Of 17 journalists imprisoned in 1991 for their work with the Iraqi newspaper Al-Nida , three were released in February 1999, leaving two still incarcerated. Public gatherings require government approval. Informal, family-based, almost exclusively male social gatherings known as diwaniyas provide a forum for political discussion. Political parties are banned, but informal political groups, including those with opposition views, exist without government interference. Nongovernmental organizations must be licensed, although many work without licenses.
Women face discrimination in legal and social matters.
Sharia courts do not give a woman s testimony equal weight to that of a man, women must have permission of a male relative to obtain a passport, and only men are able to confer citizenship on children. Inheritance restrictions vary between Shias and Sunnis. Although women are prohibited from certain professions, they receive equal pay for equal work. In June, the interior ministry announced that women would be allowed to become full-fledged police officers for the first time. In July, the defense minister authorized women to join the armed forces and receive combat training.