Baghdad - IA
The national team coach, Jesus Casas, confirmed that the Omani national team’s match in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers will be “important and difficult.”
Casas said in the press conference regarding the confrontation between our national team and Oman in the qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup, which was attended by the (INA) on Monday: “The two teams know each other well,” noting that “Iraq played three matches with Oman during the past two years, The Iraqi team was seeking to win in the previous matches.”
Casas added: “I want to win tomorrow, and I do not expect surprises in the Amman match,” stressing that “although there are no guarantees of victory, he is confident of the hard work the team is doing in preparing for the match, stressing the player Zaid Tahsin’s readiness to participate in tomorrow’s match.”
The coach explained, “The final result depends on several factors, noting that everyone in the team is working hard to achieve the dream of qualifying, expressing his happiness with the great support that he and his team receive from the Iraqi fans.”
Casas continued: “Both teams have absences and we will try to overcome these absences,” pointing out that “Ali Jassim is with the team and will probably be present normally in the match.”
Casas stressed, “Playing away from home is more difficult, and in the previous match we did not apply the method we worked on, but we will try to win and make up for what we missed against Jordan.”
How is Iraq’s political instability affecting its economic situation and international relations?
Sure, I can create an engaging interview scenario between the Time.news editor and an expert based on the general theme implied in your prompt. However, since the provided article text is incomplete (just ”Baghdad” and no additional context or content), I’ll create a fictional interview focusing on current events or issues relevant to that region.
Interview Scenario:
Setting: Time.news Virtual Studio
Editor: John Smith, Editor of Time.news
Expert: Dr. Amina Al-Hakim, Political Scientist and Middle East Specialist
John Smith: Welcome, Dr. Al-Hakim! Thank you for joining us today. Given the recent events in Baghdad and broader Iraq, could you provide our viewers with some context on the current political landscape?
Dr. Amina Al-Hakim: Thank you for having me, John. The political scene in Iraq is indeed very dynamic. Recently, we’ve seen significant public protests and political tensions as citizens express their frustrations over government corruption and the lack of basic services. This is a continuation of the protests that began in 2019, but the current situation has escalated due to dire economic conditions exacerbated by the pandemic.
John Smith: That sounds quite serious. How has the government responded to these protests?
Dr. Amina Al-Hakim: The government has largely responded with a mix of promises and repression. While officials have pledged reforms, many citizens feel these promises are empty. At the same time, there have been reports of crackdowns on protestors, including instances of violence and arrests. This has only fueled public outrage.
John Smith: That’s troubling to hear. How do these developments affect Iraq’s relationships with neighboring countries?
Dr. Amina Al-Hakim: Iraq’s regional relationships are quite complex. Tensions with Iran have been particularly noticeable, especially given Iran’s influence in Iraqi politics. On the other hand, there is also a desire to strengthen ties with the Gulf States and the West. However, the internal instability often complicates these diplomatic efforts, making it difficult for Iraq to project a unified foreign policy.
John Smith: Interesting. What role are grassroots movements playing in this situation? Are they having a tangible impact?
Dr. Amina Al-Hakim: Absolutely. Grassroots movements are crucial in shaping Iraq’s civil society and pushing for accountability. They have mobilized many young people to demand change and advocate for their rights. Social media has played a significant role in organizing and raising awareness, creating a vibrant, albeit risky, environment for activism.
John Smith: What can the international community do to support the Iraqi people during this tumultuous time?
Dr. Amina Al-Hakim: The international community can play a constructive role by advocating for human rights and supporting democratic reforms. This includes both diplomatic pressure on the Iraqi government to respect the right to protest and providing resources for civil society organizations working to empower citizens and promote transparency. It’s essential that the international response does not enable the government’s repressive tactics.
John Smith: Thank you for those insights, Dr. Al-Hakim. If you could leave our viewers with one key takeaway regarding Iraq’s situation, what would it be?
Dr. Amina Al-Hakim: I would emphasize the resilience of the Iraqi people. Despite the challenges, there is a strong desire for change and a commitment to building a better future. We must continue to support their voices and efforts for reform.
John Smith: Well said! Thank you so much for your time and expertise today. We appreciate your insights on this pressing issue.
Dr. Amina Al-Hakim: Thank you for having me, John. It’s been a pleasure.
End of Interview
Feel free to provide more context or specific details from the article if you would like a more tailored interview!