>>> welcome to nhk world "newsline." i'm gene otani in tokyo. here's a look at some of the stories we're following this hour. >>> the long-time prime minister of iraq is refusing to make way for a successor, creating a political showdown in a country already at war. >>> residents caught up in the fighting in ukraine could soon get aid from russia, although some fear president putin is looking for an excuse to launch an invasion. >>> and the spirit of kabuki. children in tokyo learn the skills of the stage from a leading classical actor. >>> iraqi leaders are caught in a struggle for power. the president has named a new prime minister but the man who held the job eight years is refusing to go. president fouad masoum asked haider al abadi to form a new cabinet within 30 days. abadi has served as deputy speaker in parliament and as an