Iraq Today (First Issue)

www.webuildiraq.org

IN THIS FIRST ISSUE

EXCLUSIVE

New Basrah chief unveils rescue plan

INTERVIEW

Shaways in the spotlight

FEATURE STORY

Iraqi oil – blessing or curse?

JOURNAL OF THE IRAQ BRITAIN BUSINESS COUNCIL ISSUE 1

LIFESTYLE

Postcard from Basrah

Summer 2013

SPORT

Lions lose their roar

EXCLUSIVE

ICON IN THE DESERT

INSIDE STORY OF BASRAH SPORTS CITY FROM THE MAN WHO BUILT IT

REGULARS: IBBC NEWS // WE’VE GOT MAIL// REVIEWS // DOING BUSINESS IN IRAQ

EVENTS

NEWS

FRONT LINE

DIARY: PICTURES FROM RECENT IBBC EVENTS

THE 11 DAY MISSION: IRAQI DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER DR SHAWAYS

DRILLING IN THE DANGER ZONE: TURNING A MINE FIELD INTO AN OIL FIELD

PG6

PG14

PG32

Science for a safer world LGC is an international leader in the provision of laboratory and consulting services, and in laboratory skills training to assure quality and safety.

Formerly the Laboratory of the Government Chemist, LGC’s origins date back to 1842 – today our 2,000 employees work across 22 countries. We use our scientific excellence to ensure a safer world working in partnership with governments and private sector organisations to develop and implement sustainable solutions in sectors including health, food, environment and security.

We operate outsourced laboratories for governments in medicines, pharmaceutical, forensics and compliance testing. We provide consulting solutions as well as a wide range of training, nationally and internationally, to ensure you have the skills which underpin quality analytical measurement in your operations.

LGC is a member of the Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC) and chairs its Health Sector Table.

To further understand the benefits of us working with you, please contact us at info@lgcgroup.com

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any retrieval system, without the written permission of the copyright holder. Š LGC Limited, 2013. All rights reserved.

3636/LB/0613

TAIN BUSINESS COUNCIL

IN BUSINESS COUNCIL

Summer 2013

JOURNAL OF THE IRAQ BRITAIN BUSINESS COUNCIL

Contents

42

36

24

Regulars

Features

Innovation

Diary 6

More than just a stadium: Sports City is a lot more to the Iraqi people than just a football coliseum

Mobile phone operators battle for Iraqi market: Who will win? 38

Catch the action from the recent IBBC events

Front line 30

Welcome letter 4 We’ve got mail 5

News pages 8 Interview 20 3 New Basrah Governor first interview

Commentary 22

Cover story 24

Drilling in the danger zone: report on the brave Iraqi teams turning a battlefield in to an oil field

Iraqi Airways flies high 36

Lifestyle

Postcard from... 48 Our cameraman captures the rich kaleidoscope of Iraqi life

Analysis 42

Book review 61

Iraq oil – a blessing or a curse?

Iraq has some of the biggest oil reserves in the world. But so far oil wealth has not changed the lives of millions of ordinary Iraqis

Photojournalists on war

62

Iraq behind the headlines

Report 46 Profile 35 Dr Rowsch Nori Shaways

10 Things you need to know 66 Essential information for investors in Iraq

6 million Iraqis face food shortages: but looking after the environment is a possible solution to ending Iraq’s food shortages

Sports 57 Can the Lions roar again?

Iraqi women search for a level playing field Remembering Ammo Baba

Restaurant review 62 Taste testing in Basrah and Erbil

Fitness focus 64 Graham Fairley’s exclusive workout

www.webuildiraq.org

Summer 2013 | IRAQTODAY | 3

WHAT IS THE IBBC? Letter from IBBC founders

Welcome to Iraq Today

Welcome

Dear readers It gives us huge pleasure to welcome you to the IBBC’s new publication, which we hope will be essential reading for anyone doing business in Iraq.

Editor John Cookson and his team have produced a magazine which looks behind the headlines and which we believe gives a more accurate picture of Iraq today than the version so often portrayed by global media outlets.

As well as insightful analysis you will see our journal contains exclusive material from our correspondents in Iraq, as well as valuable information about historic changes in a country which is being re-built from the ground up.

There is an online version on the IBBC website www.webuildiraq.org which also includes an exciting video section and twitter feed which regularly breaks news stories about Iraq.

So please enjoy this title – and do not forget to mention it to your friends and colleagues.

Emma Nicholson Mohammed Charchafchi BARONESS NICHOLSON OF WINTERBOURNE, IBBC EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN

Published by the Iraq Britain Business Council MANAGING EDITOR: Baroness Nicholson Of Winterbourne EDITOR: John Cookson NEWS EDITOR: Stephen Casscells-Hamby JOURNAL OF THE IRAQ BRITAIN BUSINESS COUNCIL

JOURNAL OF THE IRAQ BRITAIN BUSINESS COUNCIL

IRAQ STAFF: CORRESPONDENTS BAGHDAD: Mohanad al-Khattab BASRAH: Ahmad Hoobi ERBIL: Shivan Sabr MOSUL: Suha Auda PHOTOGRAPHER: Fakher Abdul Sattar Al Ghanim

JOURNAL OF THE IRAQ BRITAIN BUSINESS COUNCIL

JOURNAL OF THE IRAQ BRITAIN BUSINESS COUNCIL

UK CONTRIBUTORS: Claudia Beech, Barnaby Wilson, Russ Smith, Graham Fairley JOURNAL OF THE IRAQ BRITAIN BUSINESS COUNCIL

JOURNAL OF THE IRAQ BRITAIN BUSINESS COUNCIL

IRAQ BRITAIN BUSINESS COUNCIL (IBBC) A company registered in England and Wales company number 06929280 Registered as an NGO in Iraq with registration number 2D76104

