Mediaboss Marketing

Issued on: 18/01/2022 - 03:36Modified: 18/01/2022 - 03:34

Baghdad (AFP) As Iraq's Shiite leaders jostle to secure a majority in the newly-elected parliament, Sunni and Kurdish minorities have been caught up in a spate of warning grenade attacks, analysts say.

In recent days, unknown attackers have hurled grenades at Kurdish and Sunni targets including political party offices and a lawmaker's home -- groups that could help Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr win the critical parliamentary majority needed to make his choice of prime minister.

"It is a way of punishing the forces that have allied with Moqtada Sadr to form a parliamentary majority," said political scientist Ihsan al-Shammari.

"Their message is political," he added, calling the attacks "part of the mode of political pressure" adopted by some groups.

In multi-confessional and multi-ethnic Iraq, the formation of governments has involved complex negotiations since the 2003 US-led invasion toppled dictator Saddam Hussein.

No single party holds an outright majority, so the next leader will be voted in by whichever coalition can negotiate allies to become the biggest bloc -- which then elects Iraq's president, who then appoints a prime minister.

In previous parliaments, parties from Iraq's Shiite majority have struck compromise deals to work together and form a government, with an unofficial system whereby the prime minister is Shiite, the president is a Kurd and the speaker of parliament is Sunni.

But Sadr, who once led an anti-US militia and who opposes all foreign interference, has repeatedly said the next prime minister will be chosen by his movement.

So rather than strike an alliance with the powerful Shiite Coordination Framework -- which includes the pro-Iran Fatah alliance, the political arm of the former paramilitary Hashed al-Shaabi -- Sadr has forged a new coalition.

That includes two Sunni parties, Taqadum and Azm, as well as the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP).

It has infuriated the Coordination Framework -- who insist their grouping is bigger.

In recent days, grenades have been lobbed at the home of a Taqadum lawmaker, as well as at the party offices of Azm, Taqadum and the KDP in Baghdad.

On Sunday, flashbang stun grenades were hurled into the branches of two Kurdish banks in the capital Baghdad -- wounding two people.

The heads of both banks are said to be close to political leaders in Iraq's autonomous northern Kurdistan region.

There has already been unrest following the election, with Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi escaping unhurt when an explosive-packed drone hit his residence in November during what his office called an "assassination attempt."

No group has claimed the attack.

While the culprits of the recent grenade blasts have also not been identified, a security source charged that the attacks "convey the messages of the parties that lost in the elections".

The purpose, the security source claimed, is to "disrupt the formation of the government" --- implicitly pointing to the Coordination Framework, and in particular the Fatah alliance.

Fatah lost much of its political capital in the October 10 polls, having secured only 17 seats, compared to the 48 it had before.

It alleged the vote was rigged, but Iraq's top court rejected a complaint of electoral irregularities filed by Hashed.

Hashed, which maintains an arsenal of weapons, fighters and supporters, has sought a variety of ways to make itself heard outside parliament, including demonstrations and sit-ins.

"Rather than accepting defeat at the polls, they threaten violence," said Lahib Higel, of the International Crisis Group.

Sadr has considered striking deals with certain members of the Coordination Framework, such as Fatah chief Hadi al-Ameri, at the expense of other figures in the bloc, such as former prime minister Nuri al-Maliki, Higel said.

But such an arrangement "is not Iran's preference" Higel argued, adding that Tehran "would rather see a consensus that includes all Shiite parties".

However, she said Iran could settle for a deal where Shiite parties held sway.

"It is possible that they (Iran) would accept a scenario where not everyone is represented in the next government, as long as there is a sufficient amount of Shiite parties, including some Hashed factions," she said.

2022 AFP

View post:
As Shiite rivals jostle in Iraq, Sunni and Kurdish parties targeted - FRANCE 24

Randall Alvis was honored posthumously for his service in Vietnam Thursday during a ceremony in the Hawkins County Courthouse initiated by Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger.

In October Harshbarger hosted ceremonies throughout her district, including one in Rogersville, honoring Vietnam veterans and their families for their sacrifice and distinguished service.

Not all veterans or their families were able to attend the Rogersville event, but Harshbarger is still trying to make sure everyone is honored for their service.

On Thursday Randall Alviss daughter, Beth Ann Alvis, and two brothers Danny and Dennis attended a ceremony at the Hawkins County Courthouse.

Harsherbargers field representative Cody Woods presided over the ceremony which was also attended by Hawkins County Veterans Services Officer Col. Mike Manning.

Randall Alvis went to Vietnam when he was 18 years old, and was also a member of the Tennessee National Guards 278th in Allandale which was deployed to Iraq in 2004-05.

When Alvis passed away suddenly in 2008 at the age of 59 he was still a member of the TN National Guard, having achieved the rank of E7 (Sergeant First Class).

