11.   The death of Iraqi poet Mohammad Mahadi Al Jawahri in the middle of last year will be missed greatly.

12.   Two prominent Iraqi poets stripped of their citizenship for taking part in a cultural event in Saudi Arabia called the decision irrational and despicable.

13.   Iraqi poet Abdel Wahab al-Bayati was among the Arab writers invited to attend.

14.   A leading Iraqi poet, Amal al-Juburi, said Tuesday she was turned away when she tried to enter Jordan for an Arab poetry exhibition.