MANAGEMENT: Christophe Michels, Chief Operating Officer Dr Alastair Niven LVO OBE, Associate Director John Cookson, Senior Manager

DIRECTORS: Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne Mohammed Charchafchi

IBBC Hope House 45 Great Peter Street London SW1P 3LT

JOURNAL OF THE IRAQ BRITAIN BUSINESS COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS: Rasmi al-Jabri, Basrah Engineering Group Abdullah al-Jiburi, Anwar Soura General Contracting Company George Booth, Clyde & Co Jim Bowden, KBR Alistair Kett, PwC Karim Osseiran, Petrofac Bob Phillips, Mott MacDonald David Stanley, Penspen

ART DIRECTOR: Jon-Paul Daly, Entwurf, First Floor, 6 Hoxton Square, London N1 6NU UK PRINTING: Colourfast Financial Ltd, Anton House, Christy Way, Basildon, Essex SS15 6TR, UK

JOURNAL OF THE IRAQ BRITAIN BUSINESS COUNCIL

MOHAMMED CHARCHAFCHI, IBBC DIRECTOR

JOURNAL OF THE IRAQ BRITAIN BUSINESS COUNCIL

4 | IRAQTODAY | Summer 2013

JOURNAL OF THE IRAQ BRITAIN BUSINESS COUNCIL

Tel: +44 20 7222 7100 Fax: +44 20 7222 2535 www.webuildiraq.org Or follow us on Twitter: @IBBC_London

The Iraq Britain Business Council brings together business, trade and investment, for the benefit of the Republic of Iraq and its members.

Our members include: AEGIS Al Saraji Group AMEC Anwar Soura General Contracting Company Ltd. Basrah Chamber of Commerce Basrah Engineering Group BIOGH BP Chevron Clyde & Co LLP Consolidated Contractors Company Control Risks Deloitte Dome Group Erbil Chamber of Commerce Ernst & Young Iraq Eversheds LLP ExxonMobil Fluor Foster Wheeler G4S Garda World Genel Energy Gulfsands Petroleum HWH & Associates KBR KCA Deutag Kier Construction Kuwait Energy LGC Milio International Mott MacDonald Olive Group Penspen Petrofac PwC RPS Energy Saipem Shell SKA International Gorup SNC Lavalin Standard Chartered Swagelining Limited Trade Bank of Iraq UB Holding Company Vitol Group of Companies Weir Group Wood Group Zain

CONTACT IRAQ TODAY Tel: +44 20 7222 7100 or london@webuildiraq.org www.webuildiraq.org Or follow us on Twitter: @IBBC_London Journal of the Iraq Britain Business Council

We’ve got mail 4Can Iraq learn from Dubai?

Dear IRAQ TODAY I would argue Iraq’s development patterns are reminiscent to that of Dubai and they could learn a lot from the UAE. In order for Dubai to build at such an astonishing rate, the city-state attracted hundreds of thousands of migrant workers from the Indian sub-continent and the Far East to help build its glittering towers. With Iraq’s population growing at one of the world’s fastest rates they are going to need homes, offices, schools, shopping malls – and yet the locals – through no fault of their own – do not possess the construction skills needed to build on a massive scale.

Iraq has also seen much direct foreign investment from the UAE already. For example Dubai-based companies like Dumac, plans to invest US $100 million in new apartments in downtown Baghdad.

So why not go one step further and invite in the armies of skilled construction workers from the East?

One day Baghdad could look a little like Dubai. What would be wrong with that?

Sincerely, Michael Turnbill.

New York, USA

4Power to the people Over the past few years, Iraq has invested a lot of time and money developing its infrastructure and fortifying its security. Although security and infrastructure are the primary tiers of a country’s reconstruction I would urge the Baghdad government to www.webuildiraq.org

address the serious problem of power cuts – and electricity from the national grid only being on for a few hours each day.

With Iraq’s use of durable goods at an all-time high, the increased use of electricity places an ever-growing burden on the country to achieve a supply-and-demand equilibrium.

According to Iraq’s Oil and Energy Commission, Iraq can only generate 40% its country’s demand for electricity, resulting in severe and lengthy poweroutages. This is 10 years since the end of the previous regime.

While Iraq continues to struggle to meet demand, this developing country has to constantly deal with sabotage attacks by militants on its power lines, threatening its citizens’ quality of life and hospital’s ability to treat patients.

– + Send your letters by email to london@webuildiraq.org or by post to 45 Great Peter Street, London SW1P 3LT. UK.

The gas capture programme will hopefully fuel all Iraqi power stations by the end of the decade and for the long suffering Iraqi people this cannot come soon enough.

Ali al-Majid.

London, UK

4Iraq’s net assets Dear IRAQ TODAY Iraq is currently expanding its technological infrastructure and I congratulate them for that.

If you consider at the turn of the 20th century only a couple thousand Iraqis had internet access. Now a couple of million use the internet, so they have certainly come a long way. While around 8% of the population have a personal computer, most of the internet usage comes from public institutions, such as universities and government agencies, as well as internet cafes. We have also noticed a

WHAT’S THE EXIT STRATEGY? Anyone visiting Iraq needs an exit visa if they stay more than 10 days. US journalist Ben Van Heuvelen tweets his experiences.

Live-tweeting my trip to the Interior Ministry’s residency office in Baghdad.

First stop: “Department of America.” Handed over some papers, got some other papers.

Next stop: “Division of Asia.”

Handed over some papers, signed one paper, thumb print.

Next stop: “Director of Foreigners Department.” Hand over papers, get a signature on them, receive papers back.

Next stop: “Unit of Departure and Return.” Wrong office. Go up one floor.

Next stop: “Department of

Entering data into a computer?

