Author: Sameer N. Yacoub
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Iraqi bill to legalize child marriage criticized
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BAGHDAD (AP) — A contentious draft law being considered in Iraq could open the door to girls as young as nine getting married and would require wives to submit to sex on their husband’s whim, provoking outrage from rights activists and many Iraqis who see it as a step backward for women’s rights. The measure,…
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Iraq Shiite cleric hopeful about US pullback
BAGHDAD – A Shiite cleric whose followers have been blamed in some of Iraq’s worst violence gave a cautious welcome Wednesday to the withdrawal of U.S. combat troops from cities. Muqtada al-Sadr said he was “filled with hope” but expressed concern that some Americans will remain in urban areas. The U.S. military was required to…