Latest news with #Al-Shammari
Kuwait Times
28-05-2025
- Health
- Kuwait Times
Makin Club empowers female cancer survivors with health awareness
KUWAIT: As part of its ongoing mission to empower female cancer survivors, the Makin Club, affiliated with the National Cancer Awareness Campaign (CAN), recently held a health awareness lecture featuring specialized female doctors. This event aligns with the Makin Club's goal to raise health literacy and promote the importance of continued care after the treatment journey. Dr Iman Al-Shammari, Secretary of the CAN campaign and Chairperson of the Makin Club Committee, emphasized the critical importance of rebuilding the body and strengthening the immune system after cancer recovery. She highlighted the need to enhance the quality of life for recovering women by providing accurate health information from trusted specialists. Dr Al-Shammari noted that misinformation can cause unnecessary anxiety and fear, negatively impacting psychological health. To address this, the Makin Club employs a strategic approach, organizing activities, events, and initiatives developed by experts and implemented according to a clear timetable. During the lecture, Dr Nada Al-Ibrahim, a specialist in obstetrics, gynecology, urogynecology, and pelvic reconstructive surgery, spoke on 'Enhancing Your Health During and After Treatment.' Dr Noura Al-Ibrahim, a gynecological oncology specialist, followed with a presentation on cancer prevention, emphasizing women's cancers and the crucial role of early screening, particularly for cervical cancer. The lectures focused on maintaining physical and psychological health throughout and after treatment stages, stressing that regular screenings can significantly reduce the incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer. Key topics included boosting the immune system through balanced nutrition, evidence-based vitamin use, and adopting a healthy lifestyle. The doctors also addressed managing early menopause caused by certain cancer treatments, offering solutions to alleviate symptoms like hot flashes through appropriate therapies and lifestyle adjustments. The session was highly interactive, with many recovering women actively participating by asking questions about the health challenges they face during and after their treatment. Concluding the event, the Makin Club announced a special outing for recovering women as part of its Counseling and Psychological Support Program. The 'Renewed Spirit Trip' will take place at Al Khiran Mall on the evening of Monday, June 2, 2025. Due to limited seats, those interested are encouraged to register by calling 65072072.
Iraqi News
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
Government Advisor: Iraq is determined to turn the resolutions of the Arab Summit into reality
Baghdad-INA Prime Minister's political advisor, Fadi Al-Shammari, affirmed on Sunday that Iraq is determined to transform the decisions of the Baghdad summit into reality, he noted that the Arab summit was exceptional thanks to Iraqi initiatives. Al-Shammari told the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "More than 18 initiatives were announced during the Arab summit in Baghdad yesterday." He added that "a large part of these initiatives came from Iraq, while the other part came from brotherly countries," noting that "what distinguishes these initiatives is that they are comprehensive and address the problems, issues, and political files some countries are facing." He pointed out that "the initiatives included relief, economic, and security issues, as well as touching on digital transformation and artificial intelligence," noting that "Iraq is capable of forming an executive system, especially with the Prime Minister's directive to work diligently and effectively to implement the summit's decisions, reflecting the image of the new Iraq and its commitment to implementing the summit's decisions." He explained that "if these decisions are implemented, it will be an exceptional summit compared to previous summits, whose decisions were not translated into practical implementation on the ground." He noted that "the initiatives launched by Baghdad, or those presented by participating countries, will all be within a specific work program with clear timelines and mechanisms, through specialized teams that will undertake the tasks of monitoring implementation." The 34th Arab League Summit concluded successfully in Baghdad on Saturday, drawing praise from Arab and international leaders for its organization, the summit's final statement included a categorical rejection of the displacement of the Palestinian people, the need to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, and an appeal to the international community to exert pressure to halt the bloodshed in Gaza, condemn the Zionist attacks on Syria, and find a political solution to end the conflict in Sudan. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, on behalf of Iraq, government and people, extended his sincere thanks to the Arab brothers who participated in the Baghdad Arab League and the Arab Development Summit, whose outcomes, he hopes, will contribute to achieving the aspirations of our peoples across the Arab world. He affirmed that "Baghdad will always remain an arena for joint Arab action, a source of strength and power, and a pillar of Arab decision-making, this is embodied in its hosting of our brothers and the initiatives and decisions that emerged from it, keeping pace with the scale of the challenges we face today." He concluded by saying, "The hearts and hands of Iraqis are always open to every effective step that shapes the future, and to every effort that supports stability and development, limits the spread of conflicts, and fulfills the hopes of our people."