Next: back to “Unit of Departure and Return.” Chat with secretaries, submit papers, receive visa sticker.

Next, cashier desk: pay 150k Iraqi dinars.

Next: back to Department of America. Get signature on visa sticker.

Next: back to Director of Foreigners Department. Receive stamp on visa sticker. I can now legally exit Iraq.

For anyone wondering why it’s difficult to do business in Iraq, one trip to the residency office is

Information Technology Checking Division” – unclear what happens.

a pretty good allegory.

Ben Van Heuvelen.

considerable rise in the number of Iraqi Facebook users and there will be 2 million users in the very near future.

Iraq is rapidly adopting technological innovation, and considering that Iraq has a lot of room for improvement, they have the potential to grow big and very quickly.

Warmest Regards, Phillip Watson.

London, England

4Football scores Dear IRAQ TODAY In late March 2013 FIFA announced Iraq can play friendlies and qualifiers within its borders. While this may be alarming to some individuals as security is still an issue in Iraq, such an opportunity can act as great public relations for Iraq on the world stage.

I would like to remind readers before the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, several African countries experienced rampant intra country violence.

Questions were raised about the safety of players and spectators. What we noticed is countries, like South Africa and Ivory Coast, united around football stars like Didier Drogba. Even the Nelson Mandela Foundation saw an improvement.

The World Cup in South Africa 2010 was a massive trouble-free success and improved the country’s image abroad.

So Iraq is heading in the right direction and we can only hope FIFA lift a ban on international games in Iraq in the near future.

Sincerely, Henry di Mateo.

Cape Town, South Africa.

Summer 2013 | IRAQTODAY | 5

Events

Diary

Each year the IBBC holds 5 conferences: three in Iraq and two in London. The IBBC also takes several trade delegations to Iraq and regularly hosts senior Iraqi officials and politicians in London.

BAGHDAD MEET Left to right, Dr Hameed Ahmed, Chief of Staff of PM Maliki, Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne, Dr Jawad Fadel, Legal Advisor to PM Maliki

DINNER AT THE REFORM 4 RIGHT Left to right, Dr Steve Wood, LGC and Dr Alistair Fraser, Shell.

FAR RIGHT Mr Richard Cotton, BIOGH and Dr Wasan Al-Anwan, Health Attaché at the Iraqi Embassy in London

UKTI CONFERENCE Basrah Engineering’s Rasmi Al Jabri chairs a panel on Doing Business in Iraq

6 | IRAQTODAY | Summer 2013

5CORNICHE VISIT Left to right, Issam Th. Al-Diwan, Deputy Sports Minister, Dr Khalaf A Khalaf, former Governor of Basrah and Baroness Nicholson visiting the Basrah Exhibition Complex close to the palaces on the Corniche Journal of the Iraq Britain Business Council

3MANSION HOUSE ABOVE Lord Lawson, Baroness Nicholson and Dr Usama Karim FAR LEFT Hugh Evans, ConsulGeneral Erbil and Luay Al-Khairulla, Thi-Qar Investment Commission LEFT Mr Brian Redford, UK Visas and Immigration

3TRADE BANK OF IRAQ MEET Left to right, Captain Intesar, Trade Bank of Iraq (TBI), Hamdiyah al-Jaff, TBI, Baroness Nicholson, Zaid Mahdi, TBI

IRAQI MP’S AT LGC Dr Julian Braybrook, Director of Strategy at LGC (right) explains the work of LGC in their laboratories in Teddington to Iraqi MP’s

www.webuildiraq.org

Summer 2013 | IRAQTODAY | 7

News

Ministers at Mansion House

SPEAKERS: From left to right: The Rt Hon Michael Fallon MP, H.E. Mr Dara Rashid Yara, Mr Alistair Burt MP and H.E. Dr Torhan al-Mufti

Four government ministers – two from Iraq and two from the UK – were guest speakers at the IBBC’s Mansion House Conference in London.

The conference took place against a backdrop of dynamic political developments in Iraq which lead to hopes of a breakthrough in passing a stalled federal hydrocarbons law and an amended 2013 budget.

Iraq was also experiencing a surge in terrorist activity fuelled in part by a spillover in inter-faith tensions from the war in Syria.

But business issues were debated and delegates heard: • Shell, an IBBC founder member company, had now officially begun a multi-billion dollar gas-capture

project in 3 fields in the south of Iraq. The gas will be used mainly for domestic energy needs including power stations, but there is also an option for exports.

• The IBBC was taking part in a unique visa screening trial agreed with the UK Border Agency. Under the scheme, which began in May 2013, the British authorities would give processing priority to business visa applicants who were known to the IBBC. • The conference also heard a new office for Iraqis to apply for UK visas would open in Erbil: “within months” followed by a visa office in Basrah later in 2013.

IRAQ BY NUMBERS

7th

Iraq’s rank in the Global Growth Generator country index, which identifies countries’ economies with the highest growth potential and profitable investment opportunities

90

%

Proportion of Iraq’s federal income from oil

US

$6

MILLION

The value of gas flared every day from Iraqi oil fields

SPEAKERS: From left to right: Dr Al-Chalabi, Energy Consultant, Filippo Abbà, Foster Wheeler, Hans Nijkamp, Shell, Usama Karim, Senior Advisor to DPM Shahristani, Maged Kadar, BSOC, Rodrigo Rendon, KCA Deutag, Munther Neema Hashim, Basrah Governorate

Briefs

NEWS BRIEFS FROM IRAQ...

3

The average number of children per Iraqi household

OIL AND GAS

ENERGY

TRANSPORT

AVIATION

• BP has signed a 5 year contract to build a new terminal at Khor

• Iran is boosting its diesel exports to Iraq from 2 million litres

• I ranian car maker Khodro to build an assembly plant in Iskandariya Iraq.

