Sadr City's new power station was constructed by the Iranian company Sunir and equipped by Germany's Siemens just before a 100-day deadline set by the Iraqi prime minister Nuri Al Maliki expired amid nationwide protests over poor basic services, high unemployment and rampant corruption. AHMAD AL RUBAYE / AFP PHOTO
Sadr City's new power station was constructed by the Iranian company Sunir and equipped by Germany's Siemens just before a 100-day deadline set by the Iraqi prime minister Nuri Al Maliki expired amid Show more

Corruption hampering Iraq's development, says report



BAGHDAD // Widespread corruption throughout Iraq's government has hampered development, resulting in slow improvement of public services, the International Crisis Group has said in a report.

The Brussels-based organisation's sharp criticism comes around two weeks after Iraq's anti-corruption chief stepped down, complaining political interference in his work and describing corruption as "part of the struggle for power".

The ICG said in its 38-page report, published on Monday, that Baghdad's government had succeeded in reducing nationwide violence in recent years, but "has allowed corruption to become entrenched and spread throughout its institutions."

"Public services continue to be plagued by severe deficiencies, notably widespread corruption, which spread like a virus throughout state institutions during the years of lawlessness that prevailed until 2008," the report said.

It said Iraq's anti-corruption institutions had been hampered by "government interference, intransigence and manipulation, a deficient legal framework and ongoing threats of violence."

The ICG said that parliament was "hopelessly sectarian" and the judicial system was "highly vulnerable to political pressure".

"The impact is palpable: billions of dollars have been embezzled from state coffers, owing mostly to gaps in public procurement; parties treat ministries like private bank accounts; and nepotism, bribery and embezzlement thrive," it said.

"Partly as a result, living standards languish, even paling in comparison with the country's own recent past. This applies to practically all aspects of life, including the health, education and electricity sectors, all of which underperform despite marked budget increases."

The ICG recommended that Iraq strengthen its anti-corruption framework, require political parties to publish annual accounts listing sources of income and expenditure, reform cumbersome parliamentary bylaws and streamline the legislative process.

It also called on the international community, particularly the United States, to support such efforts and publicly express disapproval of the government and parliament's "failures regarding long-overdue reform".

The report comes after anti-corruption chief Rahim Al Uqailee resigned on September 8.

After stepping down, Mr Al Uqailee issued an open letter to parliament, saying: "The fight over stealing the money of the state and its property is the unspoken part of the struggle for power in Iraq today."

The watchdog Transparency International ranks Iraq among the world's four most corrupt countries, and the country has seen periodic protests since February decrying, among other things, official corruption.

Tips for job-seekers
  • Do not submit your application through the Easy Apply button on LinkedIn. Employers receive between 600 and 800 replies for each job advert on the platform. If you are the right fit for a job, connect to a relevant person in the company on LinkedIn and send them a direct message.
  • Make sure you are an exact fit for the job advertised. If you are an HR manager with five years’ experience in retail and the job requires a similar candidate with five years’ experience in consumer, you should apply. But if you have no experience in HR, do not apply for the job.

David Mackenzie, founder of recruitment agency Mackenzie Jones Middle East

Four motivational quotes from Alicia's Dubai talk

“The only thing we need is to know that we have faith. Faith and hope in our own dreams. The belief that, when we keep going we’re going to find our way. That’s all we got.”

“Sometimes we try so hard to keep things inside. We try so hard to pretend it’s not really bothering us. In some ways, that hurts us more. You don’t realise how dishonest you are with yourself sometimes, but I realised that if I spoke it, I could let it go.”

“One good thing is to know you’re not the only one going through it. You’re not the only one trying to find your way, trying to find yourself, trying to find amazing energy, trying to find a light. Show all of yourself. Show every nuance. All of your magic. All of your colours. Be true to that. You can be unafraid.”

“It’s time to stop holding back. It’s time to do it on your terms. It’s time to shine in the most unbelievable way. It’s time to let go of negativity and find your tribe, find those people that lift you up, because everybody else is just in your way.”

Cryopreservation: A timeline
  1. Keyhole surgery under general anaesthetic
  2. Ovarian tissue surgically removed
  3. Tissue processed in a high-tech facility
  4. Tissue re-implanted at a time of the patient’s choosing
  5. Full hormone production regained within 4-6 months
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Results
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MATCH INFO

Manchester United 2 (Heaton (og) 42', Lindelof 64')

Aston Villa 2 (Grealish 11', Mings 66')

The Details

Article 15
Produced by: Carnival Cinemas, Zee Studios
Directed by: Anubhav Sinha
Starring: Ayushmann Khurrana, Kumud Mishra, Manoj Pahwa, Sayani Gupta, Zeeshan Ayyub
Our rating: 4/5 

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: ARDH Collective
Based: Dubai
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Sector: Sustainability
Total funding: Self funded
Number of employees: 4
Company%20profile
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Electoral College Victory

Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate. 

 

Popular Vote Tally

The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.

The specs
 
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

Fire and Fury
By Michael Wolff,
Henry Holt

if you go

The flights
Emirates flies to Delhi with fares starting from around Dh760 return, while Etihad fares cost about Dh783 return. From Delhi, there are connecting flights to Lucknow. 
Where to stay
It is advisable to stay in Lucknow and make a day trip to Kannauj. A stay at the Lebua Lucknow hotel, a traditional Lucknowi mansion, is recommended. Prices start from Dh300 per night (excluding taxes).