BAGHDAD (Reuters) - A year after the Iraqi parliament voted to strip Palestinians of the equal-rights status they enjoyed under Saddam Hussein, Palestinians living in Iraq feel marginalized and vulnerable.Last year parliament rescinded legislation that guaranteed Palestinians rights and privileges enjoyed by Iraqi citizens - from eligibility for state jobs and free education to receiving pensions and food items from a government subsidies programme. gi The law had been decreed by Saddam, the longtime strongman president who was executed in 2006 after being ousted three years before by the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.Many Palestinian families have seen their economic situation deteriorate since parliament's action - and those interviewed by Reuters were keen to find refuge in other countries - but this was not the start of their difficulties in post-Saddam Iraq. As predominantly Sunni Muslims, Palestinians have been increasingly viewed with suspicion by Iraq's Shi'ite Muslim majority, who … [Read more...] about Palestinians in Iraq fearful after loss of Saddam-era privileges
Saddam hussein
‘In Loving Memory of Saddam Hussein’: Mystery Memorial Plaque Appears on London Bench
WorldA bizarre apparent memorial to former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein has appeared on a bench in London, bemusing residents and prompting outrage at the brutal leader's memory being honored.The metal plaque appeared on a busy high street in the East London borough of Wanstead on Sunday, local residents told the BBC. It bore an inscription that read: “In Loving Memory of Saddam Hussein 1937-2006.”According to The Independent, whoever put the memorial in place appeared to have used special anti-theft screws that cannot be easily removed using normal tools. Nonetheless, local authorities have now taken the tribute down.The Iraqi dictator was born in 1937 and hanged in 2006. He was deposed in the American-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, and in December that year was discovered hiding in the northern town of ad-Dawr, close to the city of Tikrit.He was sentenced to death for crimes against humanity and executed on December 30, 2006, having ruled Iraq with an iron fist … [Read more...] about ‘In Loving Memory of Saddam Hussein’: Mystery Memorial Plaque Appears on London Bench
Council removes Saddam Hussein bench tribute from London high street
A plaque seemingly dedicated to former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein has been removed from a bench on a busy east London shopping street. The tribute suddenly appeared on the seat in Wanstead High Street on Monday, reading: "In Loving Memory of Saddam Hussein, 1937-2006."It provoked a mixture of outrage and confusion among locals and around the world after a photo of the plaque shared by journalist and Wanstead resident Victoria Richards was retweeted thousands of times.Some of the hundreds who replied to the tweet suggested it may be a tribute to someone who shared the same name, birthday and death date as the ex-president, who was executed in Baghdad on 30 December 2006.He was born in the village of Al-Awja, north of the capital, on 28 April 1937 - and would go on to lead a brutal regime spanning more than two decades before his capture by US troops on 13 December 2003.The hanging - partly broadcast on state TV - came after he was found guilty of crimes against humanity by an Iraqi … [Read more...] about Council removes Saddam Hussein bench tribute from London high street
Redbridge Council removes Saddam Hussein plaque from bench in Wanstead High Street
PUBLISHED: 16:53 19 November 2018 | UPDATED: 16:57 19 November 2018 Liam Coleman The plaque in Wanstead High Street has now been removed by the council. Photo: Archant/US Department of Defense / PA. PA Archive/PA Images Redbridge Council has removed a plaque honouring Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein that mysteriously appeared over the weekend on a bench in Wanstead High Street. The bench in Wanstead High Street bears a plaque reading In Loving Memory of Saddam Hussein 1937-2006'The plaque was put up at some time over the weekend outside of the Oxfam shop in High Street, but the council confirmed workers had removed it this afternoon (Monday, November 19).The bench in Wanstead High Street bears a plaque reading In Loving Memory of Saddam Hussein 1937-2006'It read: “In loving memory of Saddam Hussein - 1937-2006” - and residents had a mixed reaction to it online, some finding it funny while others took offence.The bench that had a plaque in memory … [Read more...] about Redbridge Council removes Saddam Hussein plaque from bench in Wanstead High Street
Plaque in ‘loving memory’ of SADDAM HUSSEIN appears on London bench in bizarre prank
A MEMORIAL plague in memory of Saddam Hussein has appeared on a bench in London as part of a bizarre prank. The brass sign has been screwed on to the bench in Wanstead, East London, and reads: "In loving memory of Saddam Hussein, 1937 to 2006". The dates are correct for the Iraqi dictator, who was hanged in 2006 aged 69 after being convicted of ordering the execution of 148 rivals. According to the Wanstead Community Hub, the screws holding the plaque in place are anti-theft ones that can't be removed without using a special tool. A picture of the plaque was posted on Facebook page S**t London with the caption: "Wanstead High Street. Commemorating a thoroughly decent chap." Some social media users questioned whether it was a coincidence, while others believe it is a bizarre prank. One wrote: "Same years of life too, coincidence? I hope so. Unfortunate one though if it is and of it isn't it shouldn't be allowed but I hope it is and that it's a decent chap being remembered and not … [Read more...] about Plaque in ‘loving memory’ of SADDAM HUSSEIN appears on London bench in bizarre prank