Now may be the time for the Iraqi diaspora to play an important role in the country’s long-term development, the country's former UN ambassador said.
Speaking alongside a panel of Iraqi experts at an online event, Feisal Al Istrabadi said the first wave of those returning to Iraq after the 2003 war contributed to Iraq's fragmentation.
The years of conflict and sanctions left Iraq in dire need of input from its diaspora.
But Mr Al Istrabadi said that the influx of expatriates after the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime contributed to local perceptions of self-interest and corruption.
“A lot of the expats returned to Iraq, not with the idea of contributing to rebuilding but with an expectation of senior positions, or of showing the Iraqis how it should be done, rather than listening to the Iraqis and learning from them what their needs were,” he said.
Discussing the recent paper by Dr Oula Kadhum on the mobilisation of the diaspora, the speakers agreed that the failings of those who returned blocked much-needed human potential.
Dr Kadhum said there was distrust and suspicion from the Iraqi population towards the "first generation" diaspora who returned after 2003, but a new "second generation" could be used with greater collaboration and development.
“It [needs] a social contract that's founded on technocracy and meritocracy, rather than networks of patronage and nepotism," she said at the event, which was organised by the Atlantic Council.
"So it's through that relationship that trust in the diaspora can be rebuilt."
Armed with skills, expertise and western degrees and qualifications, many Iraqi expats had hoped to return and contribute to the nation’s rebuilding.
“There's a strong desire to help and many had, of course, hoped to put the degrees and qualifications to good use in Iraq," Dr Kadhum said.
"But of course, the biggest impediment has been the security context."
The ethno-sectarian political system that replaced Saddam's regime led to years of violence and corruption that deterred many experienced and willing Iraqis from returning.
Dr Abbas Kadhim said Iraqis needed to start looking differently at the diaspora in Europe and in and the Americas.
"Most of the stereotype about the Iraqi diaspora has been made or crafted around the image of the returning Iraqis who would work in politics," Dr Kadhim said.
"And that's where I think the negativity came from, but let's remember that this is only a small slice of the Iraqi diaspora that returned or tried to return."
Dr Kadhum said the relative peace in Iraq in the past few years was an opportunity that should not be missed to harness the second generation of Iraqi expatriates.
“There needs to be some kind of formal procedure, a platform or a channel for the diaspora to connect to those in Iraq requiring support, training and knowledge transfer," she said.
"The Iraqi government could create this channel if it's interested in harnessing the potential of the diaspora, or it could be conducted through an NGO, international organisation or even from within the diaspora.”
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Tips for taking the metro
- set out well ahead of time
- make sure you have at least Dh15 on you Nol card, as there could be big queues for top-up machines
- enter the right cabin. The train may be too busy to move between carriages once you're on
- don't carry too much luggage and tuck it under a seat to make room for fellow passengers
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Smart words at Make Smart Cool
Make Smart Cool is not your usual festival. Dubbed “edutainment” by organisers Najahi Events, Make Smart Cool aims to inspire its youthful target audience through a mix of interactive presentation by social media influencers and a concert finale featuring Example with DJ Wire. Here are some of the speakers sharing their inspiration and experiences on the night.
Prince Ea
With his social media videos accumulating more half a billion views, the American motivational speaker is hot on the college circuit in the US, with talks that focus on the many ways to generate passion and motivation when it comes to learning.
Khalid Al Ameri
The Emirati columnist and presenter is much loved by local youth, with writings and presentations about education, entrepreneurship and family balance. His lectures on career and personal development are sought after by the education and business sector.
Ben Ouattara
Born to an Ivorian father and German mother, the Dubai-based fitness instructor and motivational speaker is all about conquering fears and insecurities. His talk focuses on the need to gain emotional and physical fitness when facing life’s challenges. As well managing his film production company, Ouattara is one of the official ambassadors of Dubai Expo2020.
Election pledges on migration
CDU: "Now is the time to control the German borders and enforce strict border rejections"
SPD: "Border closures and blanket rejections at internal borders contradict the spirit of a common area of freedom"
RESULT
Fifth ODI, at Headingley
England 351/9
Pakistan 297
England win by 54 runs (win series 4-0)
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%20specs
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The specs
Engine: 77.4kW all-wheel-drive dual motor
Power: 320bhp
Torque: 605Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh219,000
On sale: Now
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
Brief scoreline:
Wales 1
James 5'
Slovakia 0
Man of the Match: Dan James (Wales)
Book%20Details
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How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
