http://news.linktv.org Link TV News Videos (Filtered by topics: Sadrist Movement) en-us Mon, 30 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0700 Copyright 2011 Link Media, Inc. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-073012?start=1104 In Iraq, the al-Sadr movement's liberal bloc said the latest dispute between Peshmerga forces and the Iraqi army over their deployment was expected, given the lack of clarity regarding the responsibilities of the federal and Kurd governments, reports Al-Iraqiya. Mon, 30 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-073012 Syrian Civil War, Jerusalem, Palestinians, Rohingya, Kashmir, US presidential election, 2012, Economy of Israel, Israeli settlement, Iraqi Army, United Nations Special Rapporteur Presenter, Female #1 In Iraq, the al-Sadr movement's liberal bloc said the latest dispute between the Peshmerga forces and the Iraqi army over the security deployment was expected, given the lack of reforms of the respective tasks of the federal government and the government of the Kurdistan region. Presenter, Male #1 The bloc's secretary general, Diaa al-Asadi, told al-Markaz al-Khabary, an Iraqi media outlet, that all political parties are to blame for the unclear powers and responsibilities of Baghdad and Erbil, and warned of the implications of political disputes. It is a new chapter in the political scene as diverging stances are being adopted; they range between pacification and the call for reforms. Presenter, Female #1 This comes following the latest position adopted by the presidency of the Iraqi Kurdistan province that led to the deployment of Iraqi military forces at the border with Syria. A number of parliamentarians have called for a questioning of the president of the province over his stance on the military deployment. Reporter, Male #2 In light of the last position of the leadership of the Iraqi Kurdistan province to deploy Iraqi military forces at the border with Syria to maintain the peace, many parliamentarians are demanding that the president of the province be questioned. This time, the Iraqi political scene has shifted between those who are calling for pacification and moving forward with reform, and those who want a unified position against this action that is considered unconstitutional. The constitution granted the federal government the power to deploy Iraqi forces in any part of Iraq. Guest, Male #3 (Sharwan Waeli, National Alliance Representative) The government is supposed to act. It is being blamed, and will be held responsible in case it fails to do so, because the security situation is under threat now. The government is supposed to take precautionary measures. We must decrease the number of these statements that many are issuing and always creating more problems, be it from the federal government or the provinces, or between Iraq and neighboring countries. We must decrease the importance of these unnecessary statements. Reporter, Male #2 Representatives of the Kurdistan alliance defended the position of the president of the Kurdistan region. They said it was a reaction to the province and the federal government's coordination committee, that was not informed of the deployment of Iraqi armed forces. Guest, Female #2 (Ashwaq al-Jaf, Kurdistan Alliance MP) If forces are deployed to any disputed areas, the coordination committee must be informed. There was a precedent, and at the time of the turmoil in the city of Jalawla and al-Saadiya, Peshmerga forces were used, but they did not enter the city. They remained at the border until they received the approval of the coordination committee, the Iraqi Defense Ministry, and the Peshmerga Ministry. Reporter, Male #2 And with that, the call for reform presented by the national alliance remains the last hope to solve the crisis. Guest, Male #4 (Zuhair al-Araji, Independent MP) We are waiting for the completion of the reform call by our brothers at the National Alliance, and to present it to other political blocs, and not only focus on the larger political blocs. Guest, Male #5 (Adel Fahad al-Shirshab, National Alliance MP) Reform and dialogue is the right path. This is why the National Alliance initiated the calls for reform. This option is not the end, but the beginning of the project. Reporter, Male #2 The bickering between the two sides is dominating the Iraqi political scene, despite the calls for pacification and the belief by most political blocs that reform is the best path towards a solution. From Baghdad, Razak al-Geli, Al-Iraqiya. ** Contact Mosaic News: mosaicnews{at}linktv{dot}org http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-061112?start=246 Iraq has rejected the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki due to a lack of parliamentary quorum, as the political battle continues to rage, reports Dubai TV. Mon, 11 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-061112 Iraq, Saif al-Islam, Nouri al-Maliki, 2010 Kashmir unrest, Syrian Civil War, Gasoline and diesel usage and pricing, Yad Vashem, Islamic State of Iraq, Anti-Zionism, Politics of Iraq Presenter, Male #1 Iraq has rejected the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki due to a lack of parliamentary quorum, as the political battle continues to rage. Meanwhile, al-Maliki's opponents say they will continue to push for a no-confidence vote against the government through constitutional channels. They sent a letter to President Jalal Talbani confirming the validity of the legislators' signatures, which