Latest news with #Baghdad-based
Shafaq News
7 days ago
- Shafaq News
Lions in houses: exotic pet trend grows in Iraq
Shafaq News/ Once icons of the wild, lions and tigers are increasingly appearing in Iraqi homes and farms, as a rising number of individuals turn to exotic animals as symbols of prestige and power. The practice is growing despite serious safety concerns and legal restrictions. Abbas al-Khalidi, a Baghdad-based exotic animal dealer, told Shafaq News Agency that demand for lion and tiger cubs has sharply increased. 'Most buyers are landowners or people seeking to project dominance,' he explained. 'We deliver young cubs with handling instructions through discreet channels.' Prices for these animals typically range from $2,000 to $4,000, depending on age and species. Many are smuggled from neighboring countries like Iran and Syria via poorly monitored border crossings, al-Khalidi noted. Though some view owning a big cat as a status symbol, recent attacks have underscored the inherent risks. In a recent incident in Najaf, a lion killed its owner inside his home in Kufa. A neighbor, alerted by the commotion, intervened and fatally shot the animal. Dr. Yasser Mahmoud, a veterinarian in Kirkuk, noted that such outcomes are to be expected. 'Lions and tigers may appear tame as cubs, but their instincts remain. Hunger or agitation can quickly trigger deadly behavior.' Environmental expert Salem al-Amiri warned that private ownership of wild predators without a license violates Iraqi law. 'These animals are often acquired illegally, beyond regulatory oversight. When incidents occur, authorities are often unable to track or contain them.' Although Iraq has clear environmental regulations, lax enforcement and an active black market continue to drive the exotic animal trade. Cubs are trafficked and sold at high prices with little legal accountability. Jikniz Yassin, a wildlife protection activist, argued that the issue stems not only from weak enforcement but also from a lack of public awareness. 'Many see lions or tigers as luxury possessions rather than threats,' he cautioned. 'This trend could lead to catastrophic outcomes if left unaddressed.' Yassin called for education campaigns and tougher penalties for illegal trade and unlicensed ownership. 'Keeping wild animals in inappropriate conditions puts both people and the animals at serious risk.' Hassan Hadi, who owns several lions, described caring for them as far more demanding than many realize. He outlined a rigorous care routine involving special milk formulas, gradual dietary transitions from poultry to red meat, and a strict regimen of supplements and vitamins. 'These animals require spacious, sanitary, and temperature-controlled environments, plus routine veterinary checks—conditions most owners can't provide.' Many exotic pets, he warned, suffer from malnutrition, illness, or develop aggressive behavior due to improper care. 'Daily attention and expert handling are essential. Keeping them in homes, especially in urban settings, is neither safe nor sustainable.' 'Even cubs that seem tame are still predators,' he recalled. 'One nearly killed me during feeding—I only survived with a friend's help.'
Shafaq News
15-05-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
Stopgap spending: Iraq's budget ambitions clash with fiscal reality
Shafaq News/ A widening gap between Iraq's budgetary ambition and its fiscal capacity is forcing the government into stopgap financing measures, exposing how vulnerable the country's oil-dependent economy remains to even modest shifts in global energy markets. Despite a record three-year budget approved in 2023, the government has resorted to reallocating tax trust funds to cover public sector wages, in an unusual move that lawmakers see as a 'clear signal' of tightening liquidity. This budget, passed under Law No. 13, is based on a crude oil benchmark of $70 per barrel, but revenues briefly exceeded expectations early in the year, with oil trading around $75. However, prices have since fallen below $62 following the removal of OPEC+ production limits, cutting into the country's main revenue stream. With oil accounting for nearly 90% of government income, the fiscal impact has been immediate. Lawmaker Zuhair al-Fatlawi confirmed that the government had drawn from contractor-held tax deposits to meet payroll obligations. 'This reflects a shortfall in liquid funds,' he told Shafaq News. 'Routine revenue flows are proving inadequate.' Ministries such as Health and Water Resources are operating without full allocations. Capital projects in Babil, Al-Diwaniyah, and Karbala have either slowed or halted due to inconsistent disbursements. 'Some regions are funded, others are left waiting,' al-Fatlawi emphasized. Revenue Rigidity Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's Financial and Economic Advisor, Mudher Mohammad Saleh, defended the fiscal approach, pointing to mechanisms within the budget law that allow for flexibility. 'The budget operates on the principle of fiscal space,' he explained. 'It enables borrowing, resource reallocation, and controlled spending adjustments.' The government is authorized to borrow up to 64 trillion Iraqi dinars ($48.89B) if needed. Iraq's vulnerability is less about the oil price itself and more about the absence of diversified revenue sources. Non-oil tax collection remains underdeveloped, and budget execution is inconsistent across agencies. 'Oil volatility is a risk, but institutional rigidity is the larger issue,' said a Baghdad-based analyst. Notably, payment delays to contractors are triggering liquidity problems in the private sector, and further disbursement lags could freeze project pipelines and reduce market activity in a heavily state-led economy. 'Liquidity stress is contagious in Iraq's fiscal ecosystem,' public finance expert Mustafa al-Faraj affirmed. 'When escrow funds are repurposed, it undermines financial discipline and signals deeper structural imbalance.' The IMF has noted that delayed infrastructure investment can cut expected GDP impact by up to 40%, weakening the effectiveness of public spending even when funding is eventually restored. Tools Available, but Reforms Lag Iraq's Central Bank holds more than $100 billion in foreign reserves, offering a strategic buffer. However, economist Safwan Qusay cautioned against using reserves to plug structural gaps. 'These reserves are meant for external stability, not internal liquidity.' Qusay advocated for accelerating domestic reforms: enforcing utility payments, monetizing idle public assets, and revising land-use fees. 'The state needs to act more like an investor and less like a passive payer,' he emphasized, estimating that if prices stay below projections, Iraq could face monthly shortfalls exceeding $1.5 billion. In that scenario, options include tapping domestic bond markets or seeking external financing—a move that could further test fiscal credibility. Disparities in budget transfers across provinces have also raised concerns about equity and governance. With the next national elections set for November 2025, prolonged underfunding in public services may carry political consequences, particularly in provinces already expressing frustration over project delays and financial uncertainty. For now, Iraq is not in immediate fiscal crisis, but the warning signs are evident. Reliance on short-term measures to manage a structurally rigid and oil-dependent system has narrowed policy space, and without faster reform and revenue diversification, fiscal pressures could escalate into grave economic and political risks.
