Latest news with #Komal
Rudaw Net
12 hours ago
- Business
- Rudaw Net
Cabinet formation needed despite ‘illegitimate' parliament: Komal leader
Also in Kurdistan New Crimean-Congo fever case confirmed in Duhok Canada opens business council to enhance cooperation with Erbil, Baghdad: Ambassador Energy deals with US to boost industrial, economic growth: KRG official KDP accuses 'some' in Baghdad of eroding federalism, using salaries for leverage A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The leader of the Kurdistan Justice Group (Komal), one of the Kurdistan Region's two main Islamic parties, criticized the current Kurdish parliament as lacking legitimacy due to alleged electoral fraud. Despite this, Ali Bapir argued that convening it to form a new government would still serve the public interest. 'This [parliament] has no legitimacy. We wouldn't even bother trying to dissolve it because we don't consider it legitimate,' Bapir told Rudaw in an interview that was aired on Monday. The Kurdistan Region held delayed parliamentary elections in October 2024, two years after the original date. The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) won 39 out of 100 seats, followed by the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) with 23. As no party achieved a majority, a governing coalition is required, as has been customary. Amid the impasse, lawmakers in the Kurdish parliament - who are seemingly awaiting the outcome of the government formation talks between the KDP and the PUK - have convened only once in December, without electing a speaker or deputies. The session ended with no significant decisions and was adjourned indefinitely. Despite the political stalemate, Bapir said, 'If [this parliament] convenes and forms a new government, it would be for the benefit of the people.' Importantly, Komal, which won just three seats, rejected the October election results soon after their announcement, alleging that the vote was rigged. 'We should ask why we didn't get better results. In fact, we did—but they didn't give them to us,' Bapir charged, claiming that 'everyone agrees that massive fraud was committed' and that 'the elections were orchestrated in advance.' Komal 'will not be part of a parliament that was pre-designed' and 'will not give legitimacy to an illegitimate situation,' Bapir reiterated. Of note, Komal's MP-elect, Omar Gulpi, who has not yet taken his oath of office, filed a lawsuit with Iraq's Federal Supreme Court in May, challenging the legitimacy of the Kurdish parliament and calling for the election results to be annulled. Bapir commented, 'Perhaps, beyond him [Gulpi], there are many others from across the political spectrum who want this parliament dissolved and a new, clean, and fair election," Bapir commented. In April, Iraq's Council of Ministers set November 11 as the date for the next federal legislative elections. Following the announcement, several Kurdish opposition parties - including Komal, the Kurdistan Islamic Union (KIU), New Generation Movement (NGM), National Stance Movement (Halwest), and the People's Front (Baray Gal) - began talks to form a joint electoral alliance to challenge the Kurdish ruling parties. However, the effort fell apart. Halwest withdrew, citing mistrust and accusing unnamed groups of conducting separate negotiations with Baghdad. NGM, the largest opposition party with 15 seats, insisted on leading the coalition, further stalling progress. 'We tried to form a broad opposition alliance - and I won't go into the details - but we couldn't make it happen,' Bapir said. He blamed NGM and 'other sides' for the failure, adding that the movement had 'imposed a prohibitive condition that no party could accept.' Despite the setbacks, Bapir affirmed to Rudaw that Komal has made a 'decisive decision' to participate in the November legislative elections.
Rudaw Net
12 hours ago
- Business
- Rudaw Net
Energy deals with US to boost industrial, economic growth: KRG official
Also in Kurdistan New Crimean-Congo fever case confirmed in Duhok Cabinet formation needed despite 'illegitimate' parliament: Komal leader Canada opens business council to enhance cooperation with Erbil, Baghdad: Ambassador KDP accuses 'some' in Baghdad of eroding federalism, using salaries for leverage A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Two new major energy agreements with US companies will significantly increase gas and electricity production in the Kurdistan Region, laying the groundwork for industrial expansion, a top investment official said on Monday. In May, two major energy agreements were signed between Erbil and two US companies valued at a combined $110 billion over their lifespans during Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani's visit to the US. 'The two contracts are important for us investors because gas and electricity production will increase in the Kurdistan Region,' Mohammed Shukri, head of the Kurdistan Region's Board of Investment, told Rudaw. The HKN Energy and ONEX Group signed a binding term sheet with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) for the development of the Miran Gas Field, with another agreement with WesternZagros to develop the Topkhana-Kurdamir block in southwest Sulaimani province to produce gas. The projects will be implemented in stages, with initial gas production aimed at meeting domestic needs while gradually expanding to support regional energy demands and spur long-term economic growth. According to the companies, the sizable reserves at Miran and Topkhana-Kurdamir are expected to enhance the Kurdistan Region's energy security over time. 'We can benefit from the gas through industrial applications such as petrochemical, metal production, LPG, and establishing new factories,' Shukri said, adding that electricity is vital, as shortages have long held back growth in other sectors like tourism and agriculture. The deals align with the KRG's Runaki initiative - meaning 'light' in Kurdish - which aims to provide 24-hour electricity across the Region by the end of 2026. The program has already been launched in several cities and neighborhoods. Electricity shortages remain a persistent problem in the Kurdistan Region, driven by high demand, limited fuel supplies, and financial constraints that restrict power generation. As a result, homes, businesses, and industries continue to depend on costly and polluting private diesel generators. Ranja Jamal contributed to this report.
