An Iraqi political party, linked to a powerful militia, has announced plans to run in the country's general elections for the first time while calling for the withdrawal of US troops.
The Huqooq Movement is the political wing of Kataib Hezbollah, the most high-profile Iran-backed militia in Iraq. They have been accused of targeting protesters during the October 2019 demonstrations.
"We are not radicals, instead, we've identified a problem and are seeking to restore rights through political means under the umbrella of the constitution,” Hussein Mounis, the party’s leader said during a press conference to announce their electoral programme.
Mr Mounes, who also used to go by the name of Abu Ali Al Askari, was the spokesman for Kataib Hezbollah.
He said the party has "the ability to achieve" its goals, which includes political and economic demands "with which we’ve defended the homeland and expelled anyone who wanted evil for this country.”
Kataib Hezbollah has been accused of targeting US forces stationed across the country.
The group has continuously demanded the withdrawal of 2,500 American troops stationed in Iraq and opposes Western influence in the country.
Mr Mounes stressed that the party’s “ambition now is to pass a law in the House of Representatives that American forces should leave the country," referring to a law passed in early 2020.
“There is an occupation that we seek to expel from our land,” he said, adding the party’s demand for the complete withdrawal of foreign forces from the country.
Iraq’s electoral laws prohibits political parties from having armed wings. The development comes as militia leader Qais Al Khazali, head of Asa’ib Ahl Al Haq, accused international bodies of rigging the general elections.
Iraqis are expected to head to the polls on October 10 to elect a new parliament in what is seen as one of the most important voting process in the region.
"There is strong will to rig the upcoming elections which must be prevented. Voters should be able to express their opinions freely and not give in to pressure,” Mr Al Khazali said.
On Sunday, Iraq’s High Electoral Commission announced a decision to expel the Popular Mobilisation Forces, a subgroup of Kataib Hezbollah, from the special voting system. This means fighters must return to their home districts to cast their ballot.
Mr Mounes said IHEC's decision is robbing “the rights of fighters to choose who represents them and protects them from those who seek to weaken their power and confiscate their votes".
Why your domicile status is important
Your UK residence status is assessed using the statutory residence test. While your residence status – ie where you live - is assessed every year, your domicile status is assessed over your lifetime.
Your domicile of origin generally comes from your parents and if your parents were not married, then it is decided by your father. Your domicile is generally the country your father considered his permanent home when you were born.
UK residents who have their permanent home ("domicile") outside the UK may not have to pay UK tax on foreign income. For example, they do not pay tax on foreign income or gains if they are less than £2,000 in the tax year and do not transfer that gain to a UK bank account.
A UK-domiciled person, however, is liable for UK tax on their worldwide income and gains when they are resident in the UK.
Dubai Bling season three
Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed
Rating: 1/5
The Brutalist
Director: Brady Corbet
Stars: Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce, Joe Alwyn
Rating: 3.5/5
Tell-tale signs of burnout
- loss of confidence and appetite
- irritability and emotional outbursts
- sadness
- persistent physical ailments such as headaches, frequent infections and fatigue
- substance abuse, such as smoking or drinking more
- impaired judgement
- excessive and continuous worrying
- irregular sleep patterns
Tips to help overcome burnout
Acknowledge how you are feeling by listening to your warning signs. Set boundaries and learn to say ‘no’
Do activities that you want to do as well as things you have to do
Undertake at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. It releases an abundance of feel-good hormones
Find your form of relaxation and make time for it each day e.g. soothing music, reading or mindful meditation
Sleep and wake at the same time every day, even if your sleep pattern was disrupted. Without enough sleep condition such as stress, anxiety and depression can thrive.
How it works
1) The liquid nanoclay is a mixture of water and clay that aims to convert desert land to fertile ground
2) Instead of water draining straight through the sand, it apparently helps the soil retain water
3) One application is said to last five years
4) The cost of treatment per hectare (2.4 acres) of desert varies from $7,000 to $10,000 per hectare
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