Shafaq News
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraqi Interior Minister tours Baghdad Airport ahead of Arab Summit
Shafaq News/ On Friday, Iraqi Interior Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari visited Baghdad International Airport to review the preparations for receiving delegations participating in the Arab Summit, scheduled to be held in the capital on Saturday. According to a statement from the Ministry, Al-Shammari toured several departments within the airport, emphasizing the importance of maintaining operational momentum and providing full facilitation for 'the arriving Arab brothers to their second home, Iraq.' The minister was briefed on the current flow of operations at the airport and instructed full adhere to the outlined security plans to ensure the safe and smooth reception of Arab delegations. He also called for intensified security efforts, particularly in the critical hours ahead of the summit. Meanwhile, the ministry intensified security measures ahead of the summit, announcing that no demonstrations will be permitted between May 11 and 20.
Shafaq News
11-05-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
Dollar dives in Iraq: Factions' gambit or economic progress?
Shafaq News/ The recent appreciation of the Iraqi dinar against the US dollar has stirred concern among economists, who argue that the shift is not backed by structural reforms or sustainable changes in foreign currency management. Instead, they warn that the current trend may be short-lived and vulnerable to sudden reversals driven by political or security tensions. On Thursday evening, Baghdad's al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya currency exchanges closed with a rate of 142,700 IQD per 100 USD, while exchange shops in local markets were selling dollars at 144,000 IQD and buying at 142,000 IQD. In Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region, the rate stood at 142,900 for selling and 142,800 for buying. Serious Risk 'This drop poses a significant risk,' said Kazem Al-Shammari, a member of the parliamentary Economic Committee. 'The dinar's current strength is artificial. It's not rooted in daily usage or public confidence. A large amount of cash remains hoarded in homes.' Al-Shammari emphasized that the public's purchasing power relies on the economy's overall strength. 'If the economy weakens, no exchange rate can compensate. Those celebrating this drop in the dollar may be misreading the situation,' he said. With parliament currently in recess, Al-Shammari said discussions will soon shift to the Central Bank governor to understand whether this decline is deliberate or reactive, and what corrective measures are being considered. Factions Tactics? Economic researcher Ahmed Eid attributed the current dip in the parallel market dollar rate to short-term factors, including a reduction in official import volumes, tighter border controls, and enhanced surveillance of cash movements. 'The drop in demand reflects recent financial shifts within Iraq's market,' Eid told Shafaq News. He pointed to expanded dollar sales by official banks and broader coverage of legitimate demand (travel, medical expenses, education) as having relieved pressure on the black market. However, Eid warned that these gains are tenuous. 'Many economic offices affiliated with political factions and armed groups have scaled back operations under international pressure. This pause is likely tactical, not permanent.' According to Eid, these unofficial networks were key drivers of dollar demand, often involved in money transfers and currency smuggling. Their current dormancy has eased demand, but it could reverse quickly. 'This is not true stability. It's conditional and could collapse with the return of smuggling networks or political disruption,' Eid warned. Government Measures? In contrast, Dr. Mudher Mohammad Salih, the Prime Minister's financial advisor, praised the dinar's rebound as a sign of effective policy execution. He credited the Central Bank with enabling private-sector trade financing, expanding direct dollar sales, and reducing the need for costly intermediaries. These measures have made foreign currency more accessible to travelers and small traders, reducing reliance on black-market exchanges. Economic expert Nawar Al-Saadi agreed, noting that electronic payment expansion has weakened the public's dependence on physical dollars, particularly among travelers. 'We've seen a clear effort to absorb excess dinar liquidity, encouraging shifts to other safe havens like gold,' Al-Saadi said. He added that non-oil financial inflows, lower import demand, and greater control over illegal outflows have helped stabilize supply-demand dynamics in Iraq's FX market. While recent trends suggest a more stable currency environment, experts remain divided. Some cite temporary compliance by illicit networks and reduced demand as key, while others credit government reform measures. Still, many agree: without deeper structural change, the current dinar strength may prove temporary, particularly if regional volatility or political instability returns.
