Fears of 'Shocking Scenarios' In Iraq’s October Elections

 A video meeting between Iraqi PM and the President of the European Council on Tuesday (AP).
A video meeting between Iraqi PM and the President of the European Council on Tuesday (AP).
TT
20

Fears of 'Shocking Scenarios' In Iraq’s October Elections

 A video meeting between Iraqi PM and the President of the European Council on Tuesday (AP).
A video meeting between Iraqi PM and the President of the European Council on Tuesday (AP).

In the wake of the suicide bombing that targeted Sadr City, east of Baghdad, on the eve of Eid al-Adha, Iraqi public opinion saw such incidents as “political messages,” which could “recur” until the elections are held in October.

Many agree that the upcoming poll is the most complex among all previous rounds since 2003, as difficult scenarios lie in the horizon, regardless of the winner, amid an intricate equation and an unprecedented political race.

But the main forces insist on holding the elections on time, driven by great enthusiasm to achieve a broad legislative presence, especially among the political wings representing the armed Shiite factions. Those see the upcoming elections as an opportunity to increase their influence in the legislative and executive authorities, as well as to end the mandate of their rival, Mustafa Al-Kadhimi.

Pro-Iranian Shiite leaders are discussing various propositions to deal with Kadhimi, whom they blame for obstructing the project of the Popular Mobilization Forces.

The Iraqi premier is aware that his role is limited on “holding the elections” on the agreed date, but he adopts a political approach that prevents the armed factions from taking over the state and its institutions.

Activists say that boycotting the elections aims to postpone them to another date in safer conditions, in an attempt to prevent the armed groups from seizing legislative seats. However, the decision appears to be nothing more than a message of protest rather than a practical step that would affect the path of the powerful forces.

The activists, who tried months ago to organize themselves for the elections, said that the armed groups intimidated their political representatives through liquidation and kidnapping, which prevented many from engaging freely in the electoral process.

But the turning point for the boycotters was when the leader of the Sadr movement decided to join them, when he stepped out of the race at a crucial moment, and turned the equation towards postponing the elections.

Sadr’s opponents see his boycott of the elections as a painful blow to their plans, and a strike to the equations they have set up months ago, which would not allow for major changes in the balance of power.

The danger of the upcoming elections lies in its results. The loss or victory of the two parties to the conflict will leave the country in front of new and persistent tension.

In the event that the political representatives of the armed factions win, an emerging social frontline will revive the protests, as it is not represented in Parliament. The loss of the armed factions, on the other hand, will increase tension and hamper the minimum level of calm between Shiite actors.



US Imposes Sanctions on Yemen Bank, Citing Support to Houthis

Signage is seen at the United States Department of the Treasury headquarters in Washington, DC, US, August 29, 2020. (Reuters)
Signage is seen at the United States Department of the Treasury headquarters in Washington, DC, US, August 29, 2020. (Reuters)
TT
20

US Imposes Sanctions on Yemen Bank, Citing Support to Houthis

Signage is seen at the United States Department of the Treasury headquarters in Washington, DC, US, August 29, 2020. (Reuters)
Signage is seen at the United States Department of the Treasury headquarters in Washington, DC, US, August 29, 2020. (Reuters)

The United States unveiled sanctions Thursday on a Yemen bank, including its key leaders, citing its support for Houthi militants in that country.

The designation of the International Bank of Yemen (IBY) complements a government effort "to stop Iran-backed Houthi attacks against commercial shipping in the Red Sea," said the US Treasury Department.

The Houthis launched an armed coup in 2014, seizing control of the capital Sanaa and other several provinces.

Since November 2023, the Houthis have targeted shipping lanes using missiles and drones in what they say is solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, where a brutal war has raged since October that year.

"Financial institutions like IBY are critical to the Houthis' efforts to access the international financial system and threaten both the region and international commerce," said Deputy Treasury Secretary Michael Faulkender in a statement.

The official said the US government was "committed to working with the internationally recognized government of Yemen."

Thursday's action follows a designation in January of the Yemen Kuwait Bank for Trade and Investment.

In a separate statement, the US State Department added that Washington was "committed to disrupting Houthi financial networks and banking access."

Besides the IBY, key leaders targeted in Thursday's actions are Kamal Hussain Al Jebry, Ahmed Thabit Noman Al-Absi and Abdulkader Ali Bazara, the Treasury Department said.

As a result of sanctions, property and interests in property of designated individuals in the United States are blocked and must be reported.