On Jan. 17, an NDI convoy was attacked in Baghdad, leaving four dead including staff person Andrea “Andi” Parhamovich of Perry, Ohio, and three dedicated security personnel from Unity Resources Group (URG). The names of the security personnel, including additional wounded, have been withheld at the request of URG management.

The Institute expresses its deepest condolences to its Iraq staff and the families who are facing this tragedy.

On Jan. 21, Serbia held its parliamentary elections on the eve of the international community’s decision about Kosovo’s future status. While Serbia’s political culture has long been blemished with periodic bouts of ethnic strife and nationalism, these elections offered an opportunity for the country to demonstrate its commitment to the democratic process and a more diverse and representative government.

Over 150 women active in local, regional and national politics participated in the National Multi-Party Women’s Conference hosted by NDI. The conference, held Nov. 12 to 15 at Dokan Lake, Iraq, included representatives of 33 political parties and 16 of 18 governorates.  Training sessions were conducted on budget development and review, legislative drafting, and committee process.