As part of Harshbargers recognition program, Vietnam veterans or their families received a lapel pin and congressional commendation certificate in recognition of their service.

Congresswoman Harshbarger wished she could be here today, as well as our district director Daryl Brady, Woods told Beth Ann Alvis. In honor of Mr. Alviss service in Vietnam and to our country we want to present this to you and make sure that you put that somewhere special.

Woods added This program was started as more of a recognition of service that Congresswoman Harshbarger wanted to make into more of a welcome home. I know they didnt get that when they originally came home and they werent thanked for their service. But, that is one thing wed like to do. Just a proper welcome home.

Manning noted that Sgt. Randall Alvis is in elite company.

People dont realize this but less than 1 percent of this countrys population ever served in the military, Manning said. So you can take to heart what your dad did and his sacrifices for his country.

Manning added, There are approximately 4,300 veterans in this county, which is about 10 percent of the population. Thats huge when you consider less than 1 percent (nationally) ever served in the military. That speaks volumes about this county. We are very thankful.

Hawkins County Courthouse

Rogersville, TN

Jan. 13, 2022

Read the original post:
Vietnam, Iraq vet Randall Alvis honored posthumously by Harshbarger - Therogersvillereview

Published: January 20, 2022 21:54:21 | Updated: January 20, 2022 21:58:28

Iraq has expressed its interest to boost trade and investment with Bangladesh and renew the trade agreements between the two countries, reports UNB.

Iraqi Ambassador to Bangladesh Abdulsalam Saddam Mohaimsen expressed interest at a meeting with Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi at his official residence on Thursday.

The ambassador also invited the commerce minister to visit Iraq at a convenient time to discuss trade and investment issues.

In response, Tipu Munshi said, "Bangladesh has an opportunity to enhance trade and investment with Iraq. To this end, it will be easier to identify trade and investment sectors if trade delegations from both the government and business levels of the two countries exchange visits." "Bangladesh signed a trade agreement with Iraq in 1971 to facilitate trade and commerce. It has the potential to strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries," he added. He said under the initiative of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina the work of setting up 100 special economic zones in some important places of Bangladesh is progressing fast. "Iraqi investors will benefit if they invest in Bangladesh's special economic zones. Bangladesh has made conducive environment for the investors and providing a number of attractive facilities. Iraq can take advantage of all these opportunities," Tipu said. Bangladesh exported goods worth US$3.80 million to Iraq in the fiscal year 2020-2021. At the same time, it imported goods worth $53.42 million from Iraq.

Original post:
Iraq keen to boost trade, investment with Bangladesh - The Financial Express

Sena Hamzabegovic has been acquitted by Bosnias state court of charges that between 2013 and 2018 she took part in collecting and giving financial assistance to Bosnian citizens on foreign battlefronts in Syria and Iraq, even though she knew that they were fighting for so-called ISIL, including Jahbet al-Nusra, Al-Nusrah Front and other proclaimed terrorist organisations.

Hamzabegovic allegedly travelled to Syria several times, knowing that her husband, Muradif Hamzabegovic, who took part in terrorist activities together with other Bosnian citizens, was there, and used the money to finance those activities.

She had collected around 230,000 Bosnian marks on several occasions through accounts in euros, marks and Swiss francs, which she handed over to her husband.

Trial chamber chairman Branko Peric terminated the prohibition measures imposed on her in November 2021, when she was released from custody. Her passport was also returned to her and she has been exempted from trial costs.

Judge Peric said the key issue was whether the defendant knew what the money she withdrew and gave to her husband was being used for.

Here we have the case of a wife disposing of her husbands money on the basis of an authorization, the money originating from sale of real estate. She had no knowledge that the money that ended up in Muradif Hamzabegovics hands would be used for financing terrorist activities, Peric said.

According to him, she admitted having left money at various places chosen by Muradif, such as under a carpet or in a gym. It was then taken over by third persons, who took it to Hamzabegovic.

This fact might be of importance if the defendant knew what the money was used for. But in the assessment of the Chamber, Peric said, the charge that she had been raising funds had not been proved. Had she collected donations and funds from third persons, we could speak about fundraising, judge Peric said.

He said the defence admitted that the defendant had travelled to see her husband in Syria on three occasions and that she had obtained her husbands authorization to dispose of money originating from real estate.

Peric said it was indisputable that Muradif Hamzabegovic stayed in Syria and bought immovables in that country, as also confirmed by witnesses, and this was the first thing to be determined, alongside with Muradifs membership in ISIL but it remained unproved that his wife had raised funds and knew they would be used to finance terrorist activities. The parties may appeal.