Shafaq News
05-05-2025
- Health
- Shafaq News
Saving lives: Iraq to enact key law protecting volunteer medics
Shafaq News/ A persistent mix of legal peril and tribal retaliation has forced many Iraqis to think twice—or walk away entirely—when faced with accident victims in need, leaving some to bleed to death on the roadside. The widespread reluctance to intervene in emergencies has persisted for years and continues to claim lives. In response, the Iraqi Parliament began drafting the "Volunteer Rescuer Protection Law" in 2018, aimed at removing criminal liability for those who offer emergency assistance. Despite its urgency, the bill stalled amid political hurdles. It was eventually shelved, before being reactivated and approved by the Iraqi Cabinet during its 17th regular session, following a legal review by the State Council. The draft law has now been returned to Parliament for the completion of legislative procedures. Critical Law Described by lawmakers as one of Iraq's most critical health-related pieces of legislation, the law is intended to 'safeguard human life,' said Wafaa Al-Shammari, a member of Parliament's Health Committee. Speaking to Shafaq News Agency, Al-Shammari stressed the committee's full support and determination to pass the law in the current parliamentary session. Al-Shammari also pointed out that anyone could be involved in an accident, and the absence of a responder can mean the difference between life and death. However, she noted that 'the real impetus behind the law is the growing phenomenon where individuals transporting victims to hospitals are subjected to legal questioning or tribal pressure from victims' families.' The draft law remains under study. A first reading is scheduled, to be followed by revisions and a second reading, before it can be finalized and voted into law. According to the Strategic Center for Human Rights in Iraq, 2023 saw 12,000 traffic accidents. In the first half of 2024 alone, 3000 accidents were recorded. The center reports that collisions accounted for 57% of incidents, while pedestrian-related accidents represented over 32%. In terms of casualties, 3,021 people died and 12,314 were injured in 2023, while 2024 has already seen 1,000 deaths and 4,360 injuries. Protecting Rescuers Khaldoun Al-Saab, founder of the Immediate Volunteer Rescue Group, told Shafaq News Agency that public hesitancy to intervene has recurred in many incidents. He emphasized the urgent need for a law to provide legal backing for volunteer rescuers, especially given Iraq's high daily accident rate that requires swift, lifesaving intervention. 'Many citizens avoid helping for fear of legal or tribal consequences,' Al-Saab said. 'If this law is passed, it would offer them protection and encourage more people to step in and save lives.' 9 Articles Only? Lawyer Waleed Al-Shibli, speaking to Shafaq News, said the draft law consists of just nine articles. The preamble emphasizes the need to protect volunteers, rescuers, and whistleblowers from prosecution, provided they intend to save a life. Al-Shibli cited the widespread tribal threats against helpers—even when their actions stem from good intentions—as a key reason for the legislation. 'Too many victims have bled to death in full view of people capable of saving them,' he said. Under the draft, any threat against a volunteer rescuer, regardless of the eventual outcome for the injured party, is considered a crime. Article 4 stipulates temporary imprisonment for anyone who threatens, hints at, or initiates tribal retaliation against a volunteer. Still, Al-Shibli argued that the provisions could have been incorporated as amendments to Article 370 of Iraq's Penal Code rather than forming a standalone law. He also suggested the law should define tribal threats as 'acts of terrorism,' similar to the legal treatment of tribal assaults. Crucially, Al-Shibli criticized the bill's definition of a volunteer rescuer as someone with professional qualifications. He argued this narrow scope overlooks many ordinary citizens who possess basic medical knowledge or first-aid training, calling for a more inclusive legal definition to ensure wider protection.
