Latest news with #British-Iraqi
Shafaq News
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
BPUR International urges Iraqi PM to support treaty against political use of religion
Shafaq News/ The BPUR International, a UK-based NGO, called on Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to support a global initiative to establish an international treaty banning the political exploitation of religion. In an official letter to the Prime Minister, the organization expressed appreciation for al-Sudani's interest in the initiative during a meeting in London months earlier and for the ongoing communication between Iraqi representatives and the initiative's team. It also praised the Prime Minister's role in 'promoting regional stability and guiding Iraq toward recovery and development.' Founded by British-Iraqi writer Salam Sarhan, the initiative, now five years in the making, has expanded beyond its Iraqi roots and is gaining international momentum. According to the letter, the Council of Europe is expected to formally endorse the initiative after two years of deliberations, and it has already secured support from over 80 countries and engaged in direct dialogue with dozens of governments, particularly from the Arab and Islamic worlds. The proposed treaty seeks to translate respect for all religions into 'clear, universally recognized standards that prohibit the misuse of religious sanctity for political purposes.' The letter also emphasized that the initiative is in full alignment with the Iraqi constitution and resonates with the values of responsible governments worldwide. BPUR International highlighted the initiative's simplicity as a key strength, arguing that it is difficult for any political party or government to reject without appearing to condone religious exploitation. It added that Iraqi religious leaders are among the most enthusiastic supporters of the initiative, which has the potential to shift even hardline actors toward tolerance and moderation. Calling it a 'proactive Iraqi step,' the organization noted the 'historical significance of such a proposal originating from Iraq—land of ancient civilizations and sacred heritage—long affected by religious politicization.' The letter also linked the initiative to Iraq's November 2025 elections, stating that banning the political use of religion reflects the aspirations of many Iraqi voters and could help increase turnout, particularly after low participation in previous elections, which was partly attributed to religious manipulation. BPUR International revealed that a major development is expected soon: the Council of Europe's decision urging its 46 member states to adopt and promote the initiative. In addition, the organization is preparing to host a global conference at the Italian Senate in Rome on September 25, bringing together officials, parliamentarians, and international figures from dozens of countries to launch a coalition in support of the treaty and chart its path to the United Nations. The organization has formally invited Prime Minister al-Sudani or his representative to attend the Rome conference and present Iraq's experience in defeating terrorism, which it describes as a critical contribution to global peace and security. BPUR also proposed that Baghdad host an international conference titled 'Global Standards to Disarm Extremism' to reinforce Iraq's central role in the initiative and enhance its regional and global leadership in addressing religious extremism. 'This is Iraq's initiative on the global stage,' the letter concluded. 'It can help stabilize the region and the world, and it needs your support at this advanced stage of official dialogue with dozens of governments and international bodies.' The letter was signed by Salam Sarhan, Founder and Secretary-General of BPUR International.
Shafaq News
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Initiative calls on Al-Sudani to ban the political exploitation of religion
Shafaq News/ On Tuesday, 'Bepure International' called on Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to support a global initiative seeking to establish an international treaty banning the political exploitation of religion. In a letter to al-Sudani, Bepure International emphasized that the initiative, which was launched five years ago, has Iraqi origins, founded by British-Iraqi writer Salam Sarhan. Now on the international agenda, the initiative proposes a comprehensive solution to the root causes of religious conflicts, advocating for a treaty based on fundamental justice to prohibit the use of religion for political purposes that violate the rights of others. According to a statement from 'Bepure', the initiative has garnered broad international support, with backing from over 80 countries and ongoing discussions with numerous governments, including those in the Arab and Islamic world. It is also expected to receive formal endorsement from the Council of Europe after two years of deliberations. The initiative underscores deep respect for all religions while translating these values into clear, internationally recognized standards designed to prevent the political exploitation of religious sanctity. The organization views this proposal as a proactive step from Iraq, offering a model for addressing this issue grounded in Iraq's values and history. The timing of the appeal, coinciding with Iraq's crucial upcoming elections, is seen as significant since the organization believes that banning political exploitation of religion aligns with the aspirations of the Iraqi people and could help drive voter turnout, particularly after previous elections saw low participation due to such exploitation.
