Late last year Jalal Talabani, President of Iraq and the leader of the PUK (Patriotic Union of Kurdistan) suffered a massive stroke and was sent to Germany for treatment. Affectionately known as 'mam Jalal' (Uncle Jalal), all sorts of rumours began circulating when the press had great difficulty obtaining any information on his condition. In particular there were no photos and only a small select few were allowed to see him. With a regional government election in September, the rumours only intensified to the point that many thought him either in a coma or already dead and that this was covered up to ensure a good election result (as it was PUK was hammered in the polls).
Last night a local TV station broadcast photos of very much alive and considerably slimmer Jalal with his wife Hero.
It wasn't long before PUK supporters were out celebrating. Salim Street was packed with horn honking, flag waver drivers and in the best Kurdish tradition there were constant volleys of celebratory gunfire.
The cold night drove most people off the streets by midnight, but the gunfire continued into the early hours of the morning.
Last night a local TV station broadcast photos of very much alive and considerably slimmer Jalal with his wife Hero.
It wasn't long before PUK supporters were out celebrating. Salim Street was packed with horn honking, flag waver drivers and in the best Kurdish tradition there were constant volleys of celebratory gunfire.
The cold night drove most people off the streets by midnight, but the gunfire continued into the early hours of the morning.
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