• Kurdistan Regional Goverment Natural Resources Minister

al-Zubair.

• Russia’s LUKOIL says it will produce 150,000 barrels of oil a day from West Qurna 2 from 2014.

• South Oil Company is building a new heaquarters in Basrah.

to 3.5 million a day.

• Deputy Iraq Prime Minister Shahristani has opened 250 MW power plant at Karbala built by Turk firm Calik Holding.

• Renault car sales in Iraq have soared 200% in first quarter of 2013.

• I RAQ TODAY learns the Kurdistan Regional Government has been talking to Iraqi Airways about setting up a subsidiary for northern Iraq.

Hawrami has made an urgent call for direct flights from London to Erbil.

• Turkish Airlines has lowered fares for Basrah families travelling from the city in September.

8 | IRAQTODAY | Summer 2013

Journal of the Iraq Britain Business Council

LET’S CAPTURE THE GAS THAT WILL POWER THE NATION’S PROGRESS. We all need electricity, whether it’s to light a football stadium or to chill our half-time drinks. Shell provides the gas that can help others generate some of that electricity in Iraq and around the world. In Basra province for example, we’re working with the South Gas Company and our partner Mitsubishi to capture gas being wasted through flaring. Gas that Iraq itself can use to help develop its economy. Let’s light up our daily lives with local resources. www.shell.com/letsgo

LET’S GO.

News IRAQ BY NUMBERS

IBBC opens new office 20 in Erbil

MILLION

The number of Iraqi mobile phone subscriptions 1.3 million Iraqis have a landline

The IBBC has boosted its operations in Iraq by opening a new office in Erbil.

The new bureau is in the HQ of UB Holding, one of the city’s most prestigious office blocks and has been donated by the kind generosity of the company’s Chief Executive Hadi Nezir.

At the opening ceremony VIP guests included KRG Trade and Industry Minister Sinan Çelebi, British Consul Hugh Evans and Erbil Chamber of Commerce President Dara Jalil Al Khayat.

The new Erbil bureau opened less than a year after the first IBBC office in Basrah in July 2012.

SME DAY PANELLISTS: Left to right, Sarah Cain, HWH, Peter Turner, Olive Group, Kamal Rahim, Kier, Rasmi al-Jabri, BEG, Luay al-Khairulla, Thi Qar Investment Commission Makki al-Sudani, Basrah Chamber of Commerce

95

%

The number of Iraqi families with access to a television

43

%

Percentage of Iraqis employed by the public sector

69

Average life expectancy in Iraq JUBILATION: Baroness Nicholson cuts ribbon with KRG Trade Minister Çelebi and Hadi Nezir of UB Holding.

Briefs

NEWS BRIEFS FROM IRAQ...

100 companies attend IBBC SME day Around 100 companies sent representatives to the IBBC’s second conference aimed at SMEs looking to do business in Iraq.

The conference was hosted jointly by UKTI, represented by Iraq Country Director Chris Maskell, who told delegates: “As the security situation improves and the oil revenues begin to flow, Iraq is a country which is set to become extremely wealthy and it is starting to feature increasingly on companies’ radars.”

Rasmi al-Jabri of Basrah Engineering Company was among session chairmen and he, along with Dr Luay al-Khairulla of Thi-Qar Investment Commission, fielded questions about doing business in Iraq The British Government’s Consul General for the Kurdistan Region and northern Iraq, Hugh Evans, chaired another panel.

OIL AND GAS

ENERGY

IT AND TELECOMS

DEFENCE

• BP is producing 1.4 million barrels a day at Rumaila and the company plans

• Iran is to start exploring for shale oil and gas along its border

• I raq’s first 4G telecoms service has launched in KRG region using

• America’s Lockheed Martin has won a US$830 million con-

to invest US$5 billion a year by 2016.

• Russia’s LUKOIL to invest US$4 billion in West Qurna-2 oil field.

• Russia’s Gazprom has tendered for 6 oil wells in Badra field, eastern Iraq.

with Iraq.

• France’s Alstom has begun work on a US$450 million power plant at Diyala.

• Iran is boosting its diesel exports to Iraq from 2 million litres to 3.5 million a day.

technology supplied by France’s Alcatel-Lucent.

• I raq Communications Ministry has announced his country is now connected to world’s major undersea communications cable network.

tract to supply Iraq with F16 fighters.

• A Czech bid to sell US$1 billion worth of light attack jets to Iraq has stalled after Korean Aerospace make counter offer.

10 | IRAQTODAY | Summer 2013

Journal of the Iraq Britain Business Council

News IRAQ BY NUMBERS

7

MILLION

The number of Iraq families owning a car

WELCOME: Erbil Chamber of Commerce President Dara Jalil al-Khayat introduces Baroness Nicholson to leading members.

Warm greeting for IBBC trade mission to Erbil The Erbil Chamber of Commerce rolled out a warm welcome for the IBBC’s trade mission to the city with kind words of praise and a delicious dinner.

The event was hosted the Chamber’s President Dara Jalil al-Khayat who told guests in a speech: “The IBBC has done an excellent job boosting trade ties between this region and the UK. We are hoping for closer co-operation.”

More than a 100 guests then enjoyed a traditional Kurdish meal.

Delegates on the trade mission, led by Baroness Nicholson, included Hersh Baker (Olive Group) Neil O’Keeffe (PwC), Hadi Nezir (UB Holding Group) and Hallam Scaife (Olive Group).

Earlier Bernadette Greene British Deputy Consul General briefed members on commercial issues in the KRG region.

10

The number of years the average Iraqi youngster attends school

1

MILLION

The number of Iraqis described

by World Food Progamme as “food insecure”

40

%

Percentage of Iraq’s $150.67 billion GDP due to its oil sector

36

IBBC welcomes three new members The IBBC is proud to welcome its 48th, 49th and 50th members: Standard Chartered, Saraji Group and Solar Turbines.