they say meet the quorum required by the constitution for a no-confidence vote. Our correspondent Shafiq Abed al-Jabar reports from Baghdad. Reporter, Male #2 The battle for enforcing a no-confidence vote against the Nouri al-Maliki-led government is continuing within the legal formwork. Members of the Iraqiya Bloc, the Kurdistan Alliance, and the Sadrist Movement met in Irbil to counter President Jalal Talabani's decision to block a no-confidence vote against al-Maliki due to a lack of parliamentary quorum. For his part, Sadrist leader Muqtada al-Sadr said the battle for a no-confidence vote will continue amid reservations by the Rule of Law Coalition. Guest, Male #3 (Abbas al-Biyani, Rule of Law Member) The only choice left is to implement political reforms within a time frame specified by a roadmap. However, these reforms require the launch of a national dialogue. Reporter, Male #2 The failure to enforce a no-confidence vote was due to a lack of parliamentary quorum after 11 legislators withdrew their names from the list, bringing the number of voters to 160, a move that has weakened the position of parliamentary blocs opposing the government and the prime minister. In addition, Talabani's refusal to submit the motion to the parliament has increased al-Maliki's chances of remaining in office and resuming the national dialogue. Guest, Male #4 (Abed Khader al-Taher, Iraqiya Bloc Member) We are embarking on a historical crossroad. Therefore, we must utilize the democratic principles in a positive way. Also, we need to mobilize in ways that will enable us to serve the Iraqi people and help bring the political rivals closer, as well as help them put an end to their hostility. Reporter, Male #2 The situation is back to square one. This is the title of the political game in Iraq, with its many faces. While some are calling for a national dialogue to resolve the crisis, others are warning against it. And in between the two, the crisis seems to getting further complicated, especially amid the deteriorating security situation. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-042712?start=939 <p><strong>WARNING: Graphic Content. </strong>Jordanian protestors demand change in policies instead of governments, Yemen faces growing child malnutrition crisis, Egyptian Islamists rally against attempt to revive Mubarak era, and more.</p> Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-042712 Syrian Civil War, Cairo, Politics of Jordan, Yemen, Bahrain Uprising, Egyptian presidential election, 2012, Politics of Iraq, Greater and Lesser Tunbs, US-Israel relations, Islamic Unification Movement Presenter, Female #1 Leader of the Sadrist movement Muqtada al-Sadr called on political opponents in Iraq to solve their disputes only through dialogue. Al-Sadr made this statement during his visit to the northern Iraqi city of Erbil on a mediation mission, where he met with President of the Kurdistan Region Massoud al-Barzani. In Washington, Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Hussain al-Shahristani rejected foreign mediation to resolve the country's disputes. Reporter, Female #2 This is a step towards solving the internal political crisis between the president of the Kurdistan Region and the Iraqi government in Baghdad. Mediation efforts are led by the Sadrist movement's leader, Muqtada al-Sadr, who is seeking to solve the situation during his visit to the city of Erbil, a visit that has been described as historic, and during which he called on political opponents to engage in a dialogue. Guest, Male #1 (Mr. Muqtada al-Sadr, Leader of the Sadrist Movement) Dialogue is the only way to end political disputes, in the past and in the future. Reporter, Female #2 Al-Sadr, who was received by the President of the Kurdistan Region Massoud Barzani, brought forward 18 proposals to settle the political situation. His proposals include a call for strengthening the Iraqi government, involving all social components in the government, and caring for Iraq's public interests and the Iraqi people regardless of political affiliation. He indicated he came to hear the northerners' opinion after having listened to al-Maliki in Tehran. As for oil, which is the main cause of the crisis between the two sides, al-Sadr confirmed it belongs to all Iraqis, and no individual has the right to control it without the participation of others. Guest, Male #1 Iraq's oil belongs to the Iraqi people. No individual has the right to claim it as their own and exclude others. Reporter, Female #2 Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs Hussain al-Shahristani indicated that as long a solution to the Iraqi crisis is being sought internally, foreign mediation efforts will lose their appeal, implicitly rejecting US suggestions to mediate the crisis. Guest, Male #2 (Hussain al-Shahristani, Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs) I'm sure it is clear to all parties that any internal issue should be discussed by Iraqis inside Iraq. Reporter, Female #2 Shahristani discussed the issue after meeting with US Vice President Joe Biden. He rejected foreign interference in his country's affairs, alluding to Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's attack on al-Maliki. Iraqis considered Erdogan's statements as adding fuel to the crisis, while foreign countries described them as a breach of diplomatic protocol. The north views Sadr's mediation efforts with great optimism, as officials in Kurdistan say it will lead to a more stable