Iraq and Iran have agreed to ease visa restrictions in an effort to boost investment and tourism, despite mounting US sanctions aimed at debilitating Tehran's financial alliances in the region.
Tehran has increasingly cosied up to Baghdad, in search of its neighbour's support as it faces the Trump administration's embargo, following the US' decision to withdraw from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.
President Hassan Rouhani, accompanied by a high ranking political and economic delegation, arrived in Iraq on Monday for his first ever official visit.
The two sides announced this week the signing of several memorandums of understandings – including agreements on oil, trade, health and a railway linking the southern oil-rich city of Basra and the Iranian border town of Shalamcheh.
They also agreed to ease the visa process for businessmen and investors and issue tourist visas free of charge.
“Visas will be issued by both sides and will be free of charge to Iranian an Iraqi pilgrims and tourists as of April,” Mr Rouhani’s office announced on Tuesday.
Millions of Iranian pilgrims travel to Iraq every year to visit the southern city of Karbala for the annual pilgrimage of Arbaeen, which marks the end of a 40-day mourning period for the third Shiite Imam, Hussein.
More than 80 per cent of foreign visitors to Najaf are from Iran.
But since the imposition of US sanctions the number of people travelling from Iran fell by 30 per cent in the first nine months of 2018, to 5.9 million, according to Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Handicraft and Tourism Organisation.
Iran needs Iraq today more than ever. With the US tightening the screws on Tehran, Iraq becomes an ever more valuable economic lifeline, Fanar Haddad, Senior Research Fellow at the Middle East Institute, told The National.
“The visit fits in with Iraq’s broader foreign policy of strengthening relations with all regional powers. From Iraq’s point of view strengthening bilateral relations with Iran on the one hand and Iraq’s relations with the US on the other are not mutually exclusive – rather, it is a compulsory balancing act,” Mr Haddad said.
Far from the bloody eight-year Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s, the two countries are mutually reliant on each other in more ways than one.
Mr Rouhani said he wanted deeper political economic ties between with Baghdad, while Mr Abdul Mahdi stressed that Iraq was aware of the difficulties Iran had been facing.
“We are cooperating and thoroughly understanding how we can help each other,” Mr Abdul Mahdi said.
However, the Iranian president isn't necessarily Tehran's top foreign policy maker in Iraq. The fact that this is Mr Rouhani's first official visit since coming to power in 2013 suggests that Iranian policy is not led by the president, Renad Mansour, senior research fellow at London's Chatham House, told The National.
There are many Iranian interests in Iraq, especially as the new government faces troubles in the south, following protests filled with disillusion and grievances likely to resurface in the summer, Mr Mansour said.
“A lot of the protests and grievances were not just directed against the Iraq's political parties that are close to Iran but are directed against Iran itself,” he said.
So, what Mr Rouhani is aiming to do is to maintain its level of legitimacy and popularity inside Iraq, Mr Mansour said.
Meeting Iraq's top cleric
During the last day of his visit, Mr Rouhani met with Iraq’s most senior Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali Al Sistani in the holy city of Najaf. This was the first meeting for an Iranian leader with Ayatollah Al Sistani, who rarely holds meetings with officials. Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad did not meet with Iranian-born cleric during his 2008 visit to Iraq.
"Rouhani's meeting today with Iraq's top cleric Sistani carries major political signals to Rouhani's opponents at home," Ellie Geranmayeh, a Senior Policy Fellow at the European Council of Foreign Relations tweeted on Wednesday.
Mr Rouhani also met with other religious figures, tribal leaders and local officials in Kerbala, as well as his Iraqi counterpart Barham Salih. A "stable Iraq will lead to stability in the region," he said to journalists.
US Warning
Iraq is walking a fine line to maintain good relations with allies Iran and US, as the two struggle to mend a deteriorating relationship.
Washington warned Iraqis that the Iranian president’s visit hides ulterior motives.
"When President Rouhani comes into Iraq, you have to question the motive," Brian Hook, the US Special Representative for Iran said on Tuesday.
"I think what Iran would ultimately like to see happen is Iraq turn into a province of Iran so that they can create a military highway across the northern Middle East that the Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps can use to ferry missiles and weapons."
Mr Hook stressed that Iran is "the last revolutionary regime on earth," and it is trying to further destabilise the Middle East by reinforcing the sectarian divide.
“Rouhani’s visit to Iraq is not in the interest of serving Iraqis,” he told Al Hurra TV.
Last December, a range of Iraqi lawmakers criticised US President Donald Trump over his surprise visit to a US military base in Iraq.
Mr Trump failed to meet any of the officials in Baghdad.
“For me the most glaring thing about Rouhani’s visit is how starkly it contrasts with Trump’s visit last year. The former underlines and doubles down on Iran’s investment in Iraq while the latter signals an arrogant disregard for the country,” Mr Haddad said.
Mr Trump spoke on the phone with the Iraqi premier and invited him to visit the White House. Plans for the two to meet in person at the base were cancelled due to security purposes, said Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the White House press secretary.
Tehran sees a US military presence at its doorstep in Iraq as a threat, one that could undermine its influence over Baghdad.
Mr Rouhani, who is on a second four-year term, is particularly vulnerable because of the Tehran’s economic crisis.