Rudaw Net
11-05-2025
- Business
- Rudaw Net
Iraqi university to launch AI programs
Also in Iraq Iraqi ministry says over 2,200 prisoners released under general amnesty law Iraq welcomes India-Pakistan ceasefire Komala offshoots evacuate Sulaimani bases Iraq bans protests ahead of Arab League summit in Baghdad A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - An Iraqi university is set to launch the first artificial intelligence study programs in the country with the stated aim of transforming the students' abilities and enabling them to better hone their skills. 'In coordination with the ministry of higher education, we plan to establish specialized artificial intelligence programs in three colleges of our university for the next academic year, which will be the first step of its kind in Iraq and will be rare in the region,' Muhsin Nouri, President of the Baghdad-based University of Technology - Iraq, told Rudaw on Saturday. Muhsin explained that the program will 'strengthen' the degrees of graduates. 'Their degrees will include references to their abilities and expertise in artificial intelligence, which will help them to work and innovate in this field in the future,' he said. Iraq's higher education ministry commended the initiative and confirmed that the university's plan has been approved. The University of Technology is an important foundation of our ministry and the country. We fully support the university in adding this program, and we have approved the plan,' ministry spokesperson Haider al-Aboudi told Rudaw. In February, Dhiaa al-Jumaili, AI strategy advisor to Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani, told Rudaw that the Iraqi government is planning to incorporate AI skills in the education system and is set to open three AI clubs to promote much-needed talents in the country. AI-specialized programs are expanding globally, with over 100 universities ranked in the 2025 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, reflecting the growing demand for skilled professionals in the field. The University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, Harvard University in the United States, Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, and the University of Toronto in Canada are among the leading institutions offering specialized programs in artificial intelligence. Malik Mohammed contributed to this report.
Shafaq News
26-04-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
Visit the jewelry shop? Iraq's soaring gold prices put weddings on hold
Shafaq News/ The dream of tying the knot with a golden sparkle is slipping out of reach for many young Iraqis, as surging gold prices wreak havoc on wedding plans and stall activity in the country's jewelry markets. Gold prices in Iraq have skyrocketed past 690,000 IQD (about $110) per mithqal (4.25 grams) for 21-carat gold — a level many couples can no longer afford. Some shops are seeing daily sales plummet, while larger stores have begun cutting staff due to shrinking demand. 'People are holding off on getting married,' said Maher Mohammed, a Baghdad-based jeweler, in an interview with Shafaq News Agency. 'They can't afford the gold anymore. It's affecting the whole market.' Retail gold prices on Monday showed 21-carat Gulf gold selling between 695,000 and 705,000 IQD per mithqal, while the locally refined equivalent ranged from 665,000 to 675,000 IQD. With the price poised to hit 700,000 IQD, many Iraqis have shifted from buying gold for celebrations to hoarding it as a hedge. 'People are treating gold as a safe investment now,' said Mohammed Marza, another jeweler in the capital. 'But it's driving away the average couple. What used to buy 10 mithqals now only gets seven.' Rising Costs, Shrinking Options Gold's price hike has prompted many couples to scale back significantly. 'The middle class is settling for just a light necklace, earrings, and a ring — or even less,' said Mohammed. 'Those budgeting 3 million IQD are finding the same set now costs nearly double.' The sharp rise has renewed calls for easing marriage requirements and reducing dowries. 'Even a modest gold set costs at least 4 million IQD (about $2700),' said Um Hassan, a resident of Karbala. 'That's more than most government employees can afford — let alone those on daily wages.' She pointed out to Shafaq News that gold is just one part of the burden. 'Add furniture, clothes, and other essentials — young men need at least 25 million IQD to get married.' Tradition Under Pressure Under Iraqi custom, marriage contracts include both a 'present' and 'deferred' dowry, often expressed in monetary terms and partially allocated for gold and household furnishings. Islamic scholar Haidar al-Tamimi explained that dowries typically start at 5 million IQD for each portion, and rising gold prices are complicating this tradition. 'As gold becomes more expensive, families may start demanding higher dowries in cash instead, to preserve the perceived value,' he told Shafaq News. A Call for Support Economic expert Karim al-Hilu urged the government to step in with support measures, including interest-free loans of 5–10 million IQD specifically for gold purchases, modeled after existing marriage loans of 3 million IQD. 'These loans could be repaid in installments and disbursed transparently, based on marriage contracts,' he remarked to Shafaq News. Al-Hilu linked the global price spike to a broader shift in economic policy. 'BRICS countries are dumping US bonds and buying gold, pushing up global demand,' he confirmed. 'Meanwhile, gold's role in electronics is expanding, adding more pressure.' Trade tensions, he added, are also a factor. 'Trump's tariffs on gold, the falling dollar, and geopolitical frictions — especially with China — are all driving the price up. Gold and the dollar have an inverse relationship, and we're seeing that play out clearly.'
