InfoAnda - Iraq zooms ahead with new driving permits

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Iranians linked to banned drone videos in Darfur | 7 November 2009
Doctors Warn About Relying On Web For Medical Information | 25 March 2010
SKorea's major discount stores to sell US beef | 25 November 2008

New online Google tool shows where services blocked | 22 September 2010

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Iraq zooms ahead with new driving permits

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail More Yahoo! Services Account Options New User? Sign Up Sign In Help Yahoo! Search web search Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Weekend Edition World Iraq zooms ahead with new driving permits AFP - Friday, December 10 Send IM Story Print BAGHDAD (AFP) - – Dawood Salman clutches the steering wheel and stares ahead as he nervously accelerates toward something only a few Iraqis have: a valid driving licence. The 27-year-old is among a handful of Iraqis who are signing up for a new post-invasion licensing system that authorities hope will bring order to the chaotic traffic that has resembled a video game since 2003. "Baghdad roads are very scary for someone learning to drive because of all the traffic jams -- it's frustrating and difficult to learn here," Salman says at the Maysaloon driving school in eastern Baghdad. "But introducing (new) driving licences is a good step... I'm convinced that 30 to 40 percent of the people on the streets either don't know how to drive, or drive too fast." The new driving licences are part of a bid by Iraqi authorities to restore some method to the madness of Iraq's streets, which widely range from drivers ploughing the wrong way down a one-way street to the often arbitrary adherence to traffic lights, on the rare occasions that they work. While motorists were required to take driving tests and obtain licences under the regime of now-executed dictator Saddam Hussein, that system collapsed after the 2003 US-led invasion. And the number of vehicles on the streets has more than doubled since then, creating situations where it can take several hours to traverse a handful of kilometres (miles) in Baghdad. Around 1.25 million cars were registered with Iraqi authorities before the invasion, according to the head of Iraq's traffic police Major General Jaafar Tohman Kadhim al-Khafaji. Since then, 1.5 million cars have legally been imported into Iraq, Khafaji says, with illicit purchases raising that figure still further. "Before the invasion it was very difficult to buy a car," says Khafaji, a traffic police veteran of 36 years. "Now, it's very easy," he adds. "For seven years, we had no licences. Everything -- all our equipment -- was stolen. But now, we hope that in two years, no driver will be able to move in the streets without having a licence." Iraqi authorities have so far handed out more than 8,000 of the new driving permits since the first issuing centre was opened in Baghdad on October 21. The pace is increasing as staff become more familiar with the new computer systems and provincial centres open over this month. Applicants must undergo a medical examination, demonstrate an understanding of traffic signs, complete a driving test and know basic vehicle mechanics to obtain the five-year licence. Drivers with licences issued before 2003 only need to pass the medical test. While some learn to drive from their parents or relatives, others such as Salman take private lessons like the 10-hour course offered by Maysaloon which costs between 130 and 155 dollars. At Baghdad's main testing centre, adjacent to the capital's Al-Shaab stadium, hopeful drivers are given instructions from a serving police officer, who does not ride with them as they complete the test. Typically, the examiner instructs drivers to navigate the vehicle to one end of a narrow street, execute a three-point turn, drive to the other end, complete another three-point turn and return to the starting position. The facilities and equipment for the new system remain very basic: shipping containers house the offices where licences are printed, and where computers and equipment are stored. "Yes, the buildings may not look that impressive," notes Brigadier General Majid Shanoun Hatem, the officer in charge of the main Baghdad testing centre. "But the technology is the best in the region." The entire project to bring all Iraqi drivers into the new system has so far cost 12 million dollars, according to Khafaji, who hopes to complete it in two years. "First they started with making the seat belt mandatory," says Uday Abdulwahad, referring to a widely-flouted rule introduced last year that ostensibly requires Baghdad's drivers to wear a seat belt, but in reality sees many buckling up only when nearing checkpoints. "Now they are giving out driving licences, so this is the second good thing the police have done recently," the 34-year-old taxi driver adds, holding up his newly-received licence. "This is going to make the streets safer -- it shows a driver is qualified to be on the streets. Some of the people who drive now should not be allowed to, people with poor eyesight, or who are too young." For now, however, vehicle safety on Iraq's streets remains tenuous at best. "More than a third of my time on the road is spent frustrated and stressed because of the number of cars, the quality of driving, and the constant traffic jams," laments Wissam Jawad, a Maysaloon driving instructor. "At some crossroads in Baghdad, it is like a fight," the 35-year-old says, holding up his fists. Recommend Send IM Story Print Related Articles New Michael Jackson song airs, from beyond-grave album AFP - 43 minutes ago US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary Reuters - 45 minutes ago Florida pardons Doors rocker Jim Morrison Reuters - 45 minutes ago Wesley Snipes reports to Pennsylvanian prison for sentence Reuters - 2 hours 41 minutes ago A Minute With: Angelina Jolie, femme fatale and busy Mom Reuters - Friday, December 10 News Search Top Stories In blow to Obama, allies reject tax deal Parmalat boss gets 18 years for 'Europe's Enron' Climate talks make progress as Bolivia calls for more Israeli forest fire sign of climate change: study EU official urges easing in Greek repayment schedule More Top Stories » ADVERTISEMENT Most Popular Most Viewed Most Recommended Retired French electrician says heir to second Picasso trove Europe freezes as fresh snow causes travel chaos Elizabeth Edwards dies of cancer NASA, SpaceX giddy over historic orbit launch Private space capsule splash lands in Pacific: NASA More Most Viewed » NASA finds new form of life... on Earth World leaders scramble for funds to save the tiger US, S.Korea plan war games after N.Korean attack Defiant Obama defends tax cuts, eyes 2012 More Most Recommended » Elsewhere on Yahoo! Financial news on Yahoo! Finance Stars and latest movies Best travel destinations More on Yahoo! News Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Weekend Edition Subscribe to our news feeds Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS » More news feeds | What are news feeds? Also on Yahoo! Answers Groups Mail Messenger Mobile Travel Finance Movies Sports Games » All Yahoo! Services Site Highlights Singapore Full Coverage Most Popular Entertainment Photos Yahoo! News Network Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Community | Intellectual Property Rights Policy | Help

