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Challenges in Iraq mount a year after anti-gov’t protests erupted

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A demonstrator carries an Iraqi flag during an anti-government protest in Najaf [File: Alaa al-Marjani/Reuters] In October 2019, unprecedented protests demanded the fall of Iraq’s ruling class. One year on, with a new government in place and nearly 600 protesters killed, little to nothing has changed. The nationwide, leader-less demonstrations which broke out on October 1, 2019, spiralled into a decentralised movement slamming unemployment, poor public services, endemic corruption and a political class more loyal to Iran or the US than to Iraqi citizens. A month later, the protests forced the resignation of then-Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi, who was succeeded by Mustafa al-Kadhimi, with the latter pledging to integrate protesters’ demands into his transitional government’s plans. But on the ground, little has been achieved. Al-Kadhimi has set an early parliamentary vote for June 6, 2021, nearly a year ahead of schedule. “Protesters wanted early elections and a new electoral law. We’

Brighton vs Man Utd: Solskjaer gives team news update ahead of Carabao Cup tie

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Manchester United boss, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, has provided the latest team news update ahead of his side’s Carabao Cup fourth round tie against Brighton on Wednesday night. Solskjaer said he has no new injury worries ahead of Man United’s clash with Brighton and also hinted he would again utilize his squad in tonight’s clash. The Red Devils head to the game after defeating Brighton 3-2 in the Premier League last Saturday. “I’m not sure [if both teams will field very different line-ups to Saturday],” Solskjaer was quoted by Man United’s official website as saying. “Every game lives its own life and, of course at the stage, we are in the season with all the games coming up, I think teams are making changes. “You can see teams have a cup team and a league team, and we will make changes. It’ll be very similar to what happened last week against Luton. “It’s an opportunity for game-time. We need to build up the squad for a long season ahead and, of course, it’s an opportunity for individuals

pharma pioneer introduces TaffiX antiviral nose-powderIsraeli

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TaffiX is a powder-based nasal medical treatment meant to kill most viruses (photo credit: EFRAT ESHEL) TaffiX is a powder-based medical device that coats the nasal passages. When Nasus Pharma Chief Executive Officer Dr. Dalia Meggido discussed  COVID-19  with fellow workers, she joked that it would have been fantastic if one could simply burn the virus as it enters the nose in the breathing process. The joke quickly became a reality when she realized such a thing could, in theory, be done. The body usually attempts to capture viruses and hostile bacteria using rhinorrhoea [a runny nose], but its pH level is 6.8 – not enough to destroy viruses. Also, since it is a liquid, people usually swallow it or blow their noses dry, so it doesn’t stay in the body long. TaffiX is a powder-based medical device that coats the nasal passages with a clear HPMC jelly having a 3.5 pH level, Meggido told  The Jerusalem Post , adding that and works for up to five hours in test animals. Human users don’t f

Oodua Republic: Yoruba Group Urges Protesters To Avoid Clash With Security Operatives

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The Yoruba World Congress has called on Yorubas across the country, who will be joining the protest on October 1, 2020, to avoid a clash with security operatives The group fixed a rally for that date, which is Nigeria’s 60th independence anniversary, to draw global attention to the need to “liberate Yoruba race.” Prof Banji Akintoye Speaking ahead of the scheduled rally, Prof Banji Akintoye, President-General of YWC, urged protesters not to engage in confrontation with police as violence will cause distractions to its agitation. He said, "For Yoruba people at home in Nigeria, my message is to repeat my earlier messages: please keep our rallies thoroughly peaceful. Never display any rowdy or disruptive behaviour. Never get into any argument or confrontation with law enforcement personnel. If the police anywhere ask you not to rally or to dispense, disperse peacefully. "Always remember that your message is too important to allow confrontations or distractions. Your Yoruba natio

Hunter Biden reportedly received a 2.8 carat diamond from a Chinese energy tycoon

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REUTERS/Carlos Barria Former Vice President Joe Biden's son, Hunter, might be cause for concern for his father's presidential campaign,  The New Yorker  reports . Hunter Biden has recently fallen under the microscope as details about his business dealings and personal life have come to light. The younger Biden's struggles with drugs and alcohol, divorce and subsequent relationship with his late brother Beau's widow, and questionable business practices in China and Ukraine are chief among the reasons why he could wind up being a thorn in the side of the Biden campaign. In a sprawling piece,  The   New Yorker details  how Hunter Biden, while on the board of the World Food Program USA, said he was gifted a 2.8 carat diamond by Chinese energy tycoon Ye Jianming, the head of CEFC China energy. Biden said he was trying to secure a large donation from Ye at the time. While he doesn't think the diamond was intended as a bribe as his father was no longer in office, Biden sai