The National
22-04-2025
- Politics
- The National
Iraq backs head of Baghdad-based Chaldean Catholic Church to succeed Pope Francis
World leaders send condolences after Pope's death Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani offered his 'unwavering support' on Tuesday for the head of the Baghdad-based Chaldean Catholic Church to succeed Pope Francis. Cardinal Louis Sako, 76, would be the "sole nominee from the Middle East" to replace Pope Francis, Mr Al Sudani said. He described the cardinal as "widely respected both locally and internationally" and said he played a "vital role in advancing peace and fostering interfaith tolerance". The Vatican announced the death of Pope Francis, who was 88 and had suffered several ailments during his 12-year papacy, on Monday. Pope Francis was the first Latin American leader of the world's Roman Catholics and the first pontiff from outside Europe for more than 1,000 years, since the Syria-born Gregory III. 'We reaffirm our unwavering support for His Beatitude Cardinal Louis Raphael I Sako, the sole nominee from the Middle East to succeed the late Pope Francis (may his soul rest in peace) as the head of the Holy See in the Vatican,' Mr Al Sudani said. In a statement later on Monday, Mr Sako said speculation about Pope Francis's successor had begun as soon as his health deteriorated, with the names of cardinals from Europe, the US, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East circulating. "These speculations are normal and usually occur after the Pope's death," he said. "What is published on social media is an expression of people's love and pride for those qualified to run for the office, but it does not, in fact, affect the election process," he added. He said he is one of 136 cardinals under the age of 80 who will convene at the Vatican. Christians in Iraq trace their roots back to the beginning of the faith. The country has 14 recognised Christian sects, but two decades of conflict left ancient communities that were once a vibrant and integral part of Iraq's landscape scattered and in ruins. Pope Francis made a landmark visit to Mosul in 2021. 'Iraq has long been one of the most significant homelands for followers of the Christian faith, who have lived in harmony and brotherhood with other religious communities throughout history,' the Prime Minister said. 'Today, Iraq remains a land where all Christian denominations are represented – embodying a spirit of love and unity among believers of diverse religions." Born in 1948 in the northern Iraqi city of Zakho, Cardinal Sako grew up in an ethnic Assyrian family belonging to the Chaldean Catholic Church. The religious community has had a presence in the city since the fifth century AD. He was ordained a priest in 1974 and performed pastoral service at a cathedral in Mosul, northern Iraq, until 1979, the Vatican said. He later attended the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome and obtained a doctorate in Eastern patrology, a branch of theology. From 1997 to 2002 he held the office of rector of the Patriarchal Seminary in Baghdad. On returning to Mosul he guided the parish of Perpetual Help until his election as archbishop of Kirkuk in 2003. In 2018, Pope Francis made him a cardinal. He has led the Chaldean Catholic Church in Iraq and the world since 2013. He has been outspoken in raising the grievances of Christians in Iraq, with an estimated one million having left in the past decade. It is difficult to know how many remain in the country but community leaders estimate there are fewer than 500,000. The death of a pope sets in motion a centuries-old ritual led by cardinals to elect a successor. The election is shrouded in secrecy, with cardinals forbidden from communicating with the outside world about what happened during the conclave within the frescoed walls of the Sistine Chapel. Pope Francis died of a stroke and irreversible heart failure, Vatican doctor Andrea Arcangeli said in a death certificate released on Monday. It said the Pope had fallen into a coma before his death early on Monday. His funeral will be held on Saturday, April 26, at 10am local time at St Peter's Basilica, a Vatican statement said. The cardinals have also decided that a public viewing of Pope Francis's casket will begin on Wednesday in the basilica, after it is taken by procession from the Vatican hotel where he lived during his 12-year papacy.
