NITHAL AL-ALUSI

The election to which he referred was the 2005 election, the first free election since the Baath Party seized control of the country. Despite boycotts and threats of assassination and terrorist attacks, almost two thirds of the eligible population risked their lives and voted.

Al-Alusi attended an anti-terrorism conference in Israel. He was arrested by conservatives who cited a law passed under the Hussein regime prohibiting any contact with Israelis. However, he was immediately released citing the new freedom of Iraqis to travel anywhere they want and meet with whomever they want.

The election to which he referred was the 2005 election, the first free election since the Baath Party seized control of the country. Despite boycotts and threats of assassination and terrorist attacks, almost two thirds of the eligible population risked their lives and voted.

Al-Alusi attended an anti-terrorism conference in Israel. He was arrested by conservatives who cited a law passed under the Hussein regime prohibiting any contact with Israelis. However, he was immediately released citing the new freedom of Iraqis to travel anywhere they want and meet with whomever they want.