Murder of former Iraqi MP in Beirut raises concerns about power of Iran-backed terror - analysis

The killing of former Iraqi parliamentarian Ahmed al-Alwani in Beirut has raised questions about the role of Iran-backed groups in the region. Al-Alwani, a prominent Sunni politician from Iraq's Anbar province, was found dead in an apartment in the Lebanese capital on November 10. His death has shocked his family and supporters in Iraq, where he was known for his opposition to former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and Iranian-backed factions.Relatives and tribal members gathered in Ramadi, the capital of Anbar province, on November 11 for a memorial service for the former lawmaker. According to Rudaw, one of his cousins accused Lebanese Hezbollah of involvement in the killing."All indications suggest that the computer system at Rafik Hariri Airport in Beirut was hacked by Lebanese Hezbollah, especially since Dr. Ahmed had previously expressed his political views freely regarding this party and its proxies in Iraq," Ammar al-Alwani told Rudaw's Shko Omer.Rudaw noted that it could not independently confirm the allegations against Hezbollah. Lebanese authorities are investigating the death, and no evidence establishing Hezbollah's involvement has been made public. The accusations illustrate how the killing has underpinned political tensions that have influenced Iraq.Iraqi, Lebanese officials mourn al-Alwani's death, call for investigationIraqi Parliament Speaker Haibat al-Halbousi called for accountability on Wednesday, saying al-Alwani had died "under mysterious circumstances, which demand clarifying the details of…