Where Is Iraq's President?

Where In The World Is Jalal Talabani? -- Michael Rubin, Commentary

Nine months ago tomorrow, Iraqi President Jalal Talabani suffered a devastating stroke. While there were rumors at the time he had died on the spot, he was revived and taken while still in a coma to Germany where, over the course of weeks and months, his family said he was improving steadily. They would not allow him any visitors, but last May, amidst a revival of rumors that he had not improved, they released a photograph which purports to show Talabani convalescing. That photograph was not able to dispel rumors that Talabani is paralyzed, unable to talk, and permanently impaired.

In recent weeks, as elections approach in Iraqi Kurdistan—elections in which Talabani’s political party is not expected to do well—a number of Iraqi politicians have sought to meet Talabani in Germany. After all, if Talabani has improved as much as his wife and sons suggest, then he should be able to meet visitors. Without exception, all visitors have been turned away and no new photographs have been forthcoming.

Read more ....

Update: In Kurdistan, the Deafening Silence Over Talabani -- Rudaw

My Comment: It is obvious that his stroke has resulted in limits to what he is capable of doing. In fact .... it would not surprise me if he cannot speak and/or is paralyzed on one side of his body. But in Iraq .... everything is now political .... and for the Kurds they do not want to show weakness and/or dissension within their own ranks on who will replace Iraqi President Jalal Talabani  .... especially with all the politics that is occurring in Baghdad/Iraq today.