Latest news with #Iraqi
Shafaq News
an hour ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Republican lawmakers urge immediate US sanctions on Iraq
Shafaq News/ On Wednesday, two Republican members of the US House of Representatives called for immediate sanctions on Iraq, accusing Baghdad of falling fully under Iranian influence and acting as a 'puppet' of Tehran. In a letter addressed to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Representatives Joe Wilson of South Carolina and Greg Steube of Florida demanded a 'comprehensive reassessment' of US-Iraq relations, urging the suspension of all American aid to the Iraqi government until 'serious steps' are taken to curb Iran's dominance. My letter today with @RepGregSteube to Secretary Rubio asking for sanctioning Iraq to be included as part of maximum pressure. ⬇️ — Joe Wilson (@RepJoeWilson) May 28, 2025 'Iran now effectively controls the Iraqi government and large parts of its security apparatus,' the lawmakers wrote, adding that continued US support for Baghdad amounts to 'a betrayal of the more than 4,400 American service members who died since 2003.' The letter also blamed former President Barack Obama's administration for 'emboldening Iran's position in Iraq' by backing former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and allowing Iran-backed militias to expand under the pretext of fighting ISIS. Wilson and Steube described current US policy toward Baghdad as a 'strategic failure,' and called for a firmer stance to contain Iranian influence not only in Iraq but across the region.
Shafaq News
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Shafaq News
Mosul kicks off the first ‘Ta'theer' forum for content creators
Shafaq News/ The northern Iraqi city of Mosul launched its inaugural 'Ta'theer' (Impact) Forum for content creators on Wednesday, bringing together a diverse group of local and Arab influencers in a bid to strengthen Iraq's digital media landscape. Held under the theme of innovation and cultural renewal, the three-day forum aims to explore emerging trends in digital content and reassert Mosul's cultural presence after years of instability. 'This is the first forum of its kind in Mosul,' said Ayoob Thanoon, a member of the organizing committee. 'It's about fostering creativity and recognizing content creation as a tool for community building and cultural dialogue.' The forum includes panel discussions, knowledge-sharing sessions, and case studies of successful digital initiatives. Events are being held across three venues: Mosul University Lake, the Ramada Hotel, and the University of Nineveh. Sponsored by the Mosul Heritage Foundation and a private media firm, with support from local radio outlets, the initiative seeks to empower digital creators and amplify narratives that reflect the city's identity and challenges. 'We're aiming for real impact,' Thanoon said. 'This is about opening space for creators to produce content that tells Mosul's story — with authenticity and purpose.'
Iraq Business
3 hours ago
- Business
- Iraq Business
IBBC calls for Sponsors for First Iraqi Equestrian Olympic Rider
From the Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC): IBBC calls for sponsors for Zara Murad as she works to become the first ever Iraqi equestrian Olympic rider Zara Murad is a trailblazing equestrian with a historic mission: to become the first-ever equestrian rider representing Iraq at the Los Angeles Olympics 2028. As the first international dressage rider for Iraq, Zara has already made history, breaking new ground for both her country and for women in sport. Driven by a passion not just for competition but for progress, she is fiercely committed to empowering the next generation of female athletes in Iraq and across the region. With every stride she takes in the arena, Zara rides for visibility, for change, and for a future where young women can see themselves on the global stage. Realising the dream To realise the dream of becoming Iraq's first ever Olympic dressage rider Zara needs to compete her horses around the globe, including the Asian Games in 2026 which is a pathway to journey is not just about competition-it's about breaking barriers and empowering women in Iraq to pursue their dreams in sport and beyond. Millions of people watch dressage around the world. The last world cup had 4.7 million viewers with 64 participating countries. We want Iraq to join these nations and showcase its talent on the global stage. Female empowerment Zara wants to inspire women in Iraq to break barriers and pursue their dreams. Dressage reflects strength, discipline, and resilience-qualities every woman possesses. By competing globally, we will encourage young girls to believe in their potential and redefine what's possible for women in sport. With your support The larger the investment, the better the horses and trainers we can secure. Traveling horses worldwide comes with significant