In Qatar polls, women fail to break through
The Hindu
Their hope now rests on Emir’s quota
Women voters voiced disappointment on Sunday after none were elected in Qatar’s first legislative polls with all eyes on whether the Emir will use his powers to appoint 15 lawmakers to boost representation.
Thirty men were elected to Qatar’s Shura Council at Saturday’s polls despite more than two dozen women standing for the body which is seen as a nod to democracy rather than a fully-fledged parliament.
“The (emir’s) quota is the lifeline to ensure women’s representation in the next Assembly,” said defeated candidate Aisha Jassim al-Kuwari, who ran in a constituency alongside four other women against 14 male contenders.
EU and Israel in war of words as ties nosedive ahead of Spain, Ireland recognizing Palestinian state
EU-Israel relations strained over Palestinian state recognition, with threats of sanctions and ICC involvement in conflict.