Tools and Training enhance Water Resilience in Iraq
By Kim Andersson, Annette Huber-Lee, Jennifer Aghaji for the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI). Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News.
Focus Iraq: SEI's water tools and training enhance water resilience
Iraq faces severe water challenges due to climate change and regional issues from prolonged conflict. SEI trains Iraqi officials and researchers in water resource management to boost water resilience.
A recent workshop in Jordan focused on tools like SEI WEAP and circularity and included field trips to Jordanian facilities to provide real-world context.
The training supports ongoing work on Iraq's Al-Adhaim watershed, aiming to improve water access.
Click here to read the full report.
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Shafaq News
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The Abaya: How a dress code debate exposes Iraq's deeper fault lines
Shafaq News/ A recent administrative decision by the Baghdad Provincial Council, aiming to officially recognize the "Zaynabiyya Abaya" as an acceptable dress code within state institutions, has unexpectedly ignited a widespread and heated debate across Iraqi social media. What might, at first glance, appear to be a mundane local policy pronouncement, has swiftly escalated into a telling microcosm of Iraq's intricate struggles with identity, religious influence, individual freedoms, and the enduring shadow of political opportunism. Zaynabiyya Abaya: A Garment Steeped in Meaning The defining characteristics of the Zaynabiyya Abaya set it apart as one of the most conservative and encompassing forms of Islamic dress. Designed for ultimate modesty, it is notably loose-fitting and voluminous, intended to shroud the entire body. Its wide cut ensures that the wearer's figure and bodily contours remain completely concealed, a central tenet of its design. The vast majority of Zaynabiyya Abayas are black, a deliberate choice of color that serves to minimize visual distraction and avoid drawing undue attention to the wearer, thereby reinforcing the principle of modesty. Unlike many modern abayas that incorporate intricate embellishments, vibrant colors, or contemporary cuts, the Zaynabiyya Abaya is characteristically devoid of ostentatious decorations, elaborate embroidery, or flashy patterns. It is typically an open-front garment worn over regular clothes, with relatively narrow sleeve openings designed to prevent the arms from being exposed; this minimalist approach ensures that the garment itself does not become a source of attraction or adornment. At its essence, the Zaynabiyya Abaya is viewed by its adherents as the quintessential manifestation of Islamic dress principles, prioritizing chastity, humility, and the complete spiritual and physical veiling of the woman, serving as a tangible form of emulation of the revered women of the Prophet's household. While traditional abayas have been a staple of dress in Iraq and the Levant for centuries, the concept of the "Zaynabiyya Abaya" evolved to represent the pinnacle of modesty and traditional Islamic covering. It is not exclusively an Iraqi garment; its widespread adoption can be observed across many Muslim-majority nations, though its prominence varies. In countries like Iraq, Kuwait, the UAE, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Algeria, Egypt, parts of East Africa, Syria, and Turkiye, it is a commonly accepted, and often dominant, form of female dress. In other societies, such as Lebanon, parts of Central Africa, Malaysia, and Indonesia, it is more specifically worn by a significant segment of the population recognized for its religious commitment and piety. Baghdad's Provocative Resolution The Baghdad Provincial Council's recent vote on June 4, to officially sanction the Zaynabiyya Abaya as part of the formal dress code within the capital's state institutions was championed by Huda Jalil Al-Aboudah, who chairs the Environment Committee within the council and is affiliated with the politically influential Al-Hikma (Wisdom) Movement, led by Ammar al-Hakim. Al-Aboudah explicitly stated that the decision aims to "enhance respect, dignity, and modesty," particularly within examination halls. The announcement immediately triggered widespread confusion and, subsequently, a torrent of backlash. The initial public perception was that the Council was mandating the abaya for all women in official settings, including those who do not typically wear a headscarf (non-hijabis) or women belonging to other faiths. This misinterpretation, whether accidental or by design, ignited a fierce debate, forcing Al-Aboudah to issue a swift and defensive clarification. She categorically stated that the decision was not an imposition and did not apply to women who do not wear the hijab or individuals of other religious affiliations. Instead, she insisted it merely granted official recognition to the Zaynabiyya Abaya, thereby validating it as a formal dress option for women who choose to wear it, aligning it with their "identity and Islamic culture." Despite the clarification, Al-Aboudah's subsequent remarks only added fuel to the