Latest news with #Iraqis
Shafaq News
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraq's November elections: Top leaders' return sparks intense contest
Shafaq News/ Iraq's next parliamentary election is shaping up to be among the most competitive in years, particularly in Baghdad, independent lawmaker Hussein al-Saabri said on Thursday. Speaking to Shafaq News, al-Saabri noted that several prominent political figures are joining candidate lists, pointing to a sharp increase in electoral rivalry. He also warned that the campaign period is likely to witness heavy spending, use of state resources, and a rise in influence and favoritism in the management of the electoral process. 'There will be unprecedented pressure on institutions, and public resources are already being channeled toward early campaigning…This will make fair competition much harder to achieve.' Several high-profile leaders—some of whom had abstained from running directly in the past two election cycles—are now preparing to stand as candidates, aiming to expand their popular base and position themselves for influence in the next parliament. Among those entering the race are State of Law Coalition (Dawlat al-Qanoon) leader and former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki; Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, representing the Euphrates Movement (al-Furatin); Badr Organization chief Hadi al-Amiri; Taqaddum Party head and former Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi; and National Foundation Alliance (al-Asas al-Watani) leader Mohsen al-Mandalawi. 'The return of top-tier figures reflects a calculated move to shape the next phase of governance,' al-Saabri observed. In early April, the Iraqi cabinet approved November 11, 2025, as the date for the parliamentary vote. The Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) also estimated that around 30 million Iraqis will be eligible to cast their ballots.
Iraq Business
15 hours ago
- Business
- Iraq Business
UNDP opens restored Nimrud Agricultural Institute
By John Lee. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Governments of Sweden and Italy and in coordination with Iraq's Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, has officially inaugurated the restored Agricultural Technical Institute in Nimrud, located in the Ninewa Plains. Severely damaged during years of conflict, the Institute has been transformed into a centre for agricultural education and economic development. The first phase of the project, funded by Sweden with $1.25 million and completed in March 2023, restored essential infrastructure including classrooms, laboratories, and poultry facilities. The second phase, supported by Italy with over $1.1 million, added new academic buildings, a student dormitory and club centre, and upgraded the broader campus infrastructure. The revitalised institute will benefit more than 300 students and faculty and serve a surrounding population of over 250,000 people. The forthcoming reopening of a nearby Tigris River bridge is expected to further boost regional connectivity and economic activity. Full statement from UNDP: Restored Nimrud Agricultural Institute Opens Doors to Stability and Opportunity The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Governments of Sweden and Italy and in coordination with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, officially inaugurated the Agricultural Technical Institute in Nimrud-a major milestone under UNDP Iraq's Stabilization Programme. Located in the heart of the Ninewa Plains, the Institute had suffered extensive damage during years of conflict. Today, it stands restored as a critical hub for agricultural education and economic opportunity for hundreds of young Iraqis. The first phase of the project, funded by the Government of Sweden with $1.25 million, was completed in March 2023. It restored essential academic and agricultural infrastructure, including classrooms, laboratories, poultry facilities, and core services. The second phase, supported by the Government of Italy with over $1.1 million, further expanded academic facilities, constructed a student dormitory and club center, and upgraded campus infrastructure. The inauguration was attended by representatives of the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the President of the Northern Technical University, Dr. Alia Al-Attar, several faculty members, and the Director of Nimrud Police. "This inauguration represents more than the reopening of a building-it is a powerful symbol of resilience, hope, and Iraq's path to development," said Auke Lootsma, UNDP Iraq Resident Representative. "By investing in education and skills for youth, especially in areas impacted by conflict, we are laying the foundation for long-term stability and development." The revitalized Institute will serve over 300 students and faculty, while benefiting the wider community of more than 250,000 residents. With the anticipated reopening of a nearby bridge across the Tigris River, it is also expected to become a key driver of regional connectivity and economic renewal. UNDP expresses its sincere appreciation to the Governments of Sweden and Italy, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and Northern Technical University for their ongoing commitment to Iraq's stabilization and development. (Source: UNDP Iraq)
Iraq Business
2 days ago
- Business
- Iraq Business
US Reaffirms Support for KRG Energy Deals
