Iraq’s crackdown on booze, social media posts raises alarm

BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraq’s new government is suddenly enforcing a long-dormant law banning alcohol imports and arresting people over social media content deemed morally offensive. The crackdown has raised alarm among religious minorities and rights activists. Some see the measures as an attempt by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to head off potential political challenges from religious conservatives. They say another motive may be to distract from economic woes, including rising prices and wild currency fluctuations. Critics of the ban say it may prompt more Christians to leave and create a black market. Defenders say the ban is in line with the values of an overwhelming majority in the predominantly Muslim country.