US-Iran Conflict Casts Shadow on Iraqi Protests
November 13, 2019, 2:34 pm

US-Iran Conflict Casts Shadow on Iraqi Protests

Protests in Iraq have become embroiled in the conflict between the United States and Iran. Washington had called for early elections but was met with the rejection of many Iraqi forces, blocs and political parties.

To political parties, especially those close to Iran, the call for early elections is an attempt to alter the country’s political course in favor of Washington and against Tehran.

Iran, for its part, backs the opposite view of maintaining the status quo, including not sacking Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi, while pursuing serious reforms but within the framework of the current political system.

Meanwhile, demonstrators were not convinced of any of the steps, procedures or mediations of the United Nations, and continued to raise their demands, including the dismissal of the government.

In parallel, President Barham Salih proposed a new electoral law that included key provisions that would limit the authority of the ruling parties, which now lead the political scene.

The new electoral law helps promote youth opportunities to stand for elections in parliament and contribute to the policy of their country. It will bring about an effective, professional and efficient High Electoral Commission.

A presidential source, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Asharq Al-Awsat that “the draft prepared by experts and consultants with the broad participation of jurists, academics and representatives of trade unions will be submitted to parliament jointly with a similar bill being prepared by the Prime Minister.”

Responding to a question about US calls for early elections, the official said: “The Presidency had issued an official clarification in this regard, stressing that the desired reform in Iraq is an Iraqi decision par excellence, and comes in response to the will of Iraqis, and cannot be subject to external influence.”

“Any outside interference is unacceptable,” he emphasized.

France Hosts World Leaders to Address Global Challenges Egyptian President arrives in UAE for official state visit

BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has announced its sponsorship of the “Innovation and Sustainable Technology Solutions Competition (GU - IST Solutions), hosted by Gulf University at its main campus.
This strategic sponsorship reflects BENEFIT’s active role in advancing technological innovation and fostering sustainable solutions to future challenges. It also seeks to empower Bahraini youth by enhancing their skills, capabilities, and competitiveness in innovation and solution development—contributing meaningfully to the broader goals of sustainable development across all sectors.
As part of BENEFIT’s active involvement in the competition, the company has announced that Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager of Public Relations and Communication, will serve on the competition’s supervisory committee. Her upcoming participation reflects BENEFIT’s forward-looking commitment to championing academic and professional excellence.
Commenting on the occasion, Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager of Public Relations and Communication at BENEFIT, said, “We are privileged to support this pioneering initiative, which aligns seamlessly with BENEFIT’s enduring commitment to fostering innovation and nurturing the potential of Bahrain’s youth. Our participation is rooted in a deep sense of social responsibility and a firm belief in the pivotal role of innovation in shaping a sustainable future. Through such platforms, we seek to empower the next generation with the knowledge, skills, and foresight required to develop impactful solutions that address future challenges, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030.”
Dr. Aseel Al Ayash Dean of the College of Engineering in Gulf University commented, “We extend our sincere gratitude to BENEFIT for their generous sponsorship and support of the Innovation and Sustainable Technology Solutions Competition. This contribution plays an instrumental role in helping us achieve the strategic goals of this initiative, namely, cultivating a culture of innovation and sustainability, encouraging efforts that address the imperatives of sustainable development, and enhancing the practical and professional capabilities of our students and participants.”
The event will bring together a diverse spectrum of participants, including secondary school students, university undergraduates, engineers, industry professionals, entrepreneurs, academic researchers, and subject matter experts representing a wide range of disciplines.
The competition seeks to inspire participants to develop and present innovative, sustainable technologies aimed at addressing pressing environmental, social, and economic challenges. It encourages the formulation of business models that integrate advanced technological solutions with core principles of sustainability. Moreover, it serves as a platform for emerging leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators to contribute to the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals, promote the ethos of responsible technology, and demonstrate its transformative potential across various sectors.
Attendees will have the opportunity to view a series of project presentations submitted by participants, covering diverse areas such as eco-friendly product design, smart and sustainable innovations, renewable energy technologies, water conservation and management, waste minimisation and recycling, green architectural solutions, and sustainable transportation systems. Outstanding projects will be formally recognised and awarded at the conclusion of the event.