Standard Chartered prides itself in leading the way in Asia, Africa and the Middle East and is the first UK based bank to open offices in Iraq with three business branches in Erbil, Baghdad and Basrah.

Standard Chartered’s wholesale banking chief executive Mike Rees said: “The question is once you have a rep office, how do you go to the next stage, which is to support growth?”

Saraji Group, with its headquarters in Iraq, has security as part of its core business, but it also works across several sectors including transportation, agriculture and trade.

Solar Turbines is headed by CEO Douglas Oberhelman and has been one of the world’s leaders in industrial gas turbines for over 50 years.

The IBBC’s Baroness Nicholson said: “It is wonderful these three great companies have joined the IBBC family.”

Number of miles of Iraqi coastline

Briefs

NEWS BRIEFS FROM IRAQ...

OIL AND GAS

ENERGY

INFRASTRUCTURE

IT AND TELECOMS

• Norway’s DNO has reached a “production milestone” of 100,000

• Turkey’s Kartet energy company is preparing to export

•B asrah Governorate has allocated US$3 million US dollars to refurbish

• Iraq’s Communications Minister says only 20% of Iraqis

barrels of oil a day at Tawke field near Zakho, north Iraq.

• New pipeline from Iraq’s southern oil fields to Aqaba, Jordan will be ready by 2017, according to the Trade Bank of Iraq.

electricity to the KRG region, but awaits an export licence.

• Greek company has won a US$1 billion contract to build gas fuelled power station in al-Anbar province.

Christian churches which have been damaged or fallen into disrepair.

•A third bridge has opened across Shaat al-Arab at Basrah. There are plans for a road tunnel.

12 | IRAQTODAY | Summer 2013

have a home computer, although 40% had access to the web through mobile ’phones and internet cafes.

Journal of the Iraq Britain Business Council

Are you looking to export?

Speak to the experts

UK Trade & Investment is the Government Department that helps UK-based companies succeed in the global economy and assists overseas companies to bring their high-quality investment to the UK. Its International Trade Advisers (ITAs) around the UK have years of business experience to draw on when advising companies. With a global network of 2,400 staff in over 100 markets based in British Embassies and other Diplomatic offices around the world, UKTI staff can offer local, in-market knowledge and expertise.

For more information about doing business with the UK and to speak with some of our specialist advisors visit www.ukti.gov.uk or email baghdad.commercial@fco.gov.uk

News

The eleven day mission The IBBC's Executive said this sector Chairman Baroness was likely to Nicholson led an be the fastest eleven day mission growing after which travelled the hydro-carbons. length of Iraq from The IBBC team Dohuk in the north, also met with to Basrah in the Deputy Prime south.

Minister The visit began Rowsch with the first Shaways and meeting of the enjoyed dinner Intergovernmental at his family's Ministerial Trade home near Erbil.

Council in Baghdad.

He praised the While in Baghdad IBBC’s work Baroness Nicholson and thanked met with Foreign the Council’s Minister Zebari who mediation spoke about his for member concerns over the companies to overcome Syria conflict and its practical impact on Iraq.

TOP LEFT: Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Dr Shaways difficulties of doing Oil Minister Abdul TOP RIGHT: Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari BOTTOM: Baroness Nicholson and Iraq Oil Minister Abdul business in Iraq.

Kareem Luaibi met Karim Louaibi Also in Kurdistan with delegates at his the IBBC team was office. He revealed invited for lunch with Dohuk Governor the 5th round oil and gas field auction Dr Tamar R Fatah. The Governor said he would focus on gas fields. would welcome a trade delegation from The acting Communications Minister the UK especially small and mediumTorhan al-Mufti unveiled his vision of the sized enterprises. high-tech and mobile industries in Iraq. He

Briefs

NEWS BRIEFS FROM IRAQ...

IRAQ BY NUMBERS

906

The number of miles on Iraq’s border with Iran - its longest frontier

15

%

The average number of Iraqis out of work

8

The average hours a day Iraqi households receive electricity from the public system

3

%

Iraq’s annual population growth – one of the highest in the world

OIL AND GAS

ENERGY

TRANSPORT

AVIATION

• Iraq puts its proven oil reserves at 150 billion barrels – up from a

• Baghdad says the electricity network is to be extended in

•G erman firm Siemens has shown interest in building a new tramway

• China is planning direct flights from Shanghai and Beijing

Babel province.

• Indian giant Avantha Group wins a US$60 million dollar substation contract from Iraq’s Ministry of Electricity.

system in Erbil and high speed rail link between cities in north Iraq.

• I raq plans to have rail line restored between Baghdad and Mosul in 2014. A new line from Baghdad to Basrah will open first.

to Baghdad.

• Iraq’s Ministry of Transport has invited applications to build a new airport at Karbala.

previous total of 143 billion.

• Shell have awarded a commissioning services contract to IBBC members CCC and Wood Group for the first phase of super-giant field Majnoon.

14 | IRAQTODAY | Summer 2013

Journal of the Iraq Britain Business Council

Advice you can trust

The leading international law firm in Iraq Make the most of the opportunities offered by Iraq.

Eversheds is the country’s only international law firm with a permanently staffed office on the ground. We have been working in Iraq since 2003 and can help businesses, both local and international, to succeed. Our advice covers all the legal issues that matter to you and, with colleagues based across the Middle East and around the world, we have the strength to match our quality.

Trust Eversheds for lawyers who understand how Iraq can work for you.

Tawfiq Tabbaa Partner +964 78091 67976 tawfiqtabbaa@eversheds.com

www.eversheds.com ŠEversheds LLP 2013. Eversheds LLP is a limited liability partnership.

