The Iraqi election in Kirkuk
President Barack Obama hailed a “milestone” in the history of Iraq, as it completed its second parliamentary election since the 2003 invasion. He praised the courage of voters who turned out despite bomb and mortar attacks that killed at least 35 people. Two buildings were destroyed in Baghdad, while there were also attacks in Mosul, Falluja, Baquba and Samarra. The “voting makes it clear that the future of Iraq belongs to the people of Iraq,” Mr Obama said. “In the face of violence from those who would only destroy, Iraqis took a step forward in the hard work of building up their country.” Reporter Ben Gilbert has been covering the election for The World from the northern city of Kirkuk. (All photos: Ben Gilbert)
Violence as the voting begins
At least 14 people were killed in Baghdad on the first day of voting. The day before, three suicide bombers attacked police and a hospital in Baquba, killing at least 30 people. Reporter Ben Gilbert accompanied an American embasssy election observer team in Kirkuk. (aired March 4)
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
The role of Kirkuk
Nearly 1.5 million Iraqis living began casting their votes on March 5, while, people inside Iraq voted on March 7. The northern city of Kirkuk is ground zero for a potential conflict following the planned US withdrawal: the struggle between Arabs and Kurds over a large part of the country’s north. In his second story, reporter Ben Gilbert looks at the role Kirkuk plays in the vote. (aired March 5)
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Counting underway
The voter turnout in Iraq’s general elections was 62%, officials say, despite attacks that killed 38 people. Preliminary results are not expected for several more days but the turnout figure is down from the 75% who voted in the 2005 general elections. Prime Minister Nouri Maliki’s State of Law Coalition is widely expected to win the most seats. (aired March 8)
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Additional funding for PRI's The World is provided by:
Discussion
No comments for “The Iraqi election in Kirkuk”