Author: garykent

Normblog draws our attention to a BBC radio programme with a spirited debate on the future of Iraq. Normblog says: In the first programme of the series Brendan O Leary, a professor of politics and a former constitutional adviser to the Kurdistan Regional Government argues that Iraq is still on course for a future as a federal pluralist democracy. He takes on a panel of journalists and analysts at the international affairs think tank, Chatham House. BBC World Affairs Editor John Simpson is in the chair. The programme was Hecklers, on BBC Radio 4, and you can listen again here … Continue reading Brendan O Leary on Iraq

Al Sabah reports that thirteen conditions need to be met as the Sunni price for reconciliation. That they have been published may be indicative that some progress is being made. Iraqi Kurds fear that an alliance with Iran may begin military actions on both sides of the Iraqi border. Vali Nasr argues that the future of the Middle East ultimately lies with a resolution of the conflict between Sunnis and Shiites, rather than a settlement imposed by the US.(David Spector)

Harry Barnes examines sport in the new Iraq.

Agriculture was always given a low priority under Saddam but this could lead to Iraq becoming a net exporter of food again. The sector will be the second largest contributor to the economy after oil and has the greatest potential to provide new jobs.

LFIQ stalwart Harry Barnes now has his own blog on which he reflects in detail on a recent trip from Arbil to Sulaymaniyah including signs of a great deal of individual and community effort in circumstances of a new found freedom.

Keivn Maguire reports on Hadi Never Died in the Daily Mirror 19,July 2006 IRAQI trade union leader Hadi Saleh was tortured and killed by assassins said to be loyal to Saddam Hussein. A book commemorating efforts to rebuild unions in Iraq will be launched today in the Commons by his widow and TUC general secretary Brendan Barber. The war is a disaster, but Hadi’s death reminds us militants are killing countrymen who are working for a fairer Iraq. The UK and US can’t avoid responsibility. The TUC was all over the place on the war, but deserves praise for trying … Continue reading Daily Mirror on Hadi Saleh

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber pays tribute to slain Iraqi trade union leader, Hadi Saleh as the TUC launches a booklet dedicated to his memory and the success of the Iraqi labour movement. Brendan Barber concludes: The so-called resistance and the religious fanatics are currently engaged in what some trade unionists there have described as genocide against workers. They are fairly clearly trying to stop trade unions from becoming a beacon for a secular, democratic, anti-sectarian and egalitarian civil society. I remember Hadi Saleh, and I want to make sure they fail.

The Arab League General Secretary is attending a two day meeting of Iraqs neighbour states. He has indicated that he is hopeful that recent developments, and plans to support the Iraqi nation, will result in security and stability (Dave Spector).

Arabs are now flocking to the Kurdish regions of Iraq but in some cases this has led to a trebling of prices. (Dave Spector)

During Saddams rule only a few government officers were allowed access to the Internet. Now it has become a symbol of freedomas well as a relatively safe form of entertainment (Dave Spector)