Pope Francis visiting Iraq is the story we all need
The apostolic visit brings hope and optimism to regular Iraqis in that it comes as a fightback against terrorism, political dysfunction and the coronavirus pandemic
On March 5, Pope Francis will make history once again. He will be the first Catholic Pope to visit Iraq, at a time when the country and its people are in need of hope and external engagement. The Pope has had an affinity with Iraq for some time. He named the Patriarch of Babylon of the Chaldeans a cardinal in 2018. In January 2020, he received the country's President, Barham Salih, in the Vatican – and it was during that meeting that the wheels for this trip started turning. In February, he prayed for the country as he addressed a general audience in St Peter's Square. He spoke to Iraqis directly in his address, saying: "I say to you, citizens of Iraq, I am very close to you. Your country is a battlefield with wars on each side. I pray for you and pray for peace in your country."
"A battlefield with wars on each side" is an apt way of framing the troubles haunting Iraq. In every part of the country that Pope Francis will visit there are scars – scars of war, of loss, of trauma. Today Iraq is a battlefield fighting terrorism, corruption, Covid-19, militias and foreign intervention seeking to weaken the country at every level. Despite these wars, or perhaps in spite of them, the Pope has decided to embark on a four-day journey that will have him crisscross the country and reinforce the historic and natural place of Christians in Iraq and the Arab world.
Pope Francis arrives at Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi, in February 2019. Victor Besa / The National
The apostolic visit brings hope and optimism to regular Iraqis in that it comes as a fightback against terrorism, political dysfunction and the coronavirus pandemic. Despite security fears from terrorist attacks, despite political dysfunction in a country that rarely received senior foreign dignitaries, and despite the very real threat from the virus, the Pope is going to Iraq. It is the story of hope that we all need. The fact that he will hold mass and have in-person meetings, despite Covid-19, is also a sign of hope against the despair brought about by the pandemic. On Monday, 3,864 cases were recorded in Iraq, with 23 deaths in one day. Human connection at such a difficult time, and seeing the Pope around Iraq, will provide a sign of hope for life despite the difficulties.
Unlike most officials who turn up in unannounced trips and remain within the confines of the Green Zone or military bases, the Pope will be visiting four provinces and will meet with a whole host of people. The Vatican released the agenda of the trip weeks in advance, which includes a public mass, in addition to meeting with bishops and priests at Our Lady of Salvation Church in Baghdad. That very church was targeted by six suicide bombers in October 2010, in an attack that shook all of Iraq and was intended to end the presence of Christians in the heart of its capital. The presence of Pope Francis at that church is an apt recognition of the 58 worshippers who were killed on that fateful night. It is also a victory for those who fought terrorism and an endorsement for all those who remained in the country despite efforts to expel them from their homeland. More than one million Christians have left Iraq over the past two decades. Hopefully, after this visit, more will be convinced to stay and some may feel the possibility of returning home.
Equally significant in defeating extremism will be the Papal visit to one of the oldest Christian communities in the world, in Qaraqosh, where the ancient Assyrian cities of Nimrud and Nineveh were once the centres of global civilisation. It was in Nineveh that ISIS wanted to eliminate the presence of Christians, attacking them and destroying Assyrian artefacts. Once again, the Pope's presence in Mosul will represent a further nail in the coffin for ISIS and for all those who sought to annihilate Mosul's cosmopolitan make-up.
It is a moment that all Iraqis, except the most bigoted, will laud
Pope Francis will visit Ur, the birthplace of Prophet Abraham, the patriarch of the Abrahamic religions of Islam, Christianity and Judaism. In a region where religion continues to hold much sway, bringing a religious focus to what unites people rather than divides them is hugely significant. This visit builds on the historic visit of Pope Francis to the UAE in 2019, the first by a pontiff to the Arabian Peninsula, where he signed the Human Fraternity Document with the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed Al Tayeb. It is hoped that when Pope Francis goes to Najaf and meets with Ayatollah Ali Al Sistani, there will be a similar signing of the document. The visit to Najaf will hold great symbolism, especially as it continues to be the holiest of cities for Shiite Muslims, despite Iranian attempts to move that authority to Qom.
It would be remiss to assume that Pope Francis visiting Iraq is an occasion of importance only to Iraq’s Christians. Undoubtedly it holds a special significance for Catholics, but it is a moment that all Iraqis, except the most bigoted, will laud. The carefully planned stops in Baghdad, Mosul, Nasiriya, Najaf and Erbil reflect the depth of influence this trip holds.
