Latest news with #British-Iraqi
Scotsman
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
British-Iraqi comic Hasan Al-Habib on growing up in the shadow of Saddam
British-Iraqi comedian Hasan Al-Habib – whose Fringe show title Death to the West (Midlands) is very much ironic – reflects on what it was like growing up near Birmingham while the UK invaded Iraq Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Hello, reader of The Scotsman. You're probably very intelligent, cultured, and well-informed. The pleasure is all mine. Now I'd wager that most Brits (let's be real here, the English) aren't as knowledgeable as your average Scotsman reader. They likely couldn't, for example, point to Iraq on a map, let alone explain its invasion. This is despite the 2003 Iraq war causing the deaths of 179 British soldiers and hundreds of thousands of Iraqi civilians. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad I'm a British-Iraqi that grew up near Birmingham. I love where I'm from; my Fringe stand-up comedy show title, Death to the West (Midlands), is very much ironic. Yet growing up, I was expected to know all about the conflict and hold intelligent and well-informed opinions around it. Comedian Hasan Al-Habib | Contributed My year 7 form tutor, a French woman, asked the class following his capture: 'What do you zink zey should do with Saddam?' A deafening silence followed from an unsurprisingly reticent group of 11-year-olds. All eyes turned to me, the Iraqi kid. I'd heard of Saddam's brutality from my parents, including his genocide against the Kurdish people. To me, the answer was clear. 'I… I think he should be… executed, Miss. For his crimes cos… yeah, he… he killed a lot of people.' 'Ah but 'Asan, don't you zink zis makes you as bad as 'im!' Growing up, this episode caused a continuing distrust of the French and the adoption of a philosophy that would take years to unlearn: 'Stop being Arab.' Nothing good ever came from my Arab identity. I was getting bullied relentlessly for it and hearing on the news about how British soldiers were being killed by people like me. I was a terrorist, a barbarian: backwards, foreign, and suspicious. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad One incident really emphasised the above to me. When asked by a classmate why 9/11 happened, my teacher said: 'I don't know, ask Hasan'. I wasn't even eight yet, and she wasn't even French. The shame I felt in that classroom was devastating. I resolved from that day onwards that, whilst I was Hasan Al-Habib by name, I would become 'Hamish Allan-Habberley' by character. After all, I have a light skin tone. Surely I could be white-passing? Comedian Hasan Al-Habib | Contributed I did everything I could to become white British: I played football, listened to the Beatles and even stopped smiling. I had to test this. So, on holiday, I told someone at the hotel that my name was Tom. I was thrilled when they addressed me as such. 'It's worked!' I thought. Yet my success was fleeting. That same year, someone at school cornered me in the playground: 'So like, where are you actually from then?' 'Uh…my family are Iraqi.' 'Iraqi? Mate, no offence, but why don't you just go back to Pakistan'. I'd never seen this boy before, just as he had never seen maps. What am I, a teenager, going to do in Pakistan, Ollie? Erasmus?! Make sure you keep up to date with Arts and Culture news from across Scotland by signing up to our free newsletter here. The realisation that there was something about my appearance that people could tell meant I wasn't actually white left me shaken. I'd spent a chunk of my nascent life pretending to be someone I'm not, and what good had it brought me? That boy didn't know my name or my background, but he looked at me and thought: foreign. So why change how I speak and act when people will target me for how I look? What was the point? At least I don't have to listen to Paperback Writer any more. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad That same weekend in 2007, I watched a football match that changed my life. Iraq, barely out of the war, beat our arch-rivals Saudi Arabia 1-0 in the Asian Championships final, the equivalent of the Euros. I was bought my first Iraq shirt to celebrate. I remember putting it on, aged 13, and thinking: 'This is the first time in my life it's been good to be from Iraq.' I wasn't a foreigner, killer, or terrorist; I was a winner. Child or adult, it's horrible to be blamed for the actions of a Government you have nothing to do with. I have Jewish friends who are experiencing that now more than ever. But we can't stop being who we are for the sake of the prejudiced. We'll never make them happy, only ourselves miserable. Instead, we must embrace who we are, buy tickets to my Fringe show (who said that?) and live our true identities with pride. Nothing angers those who would seek to attack you for it more
