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.
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Islamophobia definition
A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.
Marathon results
Men:
1. Titus Ekiru(KEN) 2:06:13
2. Alphonce Simbu(TAN) 2:07:50
3. Reuben Kipyego(KEN) 2:08:25
4. Abel Kirui(KEN) 2:08:46
5. Felix Kemutai(KEN) 2:10:48
Women:
1. Judith Korir(KEN) 2:22:30
2. Eunice Chumba(BHR) 2:26:01
3. Immaculate Chemutai(UGA) 2:28:30
4. Abebech Bekele(ETH) 2:29:43
5. Aleksandra Morozova(RUS) 2:33:01
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Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
23-man shortlist for next six Hall of Fame inductees
Tony Adams, David Beckham, Dennis Bergkamp, Sol Campbell, Eric Cantona, Andrew Cole, Ashley Cole, Didier Drogba, Les Ferdinand, Rio Ferdinand, Robbie Fowler, Steven Gerrard, Roy Keane, Frank Lampard, Matt Le Tissier, Michael Owen, Peter Schmeichel, Paul Scholes, John Terry, Robin van Persie, Nemanja Vidic, Patrick Viera, Ian Wright.
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Brief scores:
Pakistan (1st innings) 181: Babar 71; Olivier 6-37
South Africa (1st innings) 223: Bavuma 53; Amir 4-62
Pakistan (2nd innings) 190: Masood 65, Imam 57; Olivier 5-59
The National Archives, Abu Dhabi
Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.
Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en
Second ODI
England 322-7 (50 ovs)
India 236 (50 ovs)
England win by 86 runs
Next match: Tuesday, July 17, Headingley
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
