Black Iraqis make political debut

By Martin Chulov
UK Guardian | Last updated: Jan 28, 2009 - 3:49:00 PM

(BASRA, IRAQ) - The country's 1m-plus black citizens have tapped into Obama-mania like few other groups across the Arab world. For them, U.S. President Barack Obama's inauguration was the dawn of a civil rights movement that they never had the impetus to strive for.

Black Iraqis will this week stand for the first time as an electoral bloc in provincial polls that will help shape Iraq in its slow transition to full sovereignty and possibly help shake off the stereotype that places them near the top of the heap in a nation of persecuted minorities.

Click here for full article and web video (UK Guardian, 01-26-2009)

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