was strongly present because of the support of important Shiite forces, as well as his success in managing the Basra crisis in earlier times."

And indicated that "Allawi worked as a minister of communications in the Maliki government and faced great pressures during his work, but his period did not witness any corruption files, contrary to what was reported about him, while Al-Dahan worked as head of the Media and Communications Authority and was behind the decision to close satellite channels, which has met with large protests recently."

The sources also confirmed that "Allawi is the most fortunate of the rest of the circulating personalities due to the reservation of some to ask Ashraf Al-Dahan's name for his relatively young age as he reaches his thirties as well as the critical stage, which requires the presence of leaders and experience managing the current crisis as well as active opposition of Shiite forces to nominate Al-Aidani The most important of which is wisdom and victory because of previous political differences. "

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  • yota691 changed the title to Iraq .. Barham Salih sets the specifications for the next prime minister
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