News

Iraqi MPs visit LGC

IRAQ BY NUMBERS

5/10 Number of Iraqis who use the internet

23 VISIT: Dr Steve Wood, Head of Regulatory Services at LGC, makes a presentation to the Iraqi Parliament’s Health Committee

IBBC member LGC hosted a senior delegation of Iraq MPs at its headquarters at Teddington, West London.

VIP visitors – members of the Iraqi Parliament’s Health Committee – heard about LGC’s work as Government Chemist and afterwards they expressed an interest in training programmes for Iraqis.

In the evening the Committee attended a buffet dinner at London’s Reform Club hosted by Baroness Nicholson kindly sponsored by LGC. More photographs from the two events can be seen on page 7 of this magazine.

n The former Governor of Baghdad Salah Abdul Razzaq met with IBBC members at London’s Reform Club for an informal lunch. He said Iraq was making economic progress citing rising wages and GDP growth.

Briefs

NEWS BRIEFS FROM IRAQ...

ERBIL: IBBC’s New Employee Shivan Sabr

%

Percentage of Iraq’s principal exports to the United States

US

$5

TRILLION

Iraq’s projected revenues from oil exports by 2035

25

%

Percentage of Iraqi citizens who live below the poverty line according to UN

Our man in Erbil A big welcome to Shivan Sabr – the newest member of the IBBC team – who is running our recently opened Erbil office.

Shivan, 26, is an Iraqi Kurd and is fluent in Arabic and English. He has a huge affection for the UK having spent time at Derby University where he gained a Masters Degree in Advanced Computer Networks.

On his appointment Shivan said: “I am absolutely delighted to join the IBBC. It is an outstanding opportunity for me and I am looking forward to not only expanding IBBC’s presence in the KRG region, but also getting out there and finding new members.”

The IBBC’s Erbil office has been kindly made available by member UB Holding in downtown Erbil.

Shivan added: “If any IBBC members want to drop in for a chat and a cup of chai they would be more than welcome!”

Before joining the IBBC Shivan worked in the office of the President of the Kurdish Academy – an NGO focussing on Kurdish language research.

OIL AND GAS

AVIATION

TRANSPORT

INFRASTRUCTURE

• Turkey wants to sign joint exploration deals with Russian and US

• Baghdad Airport has approximately 125 arrivals and departures

•A t present only 250 people use Iraq’s railways every day. Fare for the

• Dubai based Damac has started work on US$100 Princess

oil and gas companies working in the north of Iraq.

• Iraq wants to increase oil exports to China which currently imports half a million barrels of Iraqi crude every day.

during busy periods like religious festivals.500 planes use Iraqi airspace daily.

• A new ferry service has opened on the Shaat al-Arab waterway between Abadan, Iran and Basrah.

longest journey from Baghdad to Basrah is US$6.5 one way.

• I talian firm Iveco has won a 125 million euro contract to supply vans and chassis cabs to Iraq’s Ministry of Electricity.

Tower apartments in downtown Baghdad.

• An Iranian company is building Iraq’s first new cement factory in Al-Muthanna province at a cost of US$ 245 million.

16 | IRAQTODAY | Summer 2013

Journal of the Iraq Britain Business Council

News IRAQ BY NUMBERS

US

$1

BILLION

The amount Iraqi Airways is spending on new aircraft

18 HISTORIC ACCORD: IBBC’s Baroness Nicholson signs pact with former Basrah Governor Dr Khalaf A Khalaf

The IBBC signs Basrah accord At a ceremony in Basrah, the IBBC’s Executive Chairman Baroness Nicholson signed a memorandum of understanding with the former Governor of Basrah Dr Khalaf A Khalaf, signalling a new era of cooperation.

Dr Khalaf, who is now President of the Provincial Council, said the agreement meant: “Basrah regards the IBBC as the door to the UK.” Meanwhile Baroness Nicholson pledged to: “promote Basrah as the major cultural and economic hub of the region.”

Around 40 guests including IBBC members gathered at the IBBC’s office on Basrah’s Corniche for the signing which also attracted national and local media, including Iraq’s 24 hour news channel.

Dr Khalaf told reporters the Basrah

Briefs

NEWS BRIEFS FROM IRAQ...

Governorate wanted a closer relationship with the IBBC because of the breadth of the Council’s international corporate membership.

The accord includes Basrah’s pledge to regard IBBC as the leading British trade council and for the IBBC to support the governorate in its relations with member firms. There was also an agreement to help Basrah set up twinning arrangements with British cities.

After the signing Dr Khalaf was nominated as the IBBC’s first honorary member and then joined members for an informal round-table discussion on his vision for Basrah which included his “dream” of building a 100 kilometre corniche to Al Faw. He also spoke of the Basrah region’s tourist potential.

%

Percentage of women employed in Iraq

4

MILLION

The number of tonnes Iraq wheat farmers grow in an average year

25

%

The proportion of total shares being offered

by Zain Iraq in its initial public share offering

OIL AND GAS

AGRICULTURE

BANKING

INFRASTRUCTURE

• Iraq will spend US$130 billion on upstream sector over 5 years to

• Tunisia’s BMA MENA is to build major sugar refinery at Hilla

•N ew report from Singapore Capital Management describes

• 2.25 million tourists visited north Iraq in 2012, bringing

processing 3,000 tonnes a day.

• Pakistan company Nespak has won a contract to project manage the irrigation of 400,000 acres of land in Kut and Nassiriya.

Iraq as one of the most “under banked countries in the Middle East.”

•K urdistan Board of Investment say 17% of capital in region is dedicated to banking sector.

income of more half a billion US dollars.

• Dubai based Emaar Properties wants to build a US$3 billion resort in Sulaimaniya.

help raise production capacity to 9 million barrels a day, according to Oil Minister.

