The head of the Catholic Church in Iraq has called for intra-Muslim dialogue to promote religious harmony and avoid further conflict in the Arab region.
Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, Patriarch of Babylon and head of the Chaldean Catholic Church, told The National on Tuesday that dialogue and reconciliation was necessary for regional stability and security.
“There are ongoing conflicts, in Syria, Lebanon and Iraq. There is a division between the Sunnis and Shiites, especially in Islam. Why can’t there be forgiveness between the people? Why can’t there be a direct dialogue and respect between the two sides?” Cardinal Sako said during a visit to the UAE.
The cardinal has just completed a trip to Bahrain, accompanying Pope Francis on his first visit to the Gulf state.
He was in the UAE for the Abu Dhabi Peace Forum, which aims to promote religious tolerance in the region.
“There should be a process of inclusion between the two sides — this is what God would want. Conflict between the two sides goes against what God wants,” he said.
During the Pope's visit to Bahrain, there were huge crowds of Christians from the region. During the trip the Pope spoke to a gathering of Catholic families that had made the Gulf island their home.
Cardinal Sako, 73, said this "showed the depth of how people are dedicated to their faith and the presence of God, which is a source of peace and love".
"This is what I felt and it touched my heart in Bahrain," he said.
Cardinal Sako said Dr Ahmed Al Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, a centre of Sunni learning, made a rare appeal at the Bahrain Dialogue Forum aimed at promoting religious unity between different faiths.
"I call on my brothers, Muslim scholars, across the world of every doctrine, sect and school of thought to hold an Islamic dialogue," Dr Al Tayeb said.
"Let us together chase away any talk of hate, provocation and excommunication and set aside ancient and modern conflict in all its forms," he said.
The differences between the region's Shiites and Sunnis have led to years of division between some countries. Some have held talks in an attempt to improve ties, especially Saudi Arabia and Iran.
In 2019, the pontiff signed a Muslim-Christian manifesto for peace in the UAE during the first papal visit to the Gulf region, where Islam was born.
'Worrying' time for Iraqi Christians
There are about 500,000 Christians left in Iraq following sectarian warfare after the 2003 US-led invasion and the seizure of a third of the country by the extremist group ISIS in 2014.
“The situation for Iraqi Christians is very worrying. Many have started to leave the country as they are unemployed due to sectarian differences,” Cardinal Sako said.
“Christians have no place in the workforce or even in government.”
Difficult economic conditions, a lack of job opportunities — especially for young graduates — harassment in the workplace and favouritism have all contributed to the decline in numbers of Christians in Iraq, the senior clergyman said.
It is not just Christians facing those issues, Cardinal Sako said.
“Muslims, those who used to live in dignity, are starting to look for countries that will give them their basic rights,” he said. “Why would people leave unless their country is not providing for them?”
He said officials in Baghdad have no vision for the future.
“The situation would make anyone cry; it’s heartbreaking. For 20 years we have not had any electricity, no water, no employment opportunities. How can a country like Iraq with rich resources get to this level?” he said.
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
The Voice of Hind Rajab
Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees
Director: Kaouther Ben Hania
Rating: 4/5
Expo details
Expo 2020 Dubai will be the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia
The world fair will run for six months from October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021.
It is expected to attract 25 million visits
Some 70 per cent visitors are projected to come from outside the UAE, the largest proportion of international visitors in the 167-year history of World Expos.
More than 30,000 volunteers are required for Expo 2020
The site covers a total of 4.38 sqkm, including a 2 sqkm gated area
It is located adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai South
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Explainer: Tanween Design Programme
Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.
The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.
It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.
The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.
Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”
'THE WORST THING YOU CAN EAT'
Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.
Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines:
Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.
Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.
Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.
Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.
Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
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Day 2 at Mount Maunganui
England 353
Stokes 91, Denly 74, Southee 4-88
New Zealand 144-4
Williamson 51, S Curran 2-28
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Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
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Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
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Infiniti QX80 specs
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GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
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AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street
The seven points are:
Shakhbout bin Sultan Street
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Salama bint Butti Street
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- Technology expert in robotics and automation: Dh20,000 to Dh40,000
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Britain's travel restrictions
- A negative test 2 days before flying
- Complete passenger locator form
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5pm: Warsan Lake – Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 2,200m; Winner: Dhaw Al Reef, Sam Hitchcott (jockey), Abdallah Al Hammadi (trainer)
5.30pm: Al Quadra Lake – Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Mrouwah Al Gharbia, Sando Paiva, Abubakar Daud
6pm: Hatta Lake – Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: AF Yatroq, George Buckell, Ernst Oertel
6.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Ashton Tourettes, Adries de Vries, Ibrahim Aseel
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7.30pm: Zakher Lake – Rated Conditions (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: Alfareeq, Dane O’Neill, Musabah Al Muhairi.
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MATCH INFO
Scotland 59 (Tries: Hastings (2), G Horne (3), Turner, Seymour, Barclay, Kinghorn, McInally; Cons: Hastings 8)
Russia 0
RACE CARD
6.30pm Mazrat Al Ruwayah – Group 2 (PA) $36,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
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