The 2025 election reveals a crisis deeper than disillusionment. Iraq’s problem is the internalised belief that nothing will ever change. Psychologists call this state ‘learned helplessness’.
For India, the strategic ripples are significant. The immediate concern is Pakistan’s diplomatic gain as it embeds itself deeper into the defence framework of the Middle East.
Iranian armed forces target Al-Udeid Airbase in Qatar. US air defence system is reported to have been activated at Ain Al-Assad Airbase in Western Iraq as well.
Death sentences were used in some Middle East countries to silence human rights defenders, dissidents, protesters, political opponents & ethnic minorities, Amnesty report adds.
Move follows warnings issued privately by US officials since Trump came to power, according to Reuters. Groups fear American airstrikes & now have Revolutionary Guard's blessing to disband.
Critics say bill will enshrine sectarianism in relationships, give power to clerics, and push Iraq toward religious patriarchy. A blow to women, children's rights, say rights groups.
The law, which aims to 'protect Iraqi society from moral depravity and the calls for homosexuality that have overtaken the world', was backed mainly by conservative Shi’ite Muslim parties.
In tactical terms, the shirtless protest was worse than a self-goal. Suddenly, the fiascos of the AI Summit were forgotten, and the Youth Congress’s disruption became the issue.
IAF is fine with accepting the aircraft with 'must-haves', even if some other steps remain pending, which may take at least another year, it is learnt.
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