After years of war and instability, Iraq remains largely closed off to the world. Despite having some of the most important historical sites in the region and the world, much of ancient Mesopotamia remains undiscovered. The Pope’s visit will remind the world of Iraq’s riches in history, cultural diversity and potential.
A mark of Chatham House’s influence 100 years on since its founding, was Moscow’s formal declaration last month that it was an “undesirable organisation”.
The depth of knowledge and academics that it drew on following the Ukraine invasion had broadcast Mr Putin’s chicanery.
The institute is more used to accommodating world leaders, with Nelson Mandela, Margaret Thatcher among those helping it provide authoritative commentary on world events.
Chatham House was formally founded as the Royal Institute of International Affairs following the peace conferences of World War One. Its founder, Lionel Curtis, wanted a more scientific examination of international affairs with a transparent exchange of information and ideas.
That arena of debate and analysis was enhanced by the “Chatham House Rule” states that the contents of any meeting can be discussed outside Chatham House but no mention can be made identifying individuals who commented.
This has enabled some candid exchanges on difficult subjects allowing a greater degree of free speech from high-ranking figures.
These meetings are highly valued, so much so that ambassadors reported them in secret diplomatic cables that – when they were revealed in the Wikileaks reporting – were thus found to have broken the rule. However, most speeches are held on the record.
Its research and debate has offered fresh ideas to policymakers enabling them to more coherently address troubling issues from climate change to health and food security.
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Mamo Year it started: 2019 Founders: Imad Gharazeddine, Asim Janjua Based: Dubai, UAE Number of employees: 28 Sector: Financial services Investment: $9.5m Funding stage: Pre-Series A Investors: Global Ventures, GFC, 4DX Ventures, AlRajhi Partners, Olive Tree Capital, and prominent Silicon Valley investors.
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
Terror attacks in Paris, November 13, 2015
- At 9.16pm, three suicide attackers killed one person outside the Atade de France during a foootball match between France and Germany - At 9.25pm, three attackers opened fire on restaurants and cafes over 20 minutes, killing 39 people - Shortly after 9.40pm, three other attackers launched a three-hour raid on the Bataclan, in which 1,500 people had gathered to watch a rock concert. In total, 90 people were killed - Salah Abdeslam, the only survivor of the terrorists, did not directly participate in the attacks, thought to be due to a technical glitch in his suicide vest - He fled to Belgium and was involved in attacks on Brussels in March 2016. He is serving a life sentence in France
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
4.30pm Jebel Jais – Maiden (PA) Dh60,000 (Turf) 1,000m; Winner: MM Al Balqaa, Bernardo Pinheiro (jockey), Qaiss Aboud (trainer)
5pm: Jabel Faya – Maiden (PA) Dh60,000 (T) 1,000m; Winner: AF Rasam, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
5.30pm: Al Wathba Stallions Cup – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: AF Mukhrej, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
6pm: The President’s Cup Prep – Conditions (PA) Dh100,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Mujeeb, Richard Mullen, Salem Al Ketbi
6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club – Prestige (PA) Dh125,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Jawal Al Reef, Antonio Fresu, Abubakar Daud
7pm: Al Ruwais – Group 3 (PA) Dh300,000 (T) 1,200m; Winner: Ashton Tourettes, Pat Dobbs, Ibrahim Aseel
7.30pm: Jebel Hafeet – Maiden (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: Nibraas, Richard Mullen, Nicholas Bachalard
So what is Spicy Chickenjoy?
Just as McDonald’s has the Big Mac, Jollibee has Spicy Chickenjoy – a piece of fried chicken that’s crispy and spicy on the outside and comes with a side of spaghetti, all covered in tomato sauce and topped with sausage slices and ground beef. It sounds like a recipe that a child would come up with, but perhaps that’s the point – a flavourbomb combination of cheap comfort foods. Chickenjoy is Jollibee’s best-selling product in every country in which it has a presence.
Key recommendations
Fewer criminals put behind bars and more to serve sentences in the community, with short sentences scrapped and many inmates released earlier.
Greater use of curfews and exclusion zones to deliver tougher supervision than ever on criminals.
Explore wider powers for judges to punish offenders by blocking them from attending football matches, banning them from driving or travelling abroad through an expansion of ‘ancillary orders’.
More Intensive Supervision Courts to tackle the root causes of crime such as alcohol and drug abuse – forcing repeat offenders to take part in tough treatment programmes or face prison.
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