Rudaw Net
12 hours ago
- Business
- Rudaw Net
New Crimean-Congo fever case confirmed in Duhok
Also in Kurdistan Cabinet formation needed despite 'illegitimate' parliament: Komal leader Canada opens business council to enhance cooperation with Erbil, Baghdad: Ambassador Energy deals with US to boost industrial, economic growth: KRG official KDP accuses 'some' in Baghdad of eroding federalism, using salaries for leverage A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Kurdistan Region's health ministry confirmed on Tuesday a new case of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) in the northern Duhok province. 'A 28 year-old resident of Batifa district in [Duhok's] Zakho area, who works as a livestock farmer and had contact with animals,' developed symptoms of CCHF, the ministry said in a statement. 'Several diagnostic procedures and medical treatments have been undertaken,' the statement added, noting that the patient is currently under medical supervision and his condition is stable. The ministry further urged anyone working with animals to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms related to the disease. This is the fifth confirmed CCHF case in the Kurdistan Region this year. Previously, two cases - including one fatal - were reported in Duhok province, one in Koya, and another individual originally from Basra tested positive in Erbil. CCHF is a highly infectious viral disease transmitted through multiple routes, including bites from infected ticks, contact with blood or tissues of infected animals, exposure to bodily fluids of infected persons, and consumption of raw or undercooked meat from infected livestock. As of early May, Iraq had reported 53 confirmed infections and seven deaths, according to Riyadh al-Halfi, director general of the Public Health Directorate at the federal health ministry. Preventive measures continue to be implemented, including the use of protective gear such as gloves, masks, and goggles, especially for those handling animals or meat. Veterinary hospitals have also launched large-scale tick control campaigns since late April. The Iraqi government stated in April that it is 'exerting full efforts' to contain the outbreak, reassuring citizens that 'with proper measures in place, transmission to citizens will remain rare.' The federal health ministry urged caution when handling meat, recommending the use of protective gloves and separate utensils for raw meat.
Time of India
17 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
'If I can't have her…': What experts say about insecure lovers who kill in the name of love; Warning signs and red flags explained
Delhi: The recent murders of three young women, Komal (21), Vijaylaxmi (19), and Mehek Jain (18), have shocked many across the country. All three were killed by men who were their partners and claimed to love them. What happened? Komal was strangled and her body dumped in a canal in Chhawla. Vijaylaxmi was stabbed by her boyfriend in Delhi Cantonment. Mehek Jain was stabbed and set on fire in Mehrauli, south Delhi. In each case, police say jealousy and possessiveness were the main reasons. The men suspected their girlfriends of talking or being involved with other men. Role of social media Investigations found that Instagram and other social media played a big part in these crimes. The men closely watched their partners online and got angry when they saw messages or posts with other people. Social media's constant updates made their jealousy worse. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Most Remarkable Oscar Outfits Ever Interesticle Undo Why does possessiveness turn violent? Experts quoted by TOI say extreme jealousy often comes from insecurity and a lack of trust. Dr Nimesh Desai, a psychiatrist, explains that many such men suffer from a mental health condition called delusional disorder. They wrongly believe their partners are cheating, even without any proof. This fear and suspicion take over their emotions and actions. Dr Desai also points out that many young people today have low patience in relationships and find rejection very hard to handle. This can sometimes lead to violent behaviour. Live Events Mental health and support needed Psychologists warn that many people in difficult relationships feel lonely and scared to talk about their problems. Dr Jitendra Nagpal explains that shame and fear of judgment stop people from opening up about emotional abuse or fights. They stress the importance of recognising warning signs like jealousy, control, and anger, and encouraging people to get help before violence happens. These tragic murders show how dangerous possessiveness and obsession can be, especially when fuelled by social media. Awareness, mental health support, and open conversations are needed to protect young people from such violence. Inputs from TOI