Iraqi News
07-07-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
US sanctions on Iran oil smuggling threaten to hinder Iraq's investment drive
Baghdad ( – A new wave of intensified U.S. sanctions targeting Iranian oil smuggling networks is threatening to create significant collateral damage for Iraq's own economic ambitions, according to a recent report by the energy-focused American website The analysis suggests that as Washington escalates its 'maximum pressure' campaign against Tehran, Iraqi entities and infrastructure are being caught in the crossfire, potentially hindering Baghdad's efforts to attract international investment. This new phase of sanctions comes just weeks after a hypothetical second Trump administration conducted major military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The U.S. Treasury Department has now designated over 30 new entities, individuals, and vessels involved in what it calls an illicit, multi-billion-dollar trade network. The report highlights that the sanctions focus on a network allegedly run by British-Iraqi citizen Salim Ahmed Saeed. According to the U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), this network has been smuggling Iranian oil by disguising it as or mixing it with Iraqi oil since at least 2020. Specific Iraqi-linked assets have been targeted, including the VS Oil Terminal at Iraq's Khor Al-Zubair port, which is owned by Saeed. The U.S. also noted ship-to-ship transfers occurring near this terminal and pointed to the routine use of forged documents to mask the oil's origin. The sanctions also named the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker 'Dijla' and other UAE-based companies and vessels involved in the network, some of which facilitated sales for Iran's IRGC-Quds Force. For Iraq, the implications are severe. The report argues that while Baghdad is actively trying to boost cooperation and investment with the West, sanctions that include Iraq-linked operators can make international investors wary of entering the country's vital oil, gas, and port sectors. This development adds another layer of instability to an already complex situation. Iraq is still navigating its own energy needs, internal political dynamics including the federal-KRG oil dispute, and the presence of armed factions. The broader U.S.-Iran conflict directly exacerbates these political and economic uncertainties. The report frames Washington's actions as a dual strategy under a second Trump administration: first, to exert maximum economic pressure on Tehran to force negotiations, and second, to actively attempt to pull Iraq into the Western sphere of influence, countering the growing regional roles of China and Russia. Ultimately, Iraq finds itself in a perilous position—geographically and economically tied to Iran, yet seeking the Western investment necessary for its development. Navigating this geopolitical minefield will be a critical challenge for Baghdad as it tries to pursue its own national interests amidst a major regional power struggle.
New York Post
07-07-2025
- New York Post
Ultra-exclusive Romeo Roma is visionary architect Zaha Hadid's last hotel project
Zaha Hadid's last hotel project is one for the ages. Romeo Roma, a spectacular new five-star property in Rome's historic center, is built inside a 16th-century landmarked palazzo. The innovative interiors span eras: Original Renaissance frescoes in five 'noble-level' suites are juxtaposed with the late British-Iraqi architect's futuristic forms while an ancient marble bust of empress Livia Drusilla unearthed during the renovation sits near contemporary works by Francesco Clemente, Mario Schifano and Christian Leperino. The glass-bottomed pool, meanwhile, reveals remarkable Roman relics discovered just below. With its striking mix of antiquities and avant-garde elegance, this is a new address for travelers seeking extraordinary accommodations. And it's ultra-exclusive – so much so that apart from Il Ristorante Alain Ducasse, which is open to the public, access inside is limited to hotel guests. 