Other News on Friday, 10 December 2010
Arctic blast causes European travel chaos
Prince Charles' car attacked by London protesters |
Parmalat boss gets 18 years for 'Europe's Enron'
British government in narrow victory on university fees
Israeli forest fire sign of climate change: study
In blow to Obama, allies reject tax deal
Kremlin hi-tech hub to partner with Nokia-Siemens
EU official urges easing in Greek repayment schedule
Berlusconi, rivals dig in ahead of crucial vote |
Analysis: Nokia vs Android: Requiem?
African Union suspends Ivory Coast
Take that, inflation! ECB gets down with the kids
US-TECH Summary
Nobel jury tries to abate Chinese fury at peace pick
Nobel head: Liu's prize based on "universal values"
China on climate charm offensive
Google's Android closing gap on Nokia's Symbian
UN rights chief urges China to free Nobel laureate
Experts link 'stress' to Bengal tigers getting smaller
Police crack down on China activists ahead of Nobel
Pentagon chief to visit China next month: US Admiral
Chinese group awards its own 'peace prize'
Nobel award 'not a prize against China': chairman
Analysis: Nokia vs Android: Requiem? |
Sprint users replacing notebooks with tablets |
Despite Obama election, US far from color-blind: study
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
WikiLeaks shows reach and limits of Internet speech |
Wesley Snipes reports to Pennsylvanian prison for sentence
China's auto sales accelerate in November
Caviar: the ultimate delicacy, from a farm near you?
Dell CEO says transformation is underway |
Angry winegrowers break with Bordeaux council
Tata Nano gets 'happiness guarantee' to boost sales
Exclusive: Final bids due for Nortel patents: sources |
Iraq zooms ahead with new driving permits
A Minute With: Angelina Jolie, femme fatale and busy Mom
LG Display may appeal EU fine over LCD cartel
Iran blogger gets prison leave on bail: rights group |
Wesley Snipes reports to Pennsylvanian prison for sentence |
US-TECH Summary
Amazon weathers attack by pro-WikiLeaks hackers
Sprint users replacing notebooks with tablets
Florida pardons Doors rocker Jim Morrison |
Exclusive: Final bids due for Nortel patents: sources
Russia's Putin raps U.S. over leaked cables
Dell offers nearly $1 billion to buy Compellent
eBay wins preliminary EU court backing in L'Oreal fight
U.N. rights boss concerned at targeting of WikiLeaks
India eyes Internet revolution to reach rural areas
Supporters await news of Iran stoning woman
Rioters attack Prince Charles' car in anti-fees demo
China faces trial by West in Nobel farce, media says |
Exclusive: Dell's CEO transformation is on the way
Rights groups report Iran stoning woman released
Protesters attack Prince Charles' car in anti-fees demo
Ireland plans super-tax for bankers' bonuses
WikiLeaks cables: Pfizer took aim at Nigeria AG
Clashes as UK parliament votes for student fee rise |
Obama 'disappointed' by military gay ban vote
Arctic blast causes European travel chaos
Sakineh photos emerge in Iran without release confirmation
Iran blogger gets prison leave on bail-rights group
Rights groups report Iran stoning woman released |
Xbox 360 leads rebound in US videogame sales: NPD
State torture of citizens 'endemic' across world: report
Climate talks make progress as Bolivia calls for more
U.N. talks on knife edge, Mexico urges agreement |
ElBaradei calls for Egypt presidential vote boycott
China made example of Nobel winner Liu: Wikileaks
Haiti announces vote tally recheck to stem unrest |
FCC member questions easy net rules for wireless
NATO service member killed in southern Afghanistan
Mexican drug lord suspected killed in clashes |
Geek was chic in online search for 2010
U.S. suspends aid group in Pakistan fraud probe |
Netflix, three others to join the S&P 500
Cuban dissidents jeered ahead of Human Rights Day |
WikiLeaks backers threaten more cyber attacks
Over 100 held for prostitution at Venetian in Macau
Venezuela seeks to regulate Internet with media bill |