Need to know
Unlike other mobile wallets and payment apps, a unique feature of eWallet is that there is no need to have a bank account, credit or debit card to do digital payments.
Customers only need a valid Emirates ID and a working UAE mobile number to register for eWallet account.
The biog
Favourite food: Tabbouleh, greek salad and sushi
Favourite TV show: That 70s Show
Favourite animal: Ferrets, they are smart, sensitive, playful and loving
Favourite holiday destination: Seychelles, my resolution for 2020 is to visit as many spiritual retreats and animal shelters across the world as I can
Name of first pet: Eddy, a Persian cat that showed up at our home
Favourite dog breed: I love them all - if I had to pick Yorkshire terrier for small dogs and St Bernard's for big
Company profile
Date started: 2015
Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki
Based: Dubai
Sector: Online grocery delivery
Staff: 200
Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The Settlers
Director: Louis Theroux
Starring: Daniella Weiss, Ari Abramowitz
Rating: 5/5
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
It Was Just an Accident
Director: Jafar Panahi
Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr
Rating: 4/5
Surianah's top five jazz artists
Billie Holliday: for the burn and also the way she told stories.
Thelonius Monk: for his earnestness.
Duke Ellington: for his edge and spirituality.
Louis Armstrong: his legacy is undeniable. He is considered as one of the most revolutionary and influential musicians.
Terence Blanchard: very political - a lot of jazz musicians are making protest music right now.
The Pope's itinerary
Sunday, February 3, 2019 - Rome to Abu Dhabi
1pm: departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm: arrival at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
Monday, February 4
12pm: welcome ceremony at the main entrance of the Presidential Palace
12.20pm: visit Abu Dhabi Crown Prince at Presidential Palace
5pm: private meeting with Muslim Council of Elders at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
6.10pm: Inter-religious in the Founder's Memorial
Tuesday, February 5 - Abu Dhabi to Rome
9.15am: private visit to undisclosed cathedral
10.30am: public mass at Zayed Sports City – with a homily by Pope Francis
12.40pm: farewell at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
1pm: departure by plane to Rome
5pm: arrival at the Rome / Ciampino International Airport
Pox that threatens the Middle East's native species
Camelpox
Caused by a virus related to the one that causes human smallpox, camelpox typically causes fever, swelling of lymph nodes and skin lesions in camels aged over three, but the animal usually recovers after a month or so. Younger animals may develop a more acute form that causes internal lesions and diarrhoea, and is often fatal, especially when secondary infections result. It is found across the Middle East as well as in parts of Asia, Africa, Russia and India.
Falconpox
Falconpox can cause a variety of types of lesions, which can affect, for example, the eyelids, feet and the areas above and below the beak. It is a problem among captive falcons and is one of many types of avian pox or avipox diseases that together affect dozens of bird species across the world. Among the other forms are pigeonpox, turkeypox, starlingpox and canarypox. Avipox viruses are spread by mosquitoes and direct bird-to-bird contact.
Houbarapox
Houbarapox is, like falconpox, one of the many forms of avipox diseases. It exists in various forms, with a type that causes skin lesions being least likely to result in death. Other forms cause more severe lesions, including internal lesions, and are more likely to kill the bird, often because secondary infections develop. This summer the CVRL reported an outbreak of pox in houbaras after rains in spring led to an increase in mosquito numbers.
FFP EXPLAINED
What is Financial Fair Play?
Introduced in 2011 by Uefa, European football’s governing body, it demands that clubs live within their means. Chiefly, spend within their income and not make substantial losses.
What the rules dictate?
The second phase of its implementation limits losses to €30 million (Dh136m) over three seasons. Extra expenditure is permitted for investment in sustainable areas (youth academies, stadium development, etc). Money provided by owners is not viewed as income. Revenue from “related parties” to those owners is assessed by Uefa's “financial control body” to be sure it is a fair value, or in line with market prices.
What are the penalties?
There are a number of punishments, including fines, a loss of prize money or having to reduce squad size for European competition – as happened to PSG in 2014. There is even the threat of a competition ban, which could in theory lead to PSG’s suspension from the Uefa Champions League.
Challenge Cup result:
1. UAE 3 faults
2. Ireland 9 faults
3. Brazil 11 faults
4. Spain 15 faults
5. Great Britain 17 faults
6. New Zealand 20 faults
7. Italy 26 faults
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Power: 154bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic with 8-speed sports option
Price: From Dh79,600
On sale: Now
Name: Peter Dicce
Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics
Favourite sport: soccer
Favourite team: Bayern Munich
Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer
Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates
THE BIO
Family: I have three siblings, one older brother (age 25) and two younger sisters, 20 and 13
Favourite book: Asking for my favourite book has to be one of the hardest questions. However a current favourite would be Sidewalk by Mitchell Duneier
Favourite place to travel to: Any walkable city. I also love nature and wildlife
What do you love eating or cooking: I’m constantly in the kitchen. Ever since I changed the way I eat I enjoy choosing and creating what goes into my body. However, nothing can top home cooked food from my parents.
Favorite place to go in the UAE: A quiet beach.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Akeed
Based: Muscat
Launch year: 2018
Number of employees: 40
Sector: Online food delivery
Funding: Raised $3.2m since inception
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