13 Romeo Roma is located in Rome's historic center, close to Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps. The ROMEO Collection 13 Five of the suites feature original Renaissance frescoes. CHRIS DALTON PHOTOGRAPHY The 74-room addition to The Romeo Collection, the luxury Italian hospitality brand founded by Neapolitan lawyer and entrepreneur Alfredo Romeo, opened in December. The first Romeo hotel debuted in Naples in 2008 and a Massa Lubrense location on the Sorrento Coast, across from the island of Capri, is slated for later this year. The Rome edifice unites the best of the design, culinary and wellness worlds. Just last month, it won a coveted spot on the Prix Versailles' 'World's Most Beautiful Hotels' in 2025 list for its 'exceptional architecture and design.' 13 The museum-like lobby is decorated with antiquities, contemporary art and a lipstick-red piano. GIULIA VENANZI 13 The swimming pool's glass bottom reveals ancient Roman ruins that were unearthed during the excavation. The ROMEO Collection Romeo bought the building on the tony Via di Ripetta, steps from Piazza del Popolo, in 2012. Originally the palace of the Serroberti-Capponi family, it changed hands several times before becoming headquarters of the Jesuit journal Civiltà Cattolica and then, from 1951 onwards, offices of the Italian government's Italian Workers' Compensation Authority. Romeo enlisted Zaha Hadid to radically transform the edifice. A rock star in her field, she was twice awarded Britain's Stirling Prize for architecture and in 2004 became the first woman to win the Pritzker Prize, known as the 'Nobel Prize of architecture.' She had already begun working on Romeo Roma when she died in 2016 of a heart attack, and her practice completed the project posthumously. 13 A glossy walnut-clad room has a Zaha Hadid fireplace, among other amenities. CHRIS DALTON PHOTOGRAPHY 13 A corridor with ebony, marble and steel accents. CHRIS DALTON PHOTOGRAPHY 13 The Penthouse Suite has a private rooftop terrace. CHRIS DALTON PHOTOGRAPHY As many elements of the building are listed, Zaha Hadid Architects devised a 'second skin' that fits inside the original structure. Not only are the archistar's signature undulating walls and vaulted ceilings in Macassar ebony, marble, steel and textured brass seductively chic, but they conceal the systems and smart technology. The project lasted more than a decade, slowed by the discovery – and careful preservation – of a Roman wall and workshop beneath the courtyard. Working with the finest materials, from Macassar ebony and Canaletto walnut to Italian marble, artisans crafted the intricate cladding and flooring that accents every space. The polished rooms and suites are appointed with furnishings by B&B Italia, Poltrona Frau and custom pieces from Romeo Design. They are simultaneously warm and state-of-the-art. 13 Il Ristorante Alain Ducasse is the Michelin-starred chef's first restaurant in Rome. CHRIS DALTON PHOTOGRAPHY 13 La Terrazza, the chic rooftop bar operated in partnership with Krug champagne, boasts panoramic views of the city. GIULIA VENANZI The gastronomic program is equally cutting-edge. Michelin-starred French chef Alain Ducasse, whose first restaurant in Italy opened last year at Romeo Napoli, unveiled his second signature outpost in the country on-site. Guests choose between à la carte specialties or four-, six- or nine-course tasting menus made with seasonal Italian ingredients. Standouts include Mediterranean blue lobster with red berries and rhubarb and chocolate and coffee from Alain Ducasse Manufacture in Paris paired with buckwheat ice cream. The restaurant also serves a sumptuous à la carte breakfast with sweet, savory and pastry options. The cloud-like French toast with whipped cream is not to be missed. 13 Il Cortile restaurant offers all-day al fresco dining in the leafy courtyard. CHRIS DALTON PHOTOGRAPHY 13 Il Bar has a novel ceiling design that allows light to pass through. CHRIS DALTON PHOTOGRAPHY Il Cortile, meanwhile, offers all-day classic Italian fare in the leafy courtyard. Il Bar serves craft cocktails made with local ingredients and wine while La Terrazza, a skybar with panoramic views of the Eternal City, is a partnership with French Champagne house Krug. 13 The wellness center includes La Spa Sisley Paris, a salt room, hammam, floating room, pool and more. CHRIS DALTON PHOTOGRAPHY 13 The wood-lined Fitness Center is geared with Technogym equipment. CHRIS DALTON PHOTOGRAPHY Relaxation is on the menu at La Spa Sisley Paris. Book one of the famed French beauty company's Phyto-Aromatic facial and body treatments, then laze in the salt room, hammam, floating room and emotional shower enhanced with colored lights and aromatherapy. Or take a dip in the indoor-outdoor pool, which starts inside the spa, winds under a footbridge and ends in the courtyard. With the 2,000-year-old Ripetta port visible through the transparent floor, it's an amazing past-meets-present experience. Rooms from $2,950 at
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.