Rudaw Net
07-04-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Trump says ‘direct' talks with Iran have begun, hints at military action if talks fail
Also in World Why does Trump want Greenland? Russia rejects Trump's threats against Iran as US expands military presence British-Iraqi doctor's fourth volunteer mission to Gaza blocked US congresswoman goes viral for pushing parental leave voting reform A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - US President Donald Trump on Monday said that 'direct talks' between Washington and Tehran have begun, just days after Iranian officials stressed that they are pursuing 'indirect negotiations.' Trump additionally expressed his preference for diplomacy but did not rule out military action if the talks are unsuccessful. "We're having direct talks with Iran, and they have started," Trump told reporters at the White House after a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. 'Maybe a deal [with Iran] is going to be made. That would be great. We are meeting very importantly on Saturday [April 12], at almost the highest level,' he added. The US president's remarks notably come two days after Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday stated that his country is open to 'indirect talks' with Washington and ruled out direct engagement. 'In principle, direct negotiations with a party that constantly threatens to resort to force in violation of the United Nations Charter and that expresses contradictory positions by its various officials would be pointless, but we remain committed to diplomacy and are willing to try the path of indirect negotiations,' Araghchi said. Prior to that, on March 27, Iran said it had responded to a letter from Trump, delivered via Oman, reiterating that it would not engage directly with the US, as long as Washington's 'maximum pressure' campaign was in place. On March 7, Trump had told Fox Business that he sent a letter to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, signaling openness to negotiations while warning that military action remained on the table if Iran refused to cooperate. Since returning to office, Trump in early February reinstated his administration's 'maximum pressure' policy on Iran, accusing Tehran of moving 'too close' to developing a nuclear weapon. Despite the pressure, the US president has repeatedly expressed willingness to strike a new deal with Iran. In his Monday remarks, Trump notably added that both the US and Israel would prefer a diplomatic solution over military confrontation. However the US president also pointed to possible military action against Iran if the talks are unsuccessful. 'I think everybody agrees that doing a deal would be preferable to doing the obvious, and the obvious is not something that I want to be involved with, or frankly, that Israel wants to be involved with, if they can avoid it,' he said. He threatened that Iran will be in great danger if the talks fail. "I think if the talks aren't successful with Iran, I think Iran is going to be in great danger. And I hate to say it. Great danger. Because they cannot have a nuclear weapon,' he said. On March 29, the US President had warned that 'there will be bombing' against Iranian interests if Tehran fails to reach an agreement with Washington over its nuclear program. 'If they don't make a deal [with the US] there will be bombing, and it will be bombing the likes of which they have never seen before,' Trump told NBC News. In an indirect response to Trump's threats, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on March 31 warned of a strong response if Iran is attacked. 'They threaten to commit evil,' but 'if evil is committed, the counterattack will definitely be mutually strong,' Khamenei said. Additionally, a senior aide to Khamenei, Ali Larijani, on the same day suggested that Tehran may pursue nuclear weapons if attacked by the US or Israel. The remarks signalled a possible shift in policy under Khamenei, who has long opposed such weapons on religious grounds. Amid the heightened tensions, the US has been beefing up its military presence within operational range from Iran. It recently deployed the USS Carl Vinson and USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier strike groups to the Middle East, along with up to six B-2 stealth bombers stationed at Diego Garcia - a US-British military base in the Indian Ocean. Additional fighter jets and surveillance aircraft have also been moved to the region, alongside Patriot missile defense batteries to bolster air defenses.
Roya News
03-04-2025
- Health
- Roya News
British-Iraqi doctor Mohammed Tahir blocked from entering Gaza
Dr. Mohammed Taher Kamil Abu Ragheef, a British-Iraqi neurosurgeon, was denied entry to Gaza despite receiving prior approval. The announcement was made Wednesday via a post on his official Instagram account, where he expressed his disappointment over the decision. In his message, Abu Ragheef wrote, "With great sadness, I announce that I have been denied entry to Gaza to offer medical assistance to our people there, after planning to help treat the wounded suffering from the dire situation." The doctor had intended to join medical relief efforts in Gaza, where the recent escalation has left many injured. However, he was unexpectedly blocked from entering the region. No official explanation has been provided for the denial, raising questions about the reasons behind the decision, especially given Gaza's ongoing medical crisis.
