Saturday, December 24, 2022

Iraq

ALMADA reports that Salma Hayek says she doesn't have time to compete with every newcomer because she's got four kids, thirty animals and just has time to focus on that and do her thing.  Salma's latest film just opened PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH and she'll be seen next year in MAGIC MIKE'S LAST DANCE.  We opened with Salma because I know her and like her but also because I'm always interested in which US performers are of interest in other areas of the world.  

Also at ALMADA, Firas Adnan reports that a growing number of observers are saying Iraq is facing a difficult water situation due to a winter that's not expected to bring many, if any, rain storms and how this follows a dry summer and severe drought.  There are calls for talks with Turkey and Iran (both of whom are utilizing dams to keep shared waters within their countries and not flowing through Iraq).  People are leaving Iraq as a result of these conditions.  One rainstorm this week, ALSUMARIA notes, has replenished some marshes in southern Iraq.

It's Christmas Eve.  ALSUMARIA reports Ammar al-Hakim, head of the Wisdom Party, has issued congratulations and greetings to Christians in Iraq.  Others ae also noting the holiday.