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
Jealousy kills the deal: How toxic love is turning fatal in times of social media
New Delhi: The recent murders of 21-year-old Komal, 19-year-old Vijaylaxmi and 18-year-old Mehek Jain are grim reminders of the twisted ways of possessive partners. These young women, full of life and promise, were killed by individuals who claimed to love them. While Komal was strangled and her body dumped in the Chhawla canal on March 12, Vijaylaxmi was stabbed to death by her 20-year-old boyfriend in the Delhi Cantonment on April 7 and Jain was stabbed and set on fire in south Delhi's Mehrauli on Sunday. The three murderers were men who allegedly were in a relationship with the women and suspected the latter of talking to or being involved romantically with other men. In each of these cases, the perpetrator's actions were fuelled by a toxic mix of psychotic obsession, jealousy, control and a deep-seated fear of losing their partners, as evident from police questioning. The cops also noted that social media platform Instagram was a common factor, with posts on it fuelling anger and snowballing into full-fledged 'revenge'. The accused apparently used social media platforms to 'monitor' and 'control' their girlfriends and became irate when they saw the girls interacting with other friends or acquaintances online. The instant gratification and constant connectivity offered by these platforms, cops said fuelled such obsessive tendencies. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Genera ingresos extras con IA desde casa: una manera astuta de empezar a invertir con éxito [CFD] Digital Group Prueba ahora Undo Psychologists say that extreme possessiveness can stem from deep-seated insecurities and a lack of trust, which are exacerbated by the curated and often superficial nature of social media. According to mental health experts, the rise of possessiveness and violence in young couples can be attributed to a complex interplay of factors, including social media-fuelled obsessions, unrealistic expectations and normalisation of toxic behaviours. "Apart from the underlying gender dynamics and socioeconomic inequalities at play, what we are witnessing in these cases points to a deeper psychological issue," explained Dr Nimesh Desai, senior consultant psychiatrist and former director, IHBAS. "We often talk about paranoia, but many of these individuals suffer from a more specific condition known as delusional disorder, particularly the subtype involving delusions of infidelity or jealousy. " Desai continued, "These individuals may appear to be functioning normally in other aspects of life, but there is often a specific area of the mind, which we refer to as 'focused pathology', that is entirely consumed by irrational suspicion and possessiveness. They strongly believe their partner is being unfaithful, despite no evidence in some cases, and this distorted thinking dominates their emotional responses and decisions. " He added that in recent years, mental health professionals had increasingly encountered persons involved in violent incidents who exhibited signs of this psychiatric pattern. He also pointed out that young people these days were navigating relationships with a high sense of frustration and low tolerance levels. "They struggle with rejection and are often driven by a deep sense of personal insecurity, which can manifest as obsessive attachment, jealousy and, in extreme cases, violence," said Desai. Highlighting the need for greater awareness, psychologists said it was crucial for friends, family and community members to recognise the warning signs of possessive behaviour and to offer support to those who may be trapped in such relationships. According to Dr Jitendra Nagpal, senior psychiatrist and life skills expert, "There is a serious need for individuals in troubled relationships to find safe spaces to express what they are going through. Unfortunately, many feel extremely isolated even among close friends or family." He added, "There is often a deep sense of embarrassment and a strong stigma attached to admitting that something might be wrong in their relationship. Thoughts like 'How can I be imperfect in my relationship?' prevent them from opening up. As a result, even incidents of emotional abuse, toxic patterns, or recurring fights are never shared. They bottle everything up and suffer silently, becoming virtually alone despite being surrounded by people. " Dr Nagpal said there were warning signs in relationships, emotional triggers, red flags and patterns that predicted a ripple effect. "But unless someone vents or speaks up about them, things only worsen over time. Impatience and emotional impulsivity in relationships can often be understood as one of the root causes of such violent behaviour," he noted.
