Iraq's global standing: education gap, security risks, and economic challenges
Shafaq News/ Iraq continues to face significant challenges in education, security, and economic well-being, as reflected in recent global reports. Education: Gender Disparity in Higher Education Iraq remains among the countries where men significantly outnumber women in obtaining higher education, according to data published by the Arab Barometer network.
The data shows that 28% of Iraqi men have attained post-secondary education, compared to only 20% of women. In contrast, Kuwait recorded the highest female higher education attainment rate among Arab countries, with 79% of women holding post-secondary degrees compared to 71% of men.
At the other end of the spectrum, Mauritania had the largest gender disparity, with only 15% of women receiving higher education, compared to 29% of men—the lowest ratio in the survey and below the global average.
Security: Iraq Ranks 13th in Terrorism Impact Iraq ranked 13th globally in the 2024 Global Terrorism Index, issued by the Institute for Economics and Peace. The index reported an increase in the number of countries experiencing terrorist attacks, rising from 58 to 66. While the Middle East saw a 7% decline in terrorist incidents in 2024, with 618 recorded attacks, ongoing violence between Israel and Palestinian factions has contributed to regional instability. Syria ranked 3rd globally in terrorism impact, followed by Somalia (7th), while Iraq came 13th, Yemen 22nd, and Palestine 25th.
Among the least affected Arab nations, Kuwait, Mauritania, Morocco, Qatar, and Sudan recorded zero terrorism incidents, according to the report. Economy: Iraq's Standing in Wealth and Public Spending A recent UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) report ranked Iraq 12th among 20 Arab nations and 118th globally (out of 173 countries) in terms of material well-being, based on actual per capita spending.
The report indicates that the average annual expenditure per Iraqi citizen was USD 6,461. Regarding individual income levels, Iraq ranked 9th in the Arab world and 106th globally, with an annual per capita income of USD 12,421. In terms of government spending per capita, Iraq also ranked 9th regionally and 102nd worldwide. The report noted that telecommunication services are the most expensive sector for Iraqis, while education remains the least costly compared to other expenses.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Shafaq News
19 minutes ago
- Shafaq News
Syria's Labor Ministry: Committed to stabilizing the job market
Shafaq News/ Syria's Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs reaffirmed on Tuesday its commitment to supporting Syrian workers both at home and abroad, with a focus on achieving balance in the country's labor market. Speaking to Shafaq News Agency, Khalil Awad, Director of Labor Regulation at the Ministry, stated that efforts are ongoing to ensure equality between Syrian and non-Syrian workers under Labor Law No. 17 of 2010. 'Articles 2 and 4 of the law stipulate equal rights and obligations for all workers, while also safeguarding local labor from unfair competition,' Awad explained. He added that despite this principle of equality, the law imposes specific requirements on foreign workers. 'Articles 27 to 30 of the same legislation mandate that non-Syrian workers obtain work permits, and Ministerial Decree No. 888 of 2016 outlines the procedures for granting such permits,' he said. According to Awad, these measures are intended to maintain proper regulation and order in the labor market. Regarding Syrians employed abroad, Awad described them as 'an invaluable national asset,' emphasizing their positive contributions to the economies of their host countries. 'We are currently working to create an attractive work environment inside Syria to encourage their return and involvement in the reconstruction process,' he added, revealing that the Ministry is collaborating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates to compile accurate statistics on Syrians working overseas. Domestically, the Ministry is expanding initiatives to train and employ youth. Awad highlighted the Ministry's oversight of several NGOs that offer specialized vocational training programs in partnership with the Ministries of Industry, Education, and Housing. 'We are in the process of integrating national digital platforms related to vocational training, under labor regulations, to improve accessibility to resources and training opportunities,' Awad said. He concluded that the overarching goal is to ensure effective coordination among relevant institutions and build a comprehensive training environment aligned with market needs.
Shafaq News
19 minutes ago
- Shafaq News
Israel systematically targeted Gaza schools and mosques: UN report
Shafaq News/ Israeli forces committed war crimes in Gaza, including killing civilians sheltering in schools, mosques, and churches, a UN commission reported on Tuesday. In a report, the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory accused Israel of systematically targeting Gaza's educational and cultural sites, warning the destruction may indicate genocidal intent. It documented repeated strikes on schools and places of worship, killing civilians—many children—and classified the attacks as unlawful and deliberate under international law. The report described a collapsing humanitarian situation: starvation, trauma, and what it labeled 'subhuman living conditions' for children. Religious sites used as shelters were also hit, with hundreds reportedly killed. In the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Israel, the commission reported settler violence against schools and students, often met with official inaction, noting threats and arrests targeting academics and students who supported Gaza. While urging the Security Council to act, UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher called on Israel to lift its blockade, warning of imminent famine. Israel rejected genocide claims. The commission demanded Israel halt strikes on civilian infrastructure, stop settlement expansion, comply with court rulings, and allow aid access, while pressing Hamas to end military activity in civilian areas. The full report will be presented to the UN Human Rights Council on June 17. Hamas launched its October 7, 2023 attack on Israel following years of blockade and military pressure, killing around 1,200 and taking 251 hostages. In response, Israel launched a broad military campaign that has killed over 54,900 Palestinians, mostly women and children.
Shafaq News
19 minutes ago
- Shafaq News
Iraq confirms halted flights to Syria amid high visa fees
Shafaq News/ Iraq's Ministry of Transport confirmed, on Tuesday, that civil aviation flights between Iraq and Syria remain suspended, a situation in place since the fall of the former Syrian regime. Ministry spokesperson Maytham al-Safi told Shafaq News that 'civil flights have been halted for years, and no regular services operate between the two countries. Only Cham Wings Airlines operated for a while, but those flights have also stopped.' The statement comes amid rising concerns over the recently increased visa fees imposed on Iraqi citizens traveling to Syria, which now stand at $250. Omar Abdul-Baqi, deputy director of security at Damascus International Airport, told Shafaq News that the higher fees apply not only to Iraqis but to other nationalities as well, as part of a broader Syrian policy to regulate entry and cover administrative costs.
