Kurdish student defies death threats to become Miss Iraq
Shaima Qassem Abdelrahman crowned winner of first Iraqi beauty contest since 1972

The Miss Iraq beauty pageant has been held for the first time in over 40 years, despite death threats and the dangers of Islamic State.
Shaima Qassem Abdelrahman, 20, became the first woman to claim the title since the first and last Miss Iraq contest took place in 1972. The economics student from Kirkuk is now eligible to represent the country at the Miss Universe contest.
The organisers of the event describe themselves as "a group of young activists" on a mission to "highlight the bright side in Iraq". However, the Miss Iraq beauty contest did not follow the format of the Miss Universe pageant in its entirety. In line with Iraqi culture, the famous swimsuit modelling round was eliminated from the Miss Iraq pageant and hemlines were kept strictly below the knee – but there were also no headscarves in sight in the line-up.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Meanwhile, 250 miles to the north in Iraq's second city, Mosul, women living under Islamic State occupation must be covered from head to toe, including gloves and a full face veil.
In spite of organisers' concessions to cultural sensitivities, it was far from smooth sailing for the contestants, two of whom dropped out of the running after receiving death threats from conservative factions within the country. The final of the pageant had to be moved from Basra to Baghdad due to security concerns.
But while modesty might have curtailed some of the physical aspects of the contest, the Miss Iraq hopefuls still faced the traditional question and answer session.
During her last pitch, Shaima Qassem Abdelrahman referred to the country's troubled past, promising to use her fame to help education initiatives, in particular the thousands displaced by the ongoing war.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
"I'm very happy to see Iraq going forward," she told AFP after winning the title. "This event was huge and put a smile on the faces of the Iraqis."
-
Does Reform have a Russia problem?
Talking Point Nigel Farage is ‘in bed with Putin’, claims Rachel Reeves, after party’s former leader in Wales pleaded guilty to taking bribes from the Kremlin
-
Five key questions about the Gaza peace deal
The Explainer Many ‘unresolved hurdles’ remain before Donald Trump’s 20-point plan can get the go-ahead
-
See the Northern Lights from these bucket list destinations
The Week Recommends The dazzling displays can be spotted across Iceland, Sweden and parts of Canada
-
Russia is ‘helping China’ prepare for an invasion of Taiwan
In the Spotlight Russia is reportedly allowing China access to military training
-
Interpol arrests hundreds in Africa-wide sextortion crackdown
IN THE SPOTLIGHT A series of stings disrupts major cybercrime operations as law enforcement estimates millions in losses from schemes designed to prey on lonely users
-
China is silently expanding its influence in American cities
Under the Radar New York City and San Francisco, among others, have reportedly been targeted
-
How China uses 'dark fleets' to circumvent trade sanctions
The Explainer The fleets are used to smuggle goods like oil and fish
-
One year after mass protests, why are Kenyans taking to the streets again?
today's big question More than 60 protesters died during demonstrations in 2024
-
What happens if tensions between India and Pakistan boil over?
TODAY'S BIG QUESTION As the two nuclear-armed neighbors rattle their sabers in the wake of a terrorist attack on the contested Kashmir region, experts worry that the worst might be yet to come
-
Why Russia removed the Taliban's terrorist designation
The Explainer Russia had designated the Taliban as a terrorist group over 20 years ago
-
Inside the Israel-Turkey geopolitical dance across Syria
THE EXPLAINER As Syria struggles in the wake of the Assad regime's collapse, its neighbors are carefully coordinating to avoid potential military confrontations