Continued here:
Bosnian Woman Acquitted of Financing Terrorism in Syria and Iraq - Balkan Insight

From a young age, reporter Shahor Omar's morning alarm was the ear-splitting sound of explosions. The haunting memories mean he still struggles to sleep at night.

Ako Ismail mourns the loss of his colleagues: kidnapped, imprisoned and killed in the warfare that devastated his homeland.

The pair are journalists from Iraqi Kurdistan, who have dedicated their lives to documenting the impact of war on Iraq and the lives of refugees fleeing to their country.

Go here for the very latest breaking news updates from across the North East

After years of reporting in an area that carries high-risk for broadcasters, they too have been forced to leave behind all that is familiar to them and flee to another nation, settling in the North East.

27-year-old Ako started out as a journalist at the age of 15, working for several local and international news outlets, and trained with experienced journalists from the BBC and Sky.

He was heavily invested in recording the daily lives of people, especially children, as they were forced into refugee camps in the northern region of Kurdistan after ISIS attacked Iraq in 2013.

He said: "If I didn't do it - who would? It was really important that the world knew what was happening during the invasion.

"I was constantly aware of the dangers, but for me, it was a necessity and I wanted to tell the stories of people forced to flee their homes."

Ako said he never expected to become a refugee himself, but after working on a report that exposed government wrong-doing, his life was under threat.

Transported via lorry without family or friends to support him, he arrived in Birmingham in 2015, before relocating to Sunderland.

He explained: "I had to leave my entire life behind to come here - it's very difficult because I miss my family terribly.

"And since that time, many things have happened to those I love. My brother was kidnapped, recently my father died and one of my friends was put in prison for six years for taking photos.

"I am constantly fearful for my colleagues - this year many more journalists have been put behind bars for trying to broadcast the truth."

Although many refugees feel a profound sense of isolation arriving in a new country, Ako used his story and strong artistic practice to build a network in the North East.

He said: "Each refugee is a survivor, and they have a story. While many choose to keep it to themselves, given my background in journalism, I knew the benefits of sharing my experience.

"It is important we learn from each others' tragedy. So that people come to understand that people don't choose to be refugees, nobody wants to be forced away from all they know and love.

"People associate war-torn countries with bad people. It's not the case, people in Iraq are just trying to get on with their lives, but they have no control."

Ako is currently sharing a photography exhibition with fellow journalist Shahor Omar at Newcastle Central Library, organised by Skimstone Arts.

Shahor is a multitalented documentary-maker, photographer and writer, who covered the war in Iraq and Syria from 2007 onwards.

Growing up Kirkuk, a city in Iraqi Kurdistan, 33-year-old Shahor remembers "waking up every morning to the sights of war."

He told the Chronicle: "I grew up with that trauma, constantly dreaming of peace-time. I became a journalist to help people understand that trauma and to share information so that we could get closer to peace."

That ambition led him to the front line of ISIS' attacks, where he and his fellow reporters would narrowly avoid bombs and gunfire.

"Our lives were constantly under threat - my friends were kidnapped, some lost limbs and others were killed in the street.

"Covering those areas, I saw awful things. People in poverty, dying, taking drugs to escape and so many kids I couldn't help.

"All I could do was document what was happening and try and share the facts as widely as possible.

"I am haunted by those memories, and to this day I struggle to sleep at night. When you're there you think, could I die today? It's hard to get away from that mindset, and the nightmares continue."

Much like Ako, Shahor's attempts to broadcast the reality of the situation, outside of the realms of the state-controlled media narrative, attracted backlash.

He was forced to leave Iraq in 2020, and now lives in Stockton, Teesside.

"Finally I am safe" he said. "I have time to unpack what has happened to me, and the things I've seen."

His photos, which are on display as part of the 'One Day Changes' exhibition are a haunting reminder of the breadth of damage inflicted by war in Syria and Iraq.

He explained: "The media are always keen to highlight human stories, which I understand. But through my photography I wanted to show how everything is impacted, like the natural environment, animals and architecture.

"Everything is a victim of war and nothing is in the right place. For instance, I took photos of kids playing on tanks, because their playgrounds were replaced with military equipment."

Ako's images, meanwhile, are mesmerising depictions of daily life. They show the resilience of children in Iraqi refugee camps as well as those impacted by the Halabja genocide of 1988, a massacre of Kurdish people that took place during the closing days of the Iran-Iraq war.

The exhibition, organised by Claire Webster Saaremets - Artistic Director of from Skimstone Arts, runs until January 20.

The artists will also feature at a Holocaust Memorial Day event organised by Skimstone Arts on January 27 at Bewick Hall, in the City Library.

For a North East politics and regional affairs digest direct to your inbox, go here to sign up to the free Northern Agenda newsletter

Read this article:
Refugee journalists share their harrowing stories - having fled Iraq and settled in the North East - Chronicle Live