• Iran says it will cooperate closely with Iraq on oil and gas fields which straddle their frontiers.

18 | IRAQTODAY | Summer 2013

Journal of the Iraq Britain Business Council

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Interview EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Basrah Governor unveils rescue plan Provincial governors in Iraq are becoming increasingly powerful figures – none more so than in the commercial capital: Basrah.

Following recent elections MAJID AL-NISAIRAWI of the Citizen Coalition party was appointed Basrah’s new governor.

He gave his first interview to IRAQ TODAY correspondent AHMAD HOOBI.

Q: How did you feel when you were made governor?

A: It is a massive responsibility being Governor of Basrah. I have a family, but now I feel I am responsible for 3.5 million Basrawis.

The previous governor made progress but Basrah is still in dire need of services. Basrah people have aspirations and I want to help them fulfil their hopes.

I want to try to eliminate www.webuildiraq.org

corruption, but that is a long term goal – my immediate task is restoring services.”

Q: What are your priorities?

A: Basrah’s climate is often extremely hot, enhanced by our proximity to the sea. 10 years have passed since the previous regime in Baghdad fell but still Basrawis do not have electricity 24 hours a day for service many people take for granted like air-conditioning and refrigeration. I intend holding an electricity conference on this and my hope is to bring in foreign expertise to work with Iraqi companies to help us solve the electricity problem.

Another priority is water. Basrah sits on the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers and the waters are salty. Good drinking water is urgently needed in Basrah. I want to make that happen.

In addition for too long Basrah had poor housing and squatters occupying buildings in a haphazard way. This needs a radical solution so the Basrawis know this will happen – not just fresh promises.

One of my other priorities is bringing down the unemployment rate. One idea is soft loans to young entrepreneurs. I will also ensure new training programmes are in place for young people.

I want to build more schools: it is the least we can offer our children.

Iraq – and Basrah in particular – used to have some of the best health services in the whole Middle East and Gulf, but we have fallen to near bottom of the league. People are dying in Basrah because we do

ABOVE: Majid al-Nisairawi of the Citizen Coalition was appointed as the new Basrah Governor LEFT: IRAQ TODAY correspondent Ahmad Hoobi and the new Basrah Governor

not have adequate doctors, nurses and drugs. As a doctor myself my priority for the people of Basrah is a better health service.

Q: What are you doing about improving security?

A: Recent bomb attacks have claimed more than 2 dozen lives.

We have already started to tackle security issues to make Basrah safe and I have started round the clock meetings with security chiefs. n

Curriculum vitae

1998 Graduated College of Medicine Basrah

2003-2005 Assistant Administrator Islamic Supreme Council

2009 Teaching Professor, College of Medicine, Basrah

2013 Selected as Governor of Basrah following provincial elections Summer 2013 | IRAQTODAY | 21

Commentary

Iraq – behind the headlines

BY BARONESS NICHOLSON OF WINTERBOURNE, Executive Chairman of the Iraq Britain Business Council

22 | IRAQTODAY | Summer 2013

POWER HOUSE: Reviving Iraq’s construction industry

Journal of the Iraq Britain Business Council

n terms of casualties in 2013, May was the cruellest in Iraq so far, with more than a thousand Iraqis dying in acts of sectarian violence.

The United Nation’s representative in Baghdad Martin Kobler urged Iraq’s political leaders to stop the intolerable bloodshed, and I wholeheartedly agree.

The carnage must end.

Meanwhile events in Syria are spilling over into Iraq, ratcheting up tensions and making foreign investors very nervous.

Commentators and some journalists who – I am guessing – rarely visit Baghdad routinely churn out articles about Iraq being on the brink of civil war and generally going to hell in a handcart.

But Iraq is a land of profound contradictions and its economy remains a constant source of good news. I would therefore argue most strongly that, for an accurate picture of what is really going in Iraq today, you must look beyond the newspaper headlines and television images of sectarian violence.

Take the billions of cash being poured in to the oil and gas sector in which IBBC members are leading the field.

Anglo-Dutch Shell has started an US$18 billion gas capture program which means the end of wasteful flaring and will help Iraq achieve its goal of all power stations fuelled by gas by the end of the decade.

That great pioneering British company BP recently announced it was investing US$2.85 billion in the supergiant Rumaila field, up from US$2.2 billion last year. ExxonMobil is spending US$1.65 billion in West Qurna 1 – half a billion more than last year. Genel Energy and Kuwait Energy are spending unprecedented billions developing oil and gas fields in the north and south.

Meanwhile Russia’s LUKOIL has invested US$4 billion West Qurna 2.

China, Iraq’s biggest oil customer, has a major presence in Maysaan province.

Billions of dollars – I have only

I

www.webuildiraq.org

mentioned a few examples – are powering the biggest reconstruction of an oil and gas sector in history and with Iraq’s oil production at more than three million barrels a day, federal coffers are being boosted by approximately US$7 billion a month.

That is only part of the story.

Iraq will spend US$130 billion on upstream sector over 5 years to help raise production capacity to nine million barrels a day, according to Oil Minister His Excellency Abdul Karim Louaibi, meaning a glittering bonanza for a country which has struggled with war and sanctions for the last 30 years.

“For an accurate picture of what is going in Iraq today: look beyond newspaper headlines and TV images of sectarian violence.”

But what does this cash tsunami mean for the ordinary Iraqi citizen?

On my frequent visits to Iraq, I can already see massive changes for the better. Roads and highways are clearly under construction especially in Basrah where new flyovers are opening almost every week, making it easier to move around. Basrah will also benefit from at least a million new homes. And off the back of that come schools, shopping complexes – all the amenities we in the West take for granted.