costs, and competing at the highest level requires global travel for training and competitions. Your support is crucial in making this journey possible and ensuring success for Iraq on the map. Your Sponsorship Your brand will be represented on the world stage, from the Asian Games to the Olympics, reaching international audiences. Together, we can break barriers, inspire the next generation, and put Iraq on the map in dressage. Zara will give a keynote speech at the IBBC's Mansion House Conference to present her Iraqi Olympic dream. IBBC are supporting Zara in her ambition for Iraqi women and sporting representation. Baroness Nicholson president of IBBC says "Zara is a shining example of what women in Iraq can achieve and will be a great inspiration to the 25 million Iraqi women for what they can achieve in their own lives and to women around the world. I am delighted IBBC is supporting Zara's dream and her quest for sponsors." Zara Murad says "Last year I made history becoming the first ever international dressage rider for Iraq. It's an incredible honour and I carry this responsibility with pride. My goal is to make history again by becoming the first-ever Olympic equestrian to represent Iraq at the Los Angeles 2028 Games. Iraq had no women athletes at the Paris Olympics, and I am determined to change that. I want to show young girls across Iraq and the Middle East that with courage and commitment, barriers can be broken, and dreams can be realized-both in sport and beyond." To sponsor, please contact: [email protected] (Source: IBBC)
Iraq Business
3 hours ago
- Business
- Iraq Business
Musk's SpaceX Explores Entry into Iraqi Market
By John Lee. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani met with a delegation from U.S. tech giant SpaceX (Space Exploration Technologies Corp) to discuss cooperation in Iraq's communications sector. The talks covered the services provided by the company's Starlink satellite constellation, including its global satellite-based internet coverage, and explored opportunities to facilitate its entry into the Iraqi market. Prime Minister Al-Sudani highlighted Iraq's expanding urban and service development and said the country offers many promising investment opportunities. Reaffirming the importance of the U.S.-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement, Al-Sudani instructed relevant authorities to ease regulatory procedures and support SpaceX's operational setup. He stressed that Iraq welcomes major American technology firms as partners in advancing the government's digital transformation strategy. The SpaceX delegation expressed readiness to launch operations in Iraq, stating that Starlink's services would accelerate digital transformation, improve communications, and promote economic development across public and private sectors. (Source: PMO)
Iraq Business
3 hours ago
- Business
- Iraq Business
New Partnership to Connect the Middle East and Europe via Iraq
By John Lee. Zain Omantel International (ZOI) has announced a partnership with Iraq's Horizon Scope Telecom and the Iraqi Telecommunications and Information Company (ITPC), a government-owned company under the Iraqi Ministry of Telecommunications. This partnership enables ZOI to create a digital telecommunications corridor stretching from the Middle East to Europe through Iraq, offering alternative terrestrial connectivity options that provide higher levels of capacity, security and efficiency. According to a statement from ZOI, the route will use terrestrial fibre connectivity that utilises Iraq's position as a digital gateway, creating more reliable services that are less susceptible to interruptions. It will pass through Turkey and make its way up to Frankfurt, Germany. The new corridor will act as an alternative to traditional subsea routes by bypassing some of the turbulent areas. The route will enable international businesses, telecom operators and hyperscalers to expand their reach via robust, low-latency infrastructure, ensuring seamless connectivity between the Middle East and Europe. Mr. Sohail Qadir, CEO at ZOI, said: "By working together, we will enhance regional and international connectivity, offering higher capacity, security, and efficiency for businesses, operators and hyperscalers across continents." Mr. Ahmed Abdulsalam, the Managing Director of Horizon Scope, said: "Offering alternative terrestrial connectivity routes is a critical way to protect against infrastructure vulnerabilities, ensuring that enterprises can capture more opportunities and scale with reliable connectivity." Mr. Ali Y. Dawood, the Director General of ITPC, said: "This partnership marks a significant milestone in strengthening Iraq's position as a connectivity corridor, especially by providing an alternative path to Europe. We are committed to delivering connectivity solutions that the people of Iraq can trust and use to enable seamless global connectivity." (Source: ZOI)
