Basra is burning. Or rather, it is drowning, in filthy, muddy brown water streaming from taps, which has hospitalised 20,000 and led to heated protests over clean water shortages and sanitation in the oil-rich city.
On Tuesday, despite promises from Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi that security forces would not use excessive force or live bullets, six demonstrators were killed and more than 20 wounded.
On Wednesday, there was another fatality and 25 more injured as hundreds gathered outside regional government offices in the south of the country.
Among them was father Mohammed Kadem, recently married, who went out to protest the lack of clean water for his new baby and never returned; and 26-year-old Mekki Yasser Ashur, reportedly killed when security forces fired live bullets and tear gas at stone-throwing protesters.
On Thursday, cleric Moqtada Al Sadr called for an emergency parliamentary session to quell the violence amid growing calls for calm.
The unrest and death toll is deeply concerning in a country which started the week on a note of optimism: parliament was to convene to form a new government and finally begin to steer Iraq out of the quagmire of corruption and chaos which has haunted it for the last 15 years.
Instead, disenchantment and disarray prevailed. The first session of parliament ended in turmoil on Monday after Mr Al Abadi announced himself National Security Adviser and walked out on proceedings; the squabbling and infighting continued the next day as politicians failed to appoint a new speaker, the very first step necessary to forming a new leadership.
While those elected to serve their country bicker among themselves, ordinary citizens desperate to provide for their families and secure their right to basic supplies are suffering.
The Iraqi people deserve better. As the promises made during May’s election campaign are fading fast, those with a directive to govern must restore trust and faith in their citizens.
Access to clean drinking water and power is a basic, fundamental right. Anti-government protests have been taking place since July, when Iran cut power supplies for a month amid claims of unpaid bills and a spike in demand.
It is vital Iraq's politicians set aside their differences to prevent the neighbouring country from exploiting weak links in its governance by effectively holding its citizens hostage.
The Shatt Al Arab waterway where the Tigris and Euphrates meet has become a dumping ground for waste and sewage.
Government promises to pump billions of dollars into services in the south must be used to open water treatment plants, 15 years overdue, as a priority.
It will take much to calm the unrest but setting aside their feuds and setting the wheels in motion to provide basic services for a beleaguered and suffering population is the necessary first step towards stability.
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
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The five pillars of Islam
Infiniti QX80 specs
Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
Power: 450hp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000
Available: Now
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
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From Zero
Artist: Linkin Park
Label: Warner Records
Number of tracks: 11
Rating: 4/5
Thank You for Banking with Us
Director: Laila Abbas
Starring: Yasmine Al Massri, Clara Khoury, Kamel El Basha, Ashraf Barhoum
Rating: 4/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The five pillars of Islam
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Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
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THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS
Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.
Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.
Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.
The specs
Engine: 2x201bhp AC Permanent-magnetic electric
Transmission: n/a
Power: 402bhp
Torque: 659Nm
Price estimate: Dh200,000
On sale: Q3 2022
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The years Ramadan fell in May
8 traditional Jamaican dishes to try at Kingston 21
- Trench Town Rock: Jamaican-style curry goat served in a pastry basket with a carrot and potato garnish
- Rock Steady Jerk Chicken: chicken marinated for 24 hours and slow-cooked on the grill
- Mento Oxtail: flavoured oxtail stewed for five hours with herbs
- Ackee and salt fish: the national dish of Jamaica makes for a hearty breakfast
- Jamaican porridge: another breakfast favourite, can be made with peanut, cornmeal, banana and plantain
- Jamaican beef patty: a pastry with ground beef filling
- Hellshire Pon di Beach: Fresh fish with pickles
- Out of Many: traditional sweet potato pudding
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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EPL's youngest
- Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal)
15 years, 181 days old
- Max Dowman (Arsenal)
15 years, 235 days old
- Jeremy Monga (Leicester)
15 years, 271 days old
- Harvey Elliott (Fulham)
16 years, 30 days old
- Matthew Briggs (Fulham)
16 years, 68 days old
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
WOMAN AND CHILD
Director: Saeed Roustaee
Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi
Rating: 4/5
