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Iraq is going through a dangerous period with several concurrent challenges, including the presence of rogue Shiite militant groups, the country’s Prime Minister has warned.
His latest speech was a rare condemnation of the groups, some of which are linked to his political allies.
It marks the first time that Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani has departed from the optimistic tone he has struck in public speeches since taking office in October last year.
“Honestly speaking, we are at a crucial juncture in Iraq’s history,” Mr Al Sudani told the Interior Ministry’s Federal Police on Sunday in a meeting to mark the sixth anniversary of ISIS' defeat.
“The juncture is not devoid of danger as challenges persist and that it necessitates our proactive approach to face these challenges,” Mr Al Sudani said.
The escalation between Iran-backed Shiite militants and US forces is due to Washington's support of Israel's bombardment of the Gaza Strip, the militias say and has put the government in a difficult position.
After a year where there was little violence in Iraq, the Shiite militias resumed their rocket and drone attacks against US troops, although attacks by the groups in Syria had been more frequent, including an attack in March that killed one.
The US has 2,500 troops in Iraq and 900 in neighbouring Syria to advise and assist local forces trying to prevent a resurgence of ISIS, which in 2014 seized vast areas of both countries but was later defeated.
They have said the attacks are aimed at expelling US forces from Iraq and to pressure Israel to stop operations in Gaza after an attack from Hamas militants on October 7 killed about 1,200 people, most of them civilians.
Since then, US forces in Iraq and Syria as part of the global anti-ISIS coalition, have been attacked about 84 times, according to the Pentagon. The US has responded with several strikes that have killed at least 15 militants in Iraq and about seven in Syria.
On Friday, several rockets were fired at dawn towards the Green Zone in Baghdad where the US embassy is located. Some rockets landed in the embassy compound while several others hit the headquarters of the Iraqi National Security Service, according to Iraqi security officials. The attacks caused no casualties.
Unlike other attacks, no group immediately claimed responsibility.
Mr Al Sudani denounced the attacks as “acts of terrorism” and vowed to apprehend those responsible and called for an urgent meeting for his backers the Co-ordination Framework, an umbrella group of Iran-backed political parties, many of which are linked to the militias.
“While this government, formed a year ago, is exerting exceptional efforts across all ministries – be it in services, the economy or security – it faces individuals, groups and entities attempting to position themselves as guardians over Iraq,” the Prime Minister said on Sunday.
He warned that they are trying to “seize control over the decisions of the constitutional and legal state institutions and to give itself the authority to announce war and peace”.
“We will confront this challenge,” he added.
On the weekend, the Tehran-allied Kataib Hezbollah militia rejected attempts to stop the attacks and vowed to continue them.
How has net migration to UK changed?
The figure was broadly flat immediately before the Covid-19 pandemic, standing at 216,000 in the year to June 2018 and 224,000 in the year to June 2019.
It then dropped to an estimated 111,000 in the year to June 2020 when restrictions introduced during the pandemic limited travel and movement.
The total rose to 254,000 in the year to June 2021, followed by steep jumps to 634,000 in the year to June 2022 and 906,000 in the year to June 2023.
The latest available figure of 728,000 for the 12 months to June 2024 suggests levels are starting to decrease.
The%20specs
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BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
Match info
Arsenal 0
Manchester City 2
Sterling (14'), Bernardo Silva (64')
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
Read more about the coronavirus
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Getting there
The flights
Flydubai operates up to seven flights a week to Helsinki. Return fares to Helsinki from Dubai start from Dh1,545 in Economy and Dh7,560 in Business Class.
The stay
Golden Crown Igloos in Levi offer stays from Dh1,215 per person per night for a superior igloo; www.leviniglut.net
Panorama Hotel in Levi is conveniently located at the top of Levi fell, a short walk from the gondola. Stays start from Dh292 per night based on two people sharing; www. golevi.fi/en/accommodation/hotel-levi-panorama
Arctic Treehouse Hotel in Rovaniemi offers stays from Dh1,379 per night based on two people sharing; www.arctictreehousehotel.com
Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