fire. She revealed her ambition to "submit a request to the Prime Minister, the Council of Ministers, and members of the House of Representatives to generalize the decision across all of Iraq, to preserve and protect the dignity of Iraqi women." This aspiration to expand a provincial decision nationwide further amplified concerns about the potential for future, more widespread impositions. Curiously, she also preemptively denied any electoral motivations, asserting she would not be participating in upcoming elections – a denial that, for many, only underscored the political nature of her initiative. It is crucial to emphasize that, unlike some other countries in the region, Iraq does not currently have a general, legally enforced hijab mandate. While wearing a headscarf or abaya is deeply ingrained in Iraqi culture and widely accepted, it remains, legally speaking, an individual choice. The Iraqi government does not impose it as a prerequisite for educational enrollment, employment, or participation in public life. This fundamental context makes the Council's decision, even with its subsequent clarifications, appear perplexing and, to some, an unnecessary intervention in personal freedoms. Legal Quagmire and the Chasm of Interpretation The legal validity and implications of the Baghdad Provincial Council's decision have exposed a significant schism among legal experts, reflecting broader ambiguities within Iraq's legal framework regarding religious and personal freedoms. Ali Al-Tamimi, a prominent legal expert, has voiced support for the decision from an administrative standpoint. He argues that the decision is "correct and without fault" because Islam is enshrined as the official religion of Iraq. From his perspective, the resolution aligns with the constitutional principle of freedom of dress, as it permits rather than mandates the wearing of the abaya during official duty. This, he asserts, implies that other women retain the freedom to wear different forms of attire. Al-Tamimi further bolsters his argument by referencing Article 11 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which generally allows individuals to choose their clothing, provided it does not violate public order (laws) or public morals (prevailing customs, values, and ideals). His interpretation leans on the idea that by formalizing an existing practice, the council is not restricting freedom but acknowledging a cultural and religious choice within a predominantly Muslim society. However, Mohammed Jumaa, another legal expert, offers a starkly contrasting view, dismissing the decision as "legally meaningless." Jumaa contends that there is no existing law that prescribes an official uniform for Baghdad province or any other Iraqi province. Furthermore, he emphasizes that there has never been any legal prohibition against wearing the abaya in any public or private sector setting across Iraq. He points out that numerous women already hold high-ranking governmental positions, such as deputy ministers or general directors, and perform their duties while wearing the Islamic abaya, which is undeniably "part of Iraqi culture." For Jumaa, the council's decision is redundant at best, potentially an overreach of authority, and serves no practical legal purpose, as the freedom to wear the abaya already existed without this decree. Political Maneuvering and Misplaced Priorities Beyond the legal debate, the timing and nature of the abaya decision have triggered deep skepticism among a significant segment of the Iraqi public, particularly students, activists, and those weary of political posturing. Athraa Hazem, a university student in Baghdad, who herself wears the abaya daily, attests that its wear is widely accepted on campus and that she has never faced harassment due to it. Yet, she observes that the sudden "timing of this decision and the surge of interest from officials coincide with elections, therefore it might carry a clear political agenda." This sentiment is echoed by Alia Al-Hathal, a prominent lawyer and activist, who states unequivocally that "there is no objection to the abaya decision," as it's already a common sight in markets, universities, and government offices. However, she asserts that "some are exploiting this decision due to the proximity of elections." Al-Hathal's critique extends beyond mere timing to question the fundamental priorities of the Baghdad Provincial Council, particularly the role of Al-Aboudah, the head of the Environment Committee. Al-Hathal powerfully argues that a committee tasked with environmental oversight should be focused on the urgent, visible, and life-threatening crises plaguing Baghdad: rampant waste accumulation, severe water pollution in the Tigris River, and the resulting surge in diseases. For Al-Hathal, prioritizing a symbolic dress code, especially one that was not previously prohibited, is a glaring example of misplaced priorities and a thinly veiled attempt at "self-promotion" ahead of elections. She also draws a sharp parallel to past instances where lawmakers introduced controversial social legislation (such as personal status laws) that critics viewed as electoral ploys, suggesting that Al-Aboudah