By John Lee. The US State Department has reiterated its support for energy agreements between American companies and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), following reports that Iraq's federal Ministry of Oil has filed lawsuits against two such deals. During a press briefing on May 27th, spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that the United States supports economic deals that benefit all Iraqis, referencing the recent gas production agreements signed by the KRG and two U.S. firms. She urged both Baghdad and Erbil to work together to expand domestic gas production. Bruce added that U.S. oil companies have invested billions of dollars in the Kurdistan Region's energy sector and expressed hope for further U.S. investment across Iraq. She also referred to Secretary of State Marco Rubio's recent meeting with KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani in Washington on May 23rd, where they discussed enhancing trade and investment. The Secretary commended the agreements for contributing to Iraq's path toward energy independence and affirmed U.S. support for a resilient Iraqi Kurdistan Region within a united federal Iraq. While acknowledging the lawsuits, Bruce emphasised the U.S. expectation that such energy partnerships will "flourish" and called for a cooperative resolution that advances mutual economic interests. Recent energy deals in Iraqi Kurdistan involved US companies HKN Energy and WesternZagros. (Source: US State Department)
Iraqi News
2 days ago
- Politics
- Iraqi News
Chief Justice of the Federal Supreme Court receives British Ambassador
Baghdad-INA Chief Justice of the Federal Supreme Court, Judge Jassim Mohammed Abboud, affirmed on Wednesday that the Constitution guarantees the rights and freedoms of Iraqis, including voting, elections, and candidacy. A statement from the court, received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), stated that "Chief Justice of the Federal Supreme Court, Judge Jassim Mohammed Abboud, received the British Ambassador Irfan Siddiq and his accompanying delegation in his office at the Federal Supreme Court." It pointed out that "during the meeting, the need to strengthen joint cooperation in all fields between the Republic of Iraq and the United Kingdom, particularly in the field of constitutional justice, was addressed." The Chief Justice emphasized that, "Despite the difficulties facing Iraq, the 2005 Constitution of the Republic of Iraq, as a document of the Iraqi people that may not be violated for any reason, has established the fundamental principles of sound democratic construction, with the goal of achieving popular democracy and realizing the principle of the rule of law and the peaceful transfer of power, in accordance with Articles 5 and 6 of the Constitution." It added, "Iraq is about to hold general elections for the next parliamentary term, and the measure of the success of the elections depends on the real level of popular participation." It explained that "the Constitution guarantees the public and private rights and freedoms of the Iraqi people, including the right to vote, elect, and run for office, it is prohibited to infringe upon or influence these constitutional rights by any party or for any reason, leading to the building of a strong civil state based on national identity and transcending sectarian, ethnic, and interest-based quotas." He continued, "The Constitution also requires the preservation of public funds and the prevention of encroachment upon them, in accordance with Article (27), given that public funds are sacred and their protection is the duty of every citizen. It is prohibited to use such funds for illegitimate purposes." For his part, the British Ambassador affirmed that "his country is keen to cooperate with the State of Iraq in all areas, including cooperation to achieve the constitutional goals of sound democratic construction, the preservation of public funds, and the rule of law."
Iraqi News
2 days ago
- Politics
- Iraqi News
President Rashid stresses the need to strengthen the capabilities of the armed forces to confront terrorist threats
Baghdad-INA President Abdel Latif Jamal Rashid stressed on Wednesday the need to strengthen the capabilities of the armed forces to confront any terrorist threats. The President's Media Office stated in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), "President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid received the head of the Counter-Terrorism Service, Lieutenant General Karim Abboud Al-Tamimi, at the Baghdad Palace." The statement indicated that "the meeting discussed the latest security developments in the country and the role of the Counter-Terrorism Service in promoting stability domestically." According to the statement, Abdul Latif stressed "the need to strengthen the capabilities of the armed forces to confront any terrorist threats," praising "the service's role and great sacrifices in preserving the security and stability of Iraq and all Iraqis." He pointed to "the importance of developing the agency's capabilities and adopting modern studies and research in the field of combating terrorism and extremist ideology ,'for his part, Al-Tamimi expressed his "thanks to the President of the Republic and his appreciation for his directives. He also provided a detailed explanation of the developments in the work of the Counter-Terrorism Service, its security and intelligence efforts, and its future plans aimed at enhancing the security and stability of Iraq."
