Exactly six years after ISIS took control of Iraq’s second city, Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi visited Mosul, promising to never let the city suffer from that type of terrorism again. Less than a week after completing his cabinet formation, Mr Al Kadhimi went to Mosul declaring that “corruption” was behind ISIS taking over the city, and it is that corruption that his government must fight.
Mr Al Kadhimi’s list of national priorities is long, as is the list of challenges. A crushing financial crisis, outbreak of Covid-19, protests, militias intent on maintaining their interests, to name just a few.
Yet he prioritised the visit to Mosul in a show of both strength against terrorism and to understand the concerns of ordinary Iraqis that have largely been left unaddressed.
While ISIS has been defeated in Mosul, the militias that have spread in Ninewah province are hugely problematic. Standing next to Mr Al Kadhimi throughout the trip was a man who played a vital role in the liberation of Mosul, the head of the Counter Terrorism Force, Lieutenant General Abdulwahhab Al Saadi.
General Al Saadi became a national hero as he was in the front lines fighting ISIS and is known for his rejection of sectarianism – making him an enemy of Iranian-backed militias.
Former Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi removed General Al Saadi last year, sparking nationwide protests. Within days of becoming Prime Minister, Mr Al Kadhimi reinstated General Al Saadi and promoted him. Having him by his side in Mosul, Mr Al Kadhimi was indicating serious security sector reform.
Symbolism was high during the day-long visit of Mr Al Kadhimi: from the famed 12th century Al Nuri Mosque from where ISIS leader Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi declared his false caliphate, to the reopening of the restored Freedom Bridge that connects Mosul’s eastern bank to its historic west. And while these gestures were significant, there will need to be immediately followed up to prove that these gestures were the start of concrete action, rather than a substitute.
The visit to Mosul came during a strict curfew and with heightened security measures, in a telling sign about the security situation. Three years after the defeat of ISIS, most of the western part of the city remains destroyed, unemployment is high and hundreds of thousands of Muslawis remain in displacement camps.
Resolving these issues will require political will and resources. Mr Al Kadhimi’s visit shows that there is finally political will and Iraq is not short on resources if corruption is quelled.
Opening weekend Premier League fixtures
Weekend of August 10-13
Arsenal v Manchester City
Bournemouth v Cardiff City
Fulham v Crystal Palace
Huddersfield Town v Chelsea
Liverpool v West Ham United
Manchester United v Leicester City
Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur
Southampton v Burnley
Watford v Brighton & Hove Albion
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Everton
10 tips for entry-level job seekers
- Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
- Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
- Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
- Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
- Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
- Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
- Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
- Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
- Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.
Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz
How Filipinos in the UAE invest
A recent survey of 10,000 Filipino expatriates in the UAE found that 82 per cent have plans to invest, primarily in property. This is significantly higher than the 2014 poll showing only two out of 10 Filipinos planned to invest.
Fifty-five percent said they plan to invest in property, according to the poll conducted by the New Perspective Media Group, organiser of the Philippine Property and Investment Exhibition. Acquiring a franchised business or starting up a small business was preferred by 25 per cent and 15 per cent said they will invest in mutual funds. The rest said they are keen to invest in insurance (3 per cent) and gold (2 per cent).
Of the 5,500 respondents who preferred property as their primary investment, 54 per cent said they plan to make the purchase within the next year. Manila was the top location, preferred by 53 per cent.
THE SPECS
Engine: 1.5-litre
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Power: 110 horsepower
Torque: 147Nm
Price: From Dh59,700
On sale: now
THE BIO
Favourite holiday destination: Whenever I have any free time I always go back to see my family in Caltra, Galway, it’s the only place I can properly relax.
Favourite film: The Way, starring Martin Sheen. It’s about the Camino de Santiago walk from France to Spain.
Personal motto: If something’s meant for you it won’t pass you by.
EA Sports FC 26
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3/5