Telegraph
07-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Virtue signalling has killed my profession: an interview with the ‘world's most provocative architect'
If you believe his critics, Patrik Schumacher is not only 'the world's most provocative architect' but 'the architect of social cleansing fascism'. In person, however, the man who built Dame Zaha Hadid's practice alongside the British-Iraqi before succeeding the 'starchitect' upon her sudden death in 2016 is much more laid-back and light-hearted than his haters, or even his own essays and polemics, might suggest. This time, he has lobbed a grenade into the hallowed halls of the biennales of Venice and Chicago by declaring that 'architecture is dead', having 'self-dissolved, eroding its intellectual and professional autonomy under the pressures of anti-capitalist politicisation and woke virtue signalling'. Across the discipline, the 'communication space and air-time' has been usurped by 'politically charged, non-architectural agendas', he writes in a hefty 13,000-word thesis published in the architecture and philosophy journal Khōrein. The 'principle of indiscriminate, pluralist tolerance' has produced a culture that 'repels students with intellectual ambition' and where criticising university work 'is increasingly avoided and seen as disrespectful'. Meanwhile, 'a lesser talent pool' is marooned in an 'increasingly incestuous academic culture of dilettante distraction'. He concludes that 'the whole apparatus of the academic discipline might as well be shut down'. The German-born 63-year-old – whose practice designed the Pringle-shaped London Aquatics Centre for the 2012 Olympics and won the Stirling prize for the Maxxi modern art museum in Rome – says he first noticed the trend way back in 2008. But after I ask him to explain what he actually means by 'woke', he still has a look of bafflement on his face as he reels off a list: 'Issues with so-called social justice, identity, supposed discrimination – which I think is exaggerated – safe space, cancel culture and heightened awareness of language. You have to become unreasonably cautious, but also the topics were shifting out of what would be our domain of competency – issues and problems we might be able to address professionally.' This sense of perplexity peaked when he visited Venice in 2023 and witnessed 'the surreal event' of a prestigious architecture biennale with few actual blueprints or models, instead finding installations and documentaries about recycling and the refugee crisis. He writes that he 'gave up looking for architecture after finding none in 12 out of 12 pavilions visited'. Schumacher says he is surprised his treatise has garnered so much mainstream attention. Admittedly, it is heavy-going for anyone who does not know their 'morphological articulation' from their 'pluralistic complacency'. But this is not his first rodeo. In 2016, eight months after the death of the 'Queen of the Curve', he delivered an incendiary speech at the World Architecture Festival in Berlin, in which he proposed privatising all public space, abolishing all forms of social and affordable housing and building on 80 per cent of Hyde Park, asking Londoners in the audience: 'How much are you actually using it?' His co-executors of Dama Zaha's will, including her niece Rana Hadid, issued a statement saying she would 'have been totally opposed to these views'. The acrimony continued in the courts when his firm sued the Zaha Hadid Foundation to try to end a licencing agreement requiring the practice to pay 6 per cent of its net income to the charity in order to use the trademark 'Zaha Hadid'. It lost the case in December. Schumacher had previously failed to have the three other trustees removed as executors of her estate in what the presiding judge described as 'a toxic dispute'. Dame Zaha and Schumacher were clearly extremely close. She left £500,000 in her will to the protégé who began working with her as an exchange student in 1988 and left him as sole partner of the company. But their relationship could also be fraught. In a documentary with Alan Yentob, Hadid said she 'sacked him every week' when he first joined, but she was eventually won round. 'He's a really fantastic guy,' but quickly added 'he's stubborn, my God.' She gave pet names such as Fluffy and Cappuccino, but still, at a 2011 public event, in which he was promoting his book, branded him 'a complete pain in the ass'. Schumacher coined the term Parametricism to define their algorithm-heavy design style, while Dame Zaha was known to dismiss her colleague's lofty academic theories as 'Patrik-metricism'. Yet Schumacher is convinced she would be in agreement with his latest broadside. 'I think she would be on board,' he says. 