Political tensions rise in Baghdad as the Shi'ite-led authorities shut at least 80 television stations popular with Sunni Iraqis, including Al Jazeera, prompted by fears that the channels could incite sectarian rivalries. The Communication and Media Commission (CMC) said that the channels violated a code of professional conduct but provided no further details. Both the United Nations and the US have expressed concerns over the closing of Al Jazeera, citing the impact on the fight against Daesh/ISIS. Meanwhile, Iraq remains in political crisis with divisions among the factions preventing the formation of a new cabinet, increasing fears about the government's ability to fight Daesh/ISIS. ISIS continues to hold control over large parts of western and northern Iraq and has recently increased its attacks on the capital, including the suicide attack on a gas plant near the capital.
Political tensions rise in Baghdad as the Shi'ite-led authorities shut two television stations popular with Sunni Iraqis, including Al Jazeera, prompted by fears that the channels could incite sectarian rivalries. The Communication and Media Commission (CMC) said that the channels violated a code of professional conduct but provided no further details. Both the United Nations and the US have expressed concerns over the closing of Al Jazeera, citing the impact on the fight against Daesh/ISIS. Meanwhile, Iraq remains in political crisis with divisions among the factions preventing the formation of a new cabinet, increasing fears about the government's ability to fight Daesh/ISIS. ISIS continues to hold control over large parts of western and northern Iraq and has recently increased its attacks on the capital, including the suicide attack on a gas plant near the capital.