2023-11-18T09:20:05+00:00
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The Iraqi Olympic team will face its American counterpart, at seven o’clock on Saturday evening, in a friendly match, the first in its training camp held in Spain.
The Olympic team coach, Radhi Shanishil, told Agency, “The team is ready for today’s match and completed its last training unit yesterday. The player (Alex) Alexander Oraha felt pain in his back and will be out of the calculations in today’s match, in order to rest him.”
Shenaishal added: “As it was previously announced, the absence of two important players from the matches between America and Ivory Coast in Spain, namely striker Hussein Abdullah Al-Lawandi and defender Youssef Al-Imam, but other players of no less importance than their colleagues will be used in order to compensate in today’s match.”
He explained, “The America match is important, especially since it is a strong, high-level team that defeated Japan 4-1 and Mexico 2-1. Therefore, the match is an opportunity to interact and know the player’s presence in strong matches.”
Shenaishil pointed out, “The camp atmosphere in Spain is very ideal, and gives great motivation to the players to give everything they have to double the training effort, which will reflect positively on the performance during the confrontations.”
The Olympic team coach concluded his speech by saying: “We will work through today’s America match and the Ivory Coast match that follows it to achieve the desired benefit from the two matches, while the result in the friendly matches comes in second place.”
Interview: The Future of Iraq: A Conversation on Progress and Challenges
Interviewer: Alex Johnson, Editor of Time.news
Expert: Dr. Nadia Al-Hakim, Middle East Specialist and Political Analyst
Alex Johnson: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Al-Hakim. Let’s dive right in. Iraq is often seen as a country grappling with its past and struggling with its future. What is your assessment of the current political landscape in Iraq?
Dr. Nadia Al-Hakim: Thanks for having me, Alex. The political landscape in Iraq is undoubtedly complex. We’ve seen significant changes in recent years, especially following the 2019 protests that called for government reform and an end to corruption. Many Iraqis are still hopeful, but there’s a palpable sense of frustration due to slow progress.
Alex Johnson: Frustration seems to be a recurring theme. How do you see the government’s response to the protests shaping the future?
Dr. Nadia Al-Hakim: The government’s response has been mixed. Initially, there were violent crackdowns on protesters, which only fueled further discontent. However, some measures have been introduced, such as promising reforms and economic opportunities. The success of these measures will ultimately depend on the government’s genuine commitment to implementing change rather than just placating the public.
Alex Johnson: Economic opportunities are crucial. How is the state of Iraq’s economy, and what steps are necessary for improvement?
Dr. Nadia Al-Hakim: Iraq’s economy is heavily reliant on oil, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices. While there are plans to diversify the economy and invest in sectors like agriculture and tourism, tangible progress has been slow. Strengthening infrastructure and attracting foreign investment are pivotal steps for Iraq to stabilize and grow economically.
Alex Johnson: Speaking of foreign investment, how do international relations play a role in Iraq’s development?
Dr. Nadia Al-Hakim: International relations are critical. Iraq’s geographical position makes it a strategic partner for many countries, including the US and Iran. However, balancing these relationships while prioritizing national interests is a challenge. Iraq needs to leverage its position to gain economic benefits while ensuring that external influences don’t compromise its sovereignty.
Alex Johnson: You’ve raised a vital point about sovereignty. Can you discuss the role of security in Iraq and its influence on political stability?
Dr. Nadia Al-Hakim: Security remains a significant concern. The presence of ISIS, along with other militant groups, continues to threaten stability. The Iraqi security forces have made considerable progress in combating these threats, but the country still faces internal divisions and external pressures. Ensuring security is essential for any kind of political stability and economic growth.
Alex Johnson: As we look ahead, what do you believe are the most critical issues Iraq will face in the next few years?
Dr. Nadia Al-Hakim: The most pressing issues will include governance reform, economic diversification, and security challenges. Additionally, addressing youth unemployment will be paramount, as the younger generation represents a substantial portion of the population. Their needs and aspirations must be met to avoid further unrest.
Alex Johnson: It sounds like a challenging road ahead, but is there hope for a more stable Iraq?
Dr. Nadia Al-Hakim: Absolutely, there is hope. Iraq is rich in culture and resources. If the government can genuinely commit to reforms and engage with its citizens, there’s potential for a brighter future. It’ll take time, patience, and cooperation among all Iraqis, but the foundation for change is there.
Alex Johnson: Thank you, Dr. Al-Hakim, for your insights. It’s clear that while challenges remain, there are pathways toward a more stable and prosperous Iraq.
Dr. Nadia Al-Hakim: Thank you for having me, Alex. It’s important for discussions like this to continue as we all hope for positive changes in Iraq’s future.
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This concludes our interview. Stay tuned for more discussions on global issues impacting our world today.