'She definitely had similar intuitions.' He does admit that 'the furore, she probably wouldn't have liked', recalling the 2016 protests outside his offices and adding: 'Of course, the company was worried that it would be detrimental to us – bad press, all of that. We had [anarchist group] Class War demonstrating with posters, me with a Hitler moustache outside of the gate and when I walked out, they tried to chase me in the road.' For his part Schumacher, in his latest treatise, compares the 'hierarchical command-and-control structure', engendered by the 'do-good' brigade and interventionist politicians, to Hitler – and Stalin too. Both overrode the 'open discourse' required for innovative architecture – as opposed to 'mere building' – enforcing their own whims while sweeping away the 'cumulative knowledge of the experts'. I ask him for examples of the 'hundred-year-old recipes' that, because of the diminishing of innovation and dynamism, mean buildings opened in 2024 'could have been designed in 1974 or indeed in 1924'. 'Well, of course,' he says, gesturing out of the window of his Islington offices. 'Everything which is going on now here, particularly anything residential, in London. It's even more like end of the 19th century.' While he says the challenges of the housing crisis should be throwing up avant-garde solutions such as co-living complexes: 'Somehow it settled into this retro condition where there is no more experimentation.' He attributes this in part to the dead hand of onerous regulations, but also 'this kind of atmosphere in the discipline where you worry about more the marginality, some kind of atmosphere of not upsetting anybody, maybe'. Architects themselves have become preoccupied with designing around the negatives – such as carbon footprint – at the expense of proposing a vision that will bring benefits. 'So if you have a cost-benefit analysis, this is all on the cost side, reducing the carbon footprint in terms of the environmental cost, you only talk about this. You don't talk positively about what we are meant to be investing in.' While Schumacher says that in his own teaching at the Architectural Association, 'I've never ceded a millimetre to this,' he has witnessed that at other elite institutions such as Harvard and Yale, 'they hardly come to design anything', instead spending time on 'a statement, an intervention, urban activism, something which is nearly like a conceptual art piece. So these schools become more like art schools and debating clubs.' (This interview slightly has the feel of a university seminar. He begins answering before I have finished asking the question but is reluctant for his lengthy monologues to be interrupted.) Schumacher has little sympathy for the architectural proclamations of King Charles. 'He didn't really contribute much,' he shrugs. 'He was connecting up with some people who went out of postmodernism into the neohistoricism, very nostalgic and they did some village in Dorset. I mean, how does it help the metropolis of London?' Yet he decries the way His Majesty was 'not welcomed' into the debate. 'Of course, everybody can come in and architecture is also a discipline where I wouldn't overemphasise the expertness which is required to convene. Everyone has an opinion about it and should.' And though he is bashing the 'woke take-over' by the left, he is optimistic about Labour's promise of cutting planning red-tape and building new towns. 'It's a huge thing that this nimbyism has to be broken through and I think the Labour Party is on the right track on this one,' he says. He was on the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Regeneration and Levelling Up alongside investors and developers: 'And simply we have planning paralysis, everybody said. This is a great labour market with a lot of opportunities and if you can't participate because it's just too expensive [to live in London], or you have to spend an hour and a half commuting and never participate in the evening events and so on, it's really curbing people's careers and standard of living.' Those who have derided Schumacher as 'the Trump of architecture' may have missed the point. The architect-philosopher genuinely wants to engage in a constructive debate. At the same time as running a company with 400 staff working on about 100 projects in up to 50 countries, he has been busily answering comments to his article on Facebook – even posting a 1,500-word postscript in response. He tells me he was shocked this week to discover that some progressives regard using the word woke as 'an equivalent of a racist slur'. At the same time, he is getting used to his detractors 'making me a caricature guy who is trying to gaslight and dog whistle to the alt-right'. Perhaps Patrik Schumacher is not the 'most provocative' architect in the world, but the most misunderstood. Although he started out as 'a Marxist socialist' – like Dame Zaha, reading the Guardian – and 'ended up to become a libertarian' who believes that 'only capitalism can solve the housing crisis', he insists: 'I'm coming from the same place. I would claim what is really motivating it is a sense of flourishing of the society for everybody.'