might be attempting to replicate such a strategy. Furthermore, Al-Hathal raises serious allegations about the initial intent behind the resolution, claiming that the decision's original wording or underlying aim might have been to mandate or impose the abaya. According to her, it was only after the fierce public backlash that Al-Aboudah "changed the concept," clarifying that it was merely about "not preventing" those who choose to wear the abaya. Al-Hathal dismisses this clarification as "unconvincing," given that no such prohibition ever existed in the first place, citing examples of abaya-wearing women freely attending universities and even appearing in graduation photos. Human Rights, Modesty, and Progress The most profound and unyielding opposition to the Baghdad Council's decision comes from human rights activists who view it as a fundamental assault on individual liberties and a dangerous regression for women's rights in Iraq. Lina Ali, a prominent activist, offers a scathing condemnation, asserting that the "abaya decision is oppressive and has no connection to human rights, especially for women." She goes as far as to state, "We have not seen such decisions even in the era of ignorance (Jahiliyyah)," drawing a provocative parallel to pre-Islamic tribal societies. Her critique stems from a belief that while societies evolve and human progress is constant, there persists a harmful tendency to view women as mere "commodities" whose attire can be controlled without legitimate justification, despite the absence of religious or customary compulsion. Ali contends that such decisions inherently create an "atmosphere of oppression and self-flagellation" for women, fostering an unhealthy and regressive environment. She fundamentally challenges the notion that this decision is about "modesty," arguing that true modesty "is not compulsory" and cannot be legislated through clothing. Instead, she passionately defines modesty as an inherent quality of character, encompassing the "modesty of the tongue, mind, logic, and morals." In a powerful concluding statement, Ali emphasizes the urgent need for Iraqi officials to shift their focus from superficial debates to the pressing realities confronting the nation. She implores them to instead "issue decisions that uplift the country's deteriorating reality and protect its wealth from theft," arguing that these are far more critical than "occupying the public with women's attire."
Shafaq News
04-06-2025
- Shafaq News
Iraq's CF pushes post-Eid legislative overhaul
Shafaq News/ Iraq's Coordination Framework (CF) is preparing a legislative package to amend key laws immediately after the Eid al-Adha recess, a political source confirmed on Wednesday. One proposal involves revising the electoral law to allocate 80% of party list votes to lead candidates and 20% to others—an adjustment the CF, a governed alliance of predominantly Shiite political parties in Iraq, claims would enhance political cohesion and limit vote dispersion, particularly in Baghdad. The source stressed, however, that the change is procedural and will not disrupt the electoral commission's preparations for the November vote. To advance the agenda, CF leaders have instructed their lawmakers to coordinate with other blocs to secure quorum and fast-track debate on the amendments. The initiative follows months of debate among Iraqi factions and pressure from senior figures critical of the current electoral framework. MP Raad al-Maliki submitted earlier a parallel draft that proposes treating each province as a single electoral district—except Baghdad, Basra, and Mosul, which would be split in two—and limiting party lists to the number of seats available in each district to curb over-nomination. The bill also suggests lowering Iraq's modified Sainte-Laguë divisor from 1.7 to 1.5 to improve representation for smaller parties and enhance electoral competitiveness. To mitigate conflicts of interest, the proposed changes include an automatic resignation clause for sitting lawmakers seeking local office and for governors or provincial council members running for Parliament. Separately, the bloc plans to revisit Iraq's oil and gas law to reinforce federal authority and ensure more equitable revenue distribution across provinces, in addition to pursuing revisions to the Administrative Structure Law, although specifics remain unclear.
Shafaq News
04-06-2025
- Shafaq News
PM Al-Sudani, Iran's Pezeshkian hold call on regional stability
Shafaq News/ On Wednesday, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani held a phone call with Iran's president Masoud Pezeshkian discussing bilateral relations. According to a statement by the PM's media office, the conversation addressed ways to deepen cooperation, reviewed regional developments, and highlighted joint efforts to tackle shared challenges and enhance stability. In January 2025, Al- Sudani visited Tehran, where he met with Pezeshkian and Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Last year, Pezeshkian made his first official foreign visit to Baghdad, resulting in the signing of multiple memorandums of understanding on trade, infrastructure, and border security.