political situation in Iraq. Presenter, Female #1 An Iraqi family of four, consisting of a mother and her three children, was killed by gunmen in the village of Abu Karmah, north of Baghdad. This took place several hours after eight people were killed and 18 were wounded in a bombing at a local cafe in the same village. Ten people were killed and 18 others were injured northeast of Baghdad. Iraqi sources said the bombings occurred after attacks using explosive devices were carried out in various sites of Baquba, the capital city of Diyala Governorate. They added that most of the victims were civilians. Police forces cordoned off the explosion sites in the city as the wounded were transferred to hospitals for treatment. http://news.linktv.org/videos/iraqs-gay-community-and-emo-youths-fear-abuse-violence-and-death?start=0 Iraq's religious militias are increasingly targeting men who are either gay or simply appear effeminate -- particularly youths dressed as "emo," a uniquely Western-influenced style, which for some in Iraq is associated with homosexuality. Wed, 14 Mar 2012 11:09:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/iraqs-gay-community-and-emo-youths-fear-abuse-violence-and-death Iraq, Gay community, Emo, Murder, Shia Islam, Hate crime, Homosexuality, Sadr City, Baghdad, Sadrist Movement In Iraq, the gay community has been living in fear for years, as religious militia maintain control of the streets in the sectarian warfare that followed the US-led invasion in 2003. Hurriya, a gay activist, says in the past two months the killings have increased and are the worst he has seen, with men murdered for their homosexuality or for appearing effeminate -- particularly those dressed as "emo," a uniquely Western-influenced style, which for some in Iraq is associated with homosexuality. ---- Twenty-five-year old Roby Hurriya holds two pictures of his friend Saif Asmar lying dead on the ground, having been brutally killed by Iraqi religious police for having a "emo" hairstyle last month. Hurriya, a doctor's assistant and also as a gay activist does not want to reveal his real name so he uses Hurriya, which means "freedom" in Arabic. He holds his mobile phone with a picture of Asmar prior to his death, a teenager with a stylish haircut and another image of him dead, his body sprawled in the back of white pickup truck with his head fractured and bleeding. "They laid him down on the pavement and smashed his head with a cement block," he said. In Iraq, the gay community has been living in fear for years, as religious militia maintain control of the streets in the sectarian warfare which followed the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein. Hurriya says in the past two months the killings have increased and are the worst he has seen. He also says that he believes at least 200 men have been murdered for their homosexuality or appearing effeminate. He personally knows 66 of them. In the beginning of the year, death squads targeted two separate groups - homosexuals, and those dressed as "emo", a uniquely Western-influenced style, which for some in Iraq is associated with homosexuality. According to local security and medical sources, at least 14 young men have been bludgeoned to death in a span of three weeks in east Baghdad, an area dominated by Shiite Muslims. Meanwhile, there have been reports of other methods of killing in other cities but these incidents have not been recorded by national authorities leaving the number of deaths unknown. In the last few days, militiamen from Shiite groups, primarily from the Sadr City district, have distributed lists including names threatening to kill men and women for their "emo" ways. Hurriya has been documenting the killings and runs a safe house for gay men. "We, as the gay community, are connected like string. We know if anything bad has happened to any of us," he said. "A cleric from Sadr City who is gay called me a few days ago and told me that some gay people were killed and their bodies were dumped there. He helped me reach the place and take some photos," he added In recent days, "Emo" youth in Iraq are rushing to barbers to get their hair cut in a particular style. They wear tight jeans, T-shirts, silver chains and items with skull logos. However, stores which sell clothing and jewelry with skulls and band logos have started to take down their "emo" merchandise. Last month, the interior ministry released a statement that labeled the "emo" culture as Satanic. It also said a special police force would stamp it out. Hafidh Jamal, 19, a shoe sales person in an upscale Iraqi neighborhood, said he fled his home and had to give up dressing in black and cut his long hair as he feared he'd be killed just like two of his friends. By: Nadia Mayen Al Arabiya with Agencies http://news.linktv.org/videos/iraqi-forces-take-over-security-as-us-pulls-out?start=0 US President Barack Obama will today mark the end of the Iraq war with a visit to the Fort Bragg Military base. As US troops complete their withdrawal, the focus now turns to Iraqi forces, and their ability to maintain security. Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:23:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/iraqi-forces-take-over-security-as-us-pulls-out Withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, Iraq, Iraqi Armed Forces, Iraq War, Iraqi Army, Iraqi security forces, US-Iraq relations, Baghdad, Sadrist Movement, Muqtada al-Sadr US President Barack Obama will today mark the end of the Iraq war with a visit to the Fort Bragg Military base. The US is just days away from completing its withdrawal. As troops prepare to leave, the focus now turns to Iraqi forces, and their ability to maintain security. Al Jazeera's Jane Arraf reports from Baghdad. