To the Point
The Iraq We Left Behind, Is It a Democracy?
In 2011 the US pulled troops out of Iraq, a country it praised as well on the way to democracy. Now Iraq’s ravaged by the worst violence since the height of the conflict.
By Barbara Bogaev • • 51m ListenIn 2011 the United States pulled troops out of Iraq, a country it praised as well on the way to democracy. Now on the eve of its first parliamentary elections since the withdrawal, Iraq is ravaged by sectarian strife and the worst violence since the height of the conflict. Also, the US imposes new sanctions on Russia, and an NBA team owner’s reputation hits a new low: the long and controversial history of the Los Angeles Clipper's Donald Sterling. Barbara Bogaev guest hosts.
Banner image: Iraqi security forces stand at the scene of a car bomb attack at a Shi'ite political organisation's rally in Baghdad, April 25, 2014. Photo: Thaier al-Sudani/Reuters
In this episode
3 storiesThe US Imposes New Sanctions on Russia
The United States and the European Union imposed more sanctions today on Russia over its actions in Ukraine, targeting President Vladimir Putin's very wealthy inner circle and specific Russian companies. Meanwhile, there's more violence in Eastern Ukraine.
Read the story8 minThe Iraq We Left Behind, Is It a Democracy?
As Iraq heads into parliamentary elections on Wednesday, the country is slipping back into civil war. Dozens of people have died at a campaign rally and polling sites. Fighting in Anbar province has destroyed villages and turned tens of thousands of Iraqis out of their homes.
Read the story36 minClippers Owner Donald Sterling's Alleged Racist Comments
The irony takes your breath away. Los Angeles Clipper's owner Donald Sterling was about to receive a lifetime achievement award from the Los Angeles chapter of the NAACP when TMZ released the now infamous recording , allegedly between Sterling and former girlfriend V. Stiviano, in which Sterling makes numerous racist remarks.
Read the story7 min
