Shkow Sharif
Last night I decided to take an evening walk with my cousin on one of the major roads in Suleymania. Little to my knowledge the first Friday of the election campaign was to spell trouble and the authorities were well aware. Friday being the first day of the weekend meant everyone was off work and supporters of the” Kurdistan” List and the “Change” list were out to enjoy the election atmosphere. At first I must admit I was not expecting the levels of enthusiasm that I was confronted with. Thousands were lining the main street into town with cars blocking the stretch of road for a couple of miles. Each car decorated with the colours of their respected lists, beeping their horns in support and screaming campaign slogans from the sunroof and windows. The pavements were also lined with supporters some having picnics and some dancing to their respected lists theme tunes. 
It was half a mile down the road when my cousin and I realised things were about to get a little more serious. Riot police had blocked the road and only let us through after we explained we were “foreign journalists” interested in covering the riot police’s hard work. It was within this blocked stretch where the more hardcore supporters had gathered and some in the crowds, we were told by an anonymous source, were planning trouble. Five minutes after we walked past the barrier we saw a large crowd of “Change” list supporters and a large crowd of “Kurdistan” list supporters square off under a talking signpost blaring out Kurdistan List propaganda. After a few exchanges of unpleasantly on both sides an older man who came out of the “Kurdistan” list crowd attacked a young boy from the “change” list camp. Then for thirty seconds or so it was all out attack by both sides until the riot police armed with Tazers interfered.
From my position I saw no foul play by the security forces all in all I felt they should have been commended for their hard work to keep the troubles under control. But the troubles I feel only show the extent to which unrest has potential in Iraqi Kurdistan if any foul play is done during the election
No good sign.
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