Author: Cerirnas

The Republic of Iraq was elected to chair the Group of 77 and China (G77) at the United Nations for the year 2025, following a meeting of the Asia-Pacific Group held to discuss Iraq’s candidacy for this position. Iraq’s Chargé d’Affaires to the United Nations in New York Dr. Abbas Kadhom Obaid, delivered a speech in which he affirmed Iraq’s vision for its role during its presidency of the group, highlighting the main lines of work and stressing Iraq’s commitment to the basic principles of the group, especially with regard to supporting the goals and aspirations of developing countries in…

West Java’s export reached Rp33 trillion in 2023. Rattan furniture export, outside Europe, is still good. The West Java provincial government is targeting the ASEAN region and the Middle East as new export destinations and markets for Cirebon’s rattan furniture. “We are looking for alternatives to other countries as export destinations for (rattan furniture). We see ASEAN, the Middle East, and Africa have huge potential,” the head of West Java’s Industry and Trade Office, Noneng Komara Nengsih, said here on Wednesday. Over the past few years, rattan furniture produced in Cirebon and other districts in West Java has succeeded in…

When Hamas gunmen stormed southern Israel on 7 October and rocket sirens pierced the early morning quiet across the country, Israel’s premier museums went into war mode, rushing to protect their most precious artwork and artefacts, Reuters reports. The Dead Sea Scrolls; Ancient dedication plaques on loan from the Louvre; A 1916 masterpiece by Austrian painter, Gustav Klimt. These, and other treasures, were quickly taken off display and brought to special bunkers to ensure they are not damaged during the war. “To take off an exhibition is something that usually is not done because we trust the building; we trust the safety…

Drought and heat waves on top of decades of conflict have forced families in Iraq to abandon farming after generations and have left children fearful for their futures, Save the Children has warned in a report released ahead of COP28 which launches in the UAE next week. Iraq is the fifth most vulnerable country to water and food shortages and extreme temperatures, according to the United Nations. Drought has destroyed farmland in rural areas like the Abu Al-Khaseeb district in the southern governorate of Basra, leaving communities with no income. As the drought worsens, more livestock — often a crucially important source…

Lieutenant Colonel James Marques served in the Army Reserve and National Guard where he dedicated 37 years of service. He joined the Army National Guard on May 23, 1983. After hearing about the atrocities of the Iran Hostage Crisis that lasted from 1979 to 1981, Marques realized that he needed to help make a difference within the world. When Marques joined, it was mainly to get his education paid for and to get an insight into how the Army really operates. Marques knew that serving in the military wasn’t going to be an easy career: There were many tests -physical…

UN General Assembly has confirmed Iraq’s change in favour of Israel-Gaza truce will be formally reflected in final protocol document, diplomatic sources say Iraq has clarified it supports the UN General Assembly resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, after the final vote tally showed it abstained. Abbas Kadhim Obaid, temporary chargé d’affaires of the Permanent Mission of Iraq to the UN, said the figures showing an abstention were the result of a “technical fault. “Iraq requests the president to modify its vote on resolution A/ES/10/L.25 in support of the resolution. I repeat the request to change our vote…

WASHINGTON, Oct 19 (Reuters) – U.S. troops have been repeatedly attacked in Iraq and Syria in recent days, U.S. officials said on Thursday, as Washington is on heightened alert for activity by Iran-backed groups with regional tensions soaring during the Israel-Hamas war. President Joe Biden has sent naval power to the Middle East in the past two weeks, including two aircraft carriers, other warships and about 2,000 Marines. There has been an uptick in attacks on U.S. forces since the conflict in Israel broke out on Oct. 7 when Palestinian militants from Hamas attacked southern Israel. On Wednesday, a drone…

Iraq’s prime minister warned Saturday that if the war between Israel and Hamas spreads to other countries in the region it will affect the flow of oil to international markets. Mohammed Shia al-Sudani was apparently referring to Iran-backed militias that have started launching attacks against U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria and have warned they will step in if Hamas is threatened. Al-Sudani told an international summit held in Egypt that Baghdad rejects the emptying of the Gaza Strip because “the Palestinians have no other place but their land.” He called for an immediate cease-fire and an exchange of prisoners…

MOSUL, IRAQ — A fire that raced through a hall hosting a Christian wedding in northern Iraq killed at least 100 people and injured 150 others, authorities said Wednesday, warning the death toll could rise. The fire happened in Iraq’s Nineveh province in its Hamdaniya area, authorities said. That’s a predominantly Christian area just outside of the city of Mosul, some 335 kilometers northwest of the capital, Baghdad. Television footage showed flames rushing over the wedding hall as the fire took hold. In the blaze’s aftermath, only charred metal and debris could be seen as people walked through the scene of…

Turkish military launched Operation Claw-Lock against PKK fighters in northern Iraq in April 2022. At least six Turkish soldiers have been killed in clashes with Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) fighters in northern Iraq, Turkey’s defence ministry has said. The fighting took place on Wednesday and in the early hours of Thursday in Zap, a region where Turkey has been carrying out a cross-border operation called “Claw-Lock” since April 2022. Turkish air attacks on PKK positions followed, leaving four PKK fighters dead, according to the ministry. Ankara says the offensive is a measure to prevent the PKK from using Iraq as a base…