The story: Concurrent with a Covid-19 vaccine law reaching parliament on Feb. 24, Iraqi authorities assert that an inoculation campaign will soon be launched. This is taking place as Baghdad is moving closer towards tightening lockdown measures. These developments coincide with increased demonstrations, several of which are in protest of corruption and dire economic conditions.

The coverage: On Feb. 24, the state-owned Iraq News Agency, amid other media outlets, highlighted a statement made by Health Minister Hasan Al-Tamimi. The health official pointed to a “major challenge represented by the second wave of Covid-19 and the emergence of a new variant"...