[Published here on June 11, 2019]
Baghdad (AFP) – The succession of two powerful cousins to the top government posts in Iraqi Kurdistan has sealed the Barzani family’s “monarchic” rule over the autonomous region, analysts say.
parliament
In Iraq, political wrangling spawns debate over US troops | AFP
[Co-written with AFP’s Salam Faraj; published here January 22, 2019]
Baghdad (AFP) – From the halls of parliament to the lightning-fast rumour mills of social media, pro-Iran factions are demanding US troops withdraw from Iraq in a challenge to the country’s fragile government.
First-time voters eagerly weigh in on Lebanese election | AFP
[Published here on May 6, 2018]
Beirut (AFP) – Hanin Terjman was among the first outside her Beirut polling station Sunday: like many young Lebanese, she is voting for the first time and wants to see new faces in parliament.
Election fever hits Lebanon, nine years since last legislative vote | AFP
[Published here on April 18, 2018]
As its first parliamentary vote in nearly a decade approaches, Lebanon has been swept into campaign fever: posters on every corner, televised debates, and neighbours bickering over new electoral procedures.
Lebanon activists ramp up pressure on reviled rape law | AFP
[Published here on April 22, 2017]
Beirut (AFP) – Lebanese activists ramped up their campaign to scrap a controversial law allowing rapists who marry their victims to go free, with a dramatic installation on Saturday along Beirut’s sunny seaside.
