The grandeur and disrepair inside the parliament hall formed a strange contrast.
On the towering dome remained golden mosaic inlays depicting mythological scenes from the ancient Two River Basin, though there was a large patch of repair on the left side, with glaringly unmatched colors.
328 deep red velvet seats were arranged in a semicircle, most of which were already occupied.
The air was filled with the distinctive dry scent of the air conditioner, mixed with the fragrance of men's cologne, sweat, and the smell of ink emanating from paper.
Samir was guided to the podium.
A spotlight shone on him, noticeably raising the temperature.
He could clearly see the diverse faces below.
Among them were the red and white checkered headscarves characteristic of the Kurd people, the black robes of Southern Shia elders, custom suits of Sunni businessmen, and traditional attire of Turkmen and Yazidi minority representatives.
Many were whispering amongst themselves.