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100611?start=726 Afghans denounce US occupation on eve of invasion's anniversary, Iraq decides to keep US trainers but withholds immunity, Palestinians rally in support of Israeli prison hunger strike, and more.<br /> Thu, 06 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100611 Protest, Civilian casualties, US Armed Forces, Palestinians, Sniper, US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, 2011 Libyan Uprising, Sirte, Syrian Civil War Presenter, Male #1 In its first response to the agreement reached by Iraqi politicians, which comes despite their fundamental differences, the Sadrist Movement rejected the extension of any US training troops in the country, with or without immunity. The Iraqi prime minister was able to rally the support of the various political blocs, granting him the authority to negotiate the extension of US military trainers in the country after their withdrawal at the end of this year. However, the trainers would not be granted immunity, as demanded by Washington. Shafiq Abed Jabar reports from Baghdad. Reporter, Male #2 Despite all expectations, the political blocs have reached a unified deal, affirming the need for further training and preparation for the Iraqi armed forces. This means that the US forces would remain in Iraq after the expiration of the security agreement at the end of this year. The trainers would serve as military trainers for Iraqi institutions but would not enjoy legal immunity. Guest, Male #3 (Roze Nouri Shawish, Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister) The participants agreed to not grant them immunity. The proposed trainings must take place in Iraqi institutions only. Reporter, Male #2 The Sadrist Movement expressed a different position from that of its rivals by renewing its rejection of the extension of the US forces' stay in Iraq. Guest, Male #4 (Baha'a al-A'raj, Sadrist Leader) We strongly reject the extension of the US forces' stay, regardless of whether they are trainers or not, with or without immunity. This is our final decision. Reporter, Male #2 It seems that the political blocs in Iraq have set aside their fundamental differences and agreed on the issue. However, it all hinges on the US reaction. Guest, Male #5 (Ahmed al-Abyad, Journalist and Writer) I believe that the US will not accept that its forces be stripped of their legal immunity. Immunity has been the main disagreement in the negotiations between Washington and Baghdad. Reporter, Male #2 The Iraqi public may have a slightly different position than the one adopted by their politicians. However, the future of Iraq seems unclear, as seen by some. Guest, Male #6 I think it's a good idea. Having said that, we must depend on ourselves, as Iraqis. It's true that the Americans played a role in the transfer of power in Iraq but we shouldn't be depending on them all the time. Guest, Male #7 I don't care whether they stay or leave. What is important is who will provide us with services and improve infrastructure. Reporter, Male #2 The presence of the US military in Iraq, whether for training purposes or not, with or without immunity, is a decision that will ultimately be made by the Iraqi parliament. From Baghdad, Shafiq Abed Jabar, Dubai TV. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-091611?start=1205 <p>Protestors in Jordan demand 'downfall of the Wadi Araba peace treaty,' Syrian activists vow to continue until the regime is brought down, thousands of Iraqis decry government corruption and poor public services, and more.</p> Fri, 16 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-091611 Friday prayers, Syria, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, 2011 Libyan Uprising, Yemen Uprising, Saudi Arabia, Palestinian National Authority Presenter, Female # 1 Thousands of Iraqis protested after Friday prayers in the city of al-Sadr, east of the capital Baghdad, in response to the call by Sadrist Movement leader Muqtada al-Sadr. The demonstrators held government officials responsible for the deterioration of services and demanded the legislative body hold those responsible accountable. In addition, other cities witnessed similar protests. Reporter, Male # 3 In response to the call of Sadrist Movement leader Muqtada al-Sadr, thousands of Iraqis protested in the center of the capital Baghdad. They held some government factions responsible for the deterioration of the government's work and its shortcomings in providing basic services to the citizens. Guest, Male # 4 These people are in murky waters. If Iyad Allawi and the Iraqiya bloc wanted to reform the government, they would have had their supporters on the street; they have 90 seats. They would've come to Tahrir Square and to the offices of the martyr the way our brothers protested in al-Sadr city. Reporter, Male # 3 Politicians who participated in the demonstrations confirmed that the continued slow pace of implementing government programs and promises will negatively reflect on the street that now demands accountability for the negligent and corrupt holding important posts in the government and parliament. Those officials are playing negative roles and ignoring essential issues in the country.