The story: Iraq is marking the 33rd anniversary of the chemical attack on Halabja launched by former president Saddam Hussein. The incident saw the collective punishment of thousands of civilians during a Kurdish uprising in the northeastern city. 

In commemorating the event, Iraqi politicians have been reminding the public of similar hardships other communities in the country have also encountered. Meanwhile, the commemorations have opened up further debate around greater Kurdish unity.

The coverage: Marking the anniversary on March 16, Masoud Barzani, former president of the Kurdistan region of Iraq, emphasized that the past ills which led to the massacre still exist...