Eight percent of online Americans use Twitter: Pew
Senior US envoy meets with Myanmar's Suu Kyi
Xbox 360 leads rebound in US videogame sales: NPD
"The Hasselhoffs" pulled after two episodes
Shanghai halts sale of suspected 'dyed' oranges: report
China tired of Myanmar reform 'foot-dragging': cables
China flash of fury at Australian military boost: cables
Mobile 'revolution' eases Pacific isolation, poverty
Indian guru asks climate talks to subsidize love
Apple suppliers point to new camera-toting iPad in 2011 |
State torture of citizens 'endemic': report
Flood-swept Czech town turns disaster into development
Argentine shepherds, farmers protect forests from soy
India offers olive branch at UN climate talks
WikiLeaks backers threaten more cyber attacks |
"Narnia" film to trump "Tourist" at box office
Exclusive: Dell's CEO transformation is on the way |
Porn film clinic ordered shut after HIV actor blast
Analysis: WikiLeaks battle a new amateur face of cyber war? |
"The Hasselhoffs" pulled after two episodes
China social networking co hires banks for U.S. IPO |
Analyst: Howard Stern's deal worth $400 million
Star salaries account for half of new film's tab
Ex-WikiLeaks staff to launch rival site: report |
TSMC Nov sales fall from Oct, new gadgets eyed |
James Cameron and Cirque du Soleil team up for movie
Young actress comes clean about "True Grit"
FCC member questions easy net rules for wireless |
China's Sinopec to buy Occidental Argentina unit
Venezuela seeks to regulate Internet with media bill |
China's exports, imports soar to record highs
Video game sales jump 8 percent in November |
Seoul shares end weaker, auto sector weighs
Korea Hot Stocks
Pakistani c.bank to sell T-bills in 8-day repo
Largest US union fights South Korea trade deal
Asia Fuel Oil-S.Korea EWP buys 80,000T for Dec/Jan
Pakistan
Seoul shares end lower as auto sector weighs
China's property prices climb higher in November
Critics say Michael Jackson album better than feared |
Narnia film to trump Tourist at box office |
U.S. video game sales jump 8 percent in November
Florida pardons The Doors' Jim Morrison |
James Cameron and Cirque du Soleil team up for movie |
China social networking co hires banks for U.S. IPO
King? Queen? Helena Bonham Carter would rather be King! |
Analyst: Howard Stern's deal worth $400 million |
TSMC Nov sales fall from Oct, new gadgets eyed
The Hasselhoffs pulled after two episodes |
Venezuela seeks to regulate Internet with media bill
Young actress comes clean about True Grit |
Star salaries account for half of new film's tab |
UK police under fire after protesters attack royals
Panasonic cautious on U.S., Europe holiday sales
OPEC lifts 2010 oil demand growth forecast
Activists target payment site, deny plotting harm |
Reckless bond buying 'could damage' ECB
U.N. urges EU to ensure asylum seekers not shut out |
Kremlin aide says Medvedev wants second term: sources |
North Korea says forced to build nuclear might: sources |
Iran says stoning woman still in jail, quashes rumor |
Blast kills at least 11 in northwest Pakistan |
N.Korea 'will rely on nuclear might for defence'
India's test of nuclear-capable missile fails
Gbagbo hints at possible talks in Ivorian poll row |
Two S.Koreans held in Nepal over missing N.Korean
Myanmar's Suu Kyi, US official discuss sanctions
China's rivals welcome Nobel for Liu while allies question
Thai authority to lift emergency decree, and expire
Minimum wages in Thailand hiked but still lag target
Taiwan plans special property tax
Mekong panel wants 10-year freeze on dam building
India industrial output surges in October
Cult Apple store lurks in suburban California mall |
PR firms prepare for Asean Econonic Community opportunities
Big wedding party next year for children of Thai elite
Panasonic cautious on U.S., Europe holiday sales |
Lawyer insists exiled ex-Thai PM Thaksin would visit US
United Tech shares up after 2011 forecast |
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01