In the north the Kurdish Regional Government has ambitious plans for a high speed rail link connecting all the cities of the north from Sulaimaniyah to Zarko. Erbil and “Sully” will have extensive tram networks.

There will also be a high speed rail link between Baghdad and Iraq’s commercial capital Basrah.

Aviation in Iraq is enjoying a huge renaissance with existing airports

such as Baghdad earmarked for huge reconstruction and new ones planned for cities like Karbala.

I flew into Erbil recently and this modern, smooth running airport could have been anywhere in Europe.

What a tribute to Iraqi ingenuity and determination.

Meanwhile new air routes are opening all the time with Baghdad already connected to major cities in the Middle East, Gulf and Europe with more destinations being added like Tblisi, Georgia.

The Chinese are planning direct flights to the Iraqi capital from Beijing and Shanghai, and Iraqi Airways is already looking at long haul destinations like New York for its new Airbus fleet.

My guess is you have heard none of the above on the TV evening news or your favourite newspaper, and I suspect you have not heard of the other massive indirect benefits Western oil companies are bringing to Iraq.

Oil majors like BP have the highest accounting and safety standards in the world and any Iraqi contractor has to meet these demands. Thousands of Iraqi workers are undergoing training at the highest levels; working skills and an attitude to financial transparency which they will pass on to future generations.

All of the oil and gas giants are supremely aware of social responsibility in terms of employing locals and providing new homes and roads near fields like Rumaila and Al Majnoon.

Shell for example does some fantastic work with the AMAR Foundation charity of which I am Executive Chairman providing primary health care and education to thousands of Iraqi families.

As I said at the start of this article, the daily carnage from sectarian violence is a dreadful tragedy which must be condemned. I appeal again for the Iraqi leadership to bring a halt.

But Iraq’s salvation is – I believe – its immense oil and gas wealth and this coupled with the indomitable Iraqi spirit means the country will pull through – despite the men of evil. n Summer 2013 | IRAQTODAY | 23

50 Tel: +44 20 7222 7100

|

great companies dedicated to rebuilding Iraq

london@webuildiraq.org

24 | IRAQTODAY | Summer 2013

|

www.webuildiraq.org

|

Or follow us on Twitter: @IBBC_London

Journal of the Iraq Britain Business Council

Profile

IRAQ TODAY profiles a senior Iraqi politician

Q&A

Dr Rowsch Nori Shaways Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq Question: When and where were you born?

I was born in Sulaimaniya on January 7th 1947 Q: What did your parents do?

A: They were well known politicians, so were both grandfathers. My whole family was steeped in Kurdish politics. My paternal grandfather Sadiq Shaways was an officer in the Ottoman Army and a founder of the first Kurdish political movement. My maternal grandfather was Sheikh Ahmed Salam Alaazibani, a politician and renowned poet.

Q: What were your favourite subjects at school?

A: Mathematics, I also enjoyed physics, history and sport.

Q: Which football team do you support?

A: Barcelona and Erbil.

Q: What did you want to do when you left school.

A: I had ambition to become a geological engineer.

Q: Why did you go into politics?

A: I realised politics was in my blood. I also wanted to make my grandfathers’ dreams for Kurdistan come true.

SHAWAYS: “I will be happy if history books record I served my people well and and I was honest with myself and my friends.”

Curriculum vitae

1971 Graduate in Engineering, Mosul University, also masters degree and doctorate

1975-1982 Chairman Kurd

Q: Where were you during the reign of Saddam Hussein?

A: Between 1971 and 1979 I was a Kurdish activist in Europe. I ran the Kurd Student Society for the whole of Europe. Then, during the Kurdish revolt in 1991, I returned to Iraq to lead Kurdish militias who liberated several towns from Iraqi forces.

Students Society Europe

Q: So you know your way around a Kalashnikov?

A: Of course, but I have not fired one in a very, very long time!

Minister and Interior Minister, Kurdistan Government

Q: What has been your greatest achievement?

A: Helping to establish the Kurdish Regional Government.

1996 Prime Minister,

Q: What is your biggest disappointment?

A: I do not want to go in to detail here, but continuing political divisions within the KRG region trouble me and I have not been able to solve them. It will become clear what I am talking about years from now.

2006 Member of the Iraqi

Q: How do you want history to remember you?

A: Well I am not finished yet! But I will be happy if history books record I served my people well and I was honest with myself and my friends. n

www.webuildiraq.org

1992 President of Kurdistan Democratic Party

1996 Deputy Prime

Kurdistan Government

Parliament

2010 to date Deputy Prime Minister, Iraq and Chairman of Kurdish Negotiators, Baghdad

Summer 2013 | IRAQTODAY | 25

Cover story

BASRAH SPORTS CITY

More than just a stadium

26 | IRAQTODAY | Summer 2013

Journal of the Iraq Britain Business Council

Basrah Sports City sits in the southern Iraqi desert like a massive spaceship from another planet.

This colossus is the biggest sports venue in the Middle East and the pride of Basrah.

IRAQ TODAY has been given exclusive access to the newly finished stadium and to Abdullah al-Jibouri, the man who built it.

As JOHN COOKSON reports Sports City is a lot more to the Iraqi people than just a football coliseum.

T

ake the main western highway out of Basrah and as the city falls away you see it shimmering in the heat haze; an astonishing white mirage rising from the burning desert.

Your jaw drops as you near Sports City which is both inspiring and awesome. The only thing you can say is: “wow!”

This incredible amphitheatre has taken just four years to build which in Iraq – troubled with security issues and import difficulties – is a fantastic achievement.4

www.webuildiraq.org

Summer 2013 | IRAQTODAY | 27

PROUD: Anwar Soura Construction chief Abdullah alJibouri shows off his new stadium

Cover story

BASRAH SPORTS CITY

Ahead of the official opening in August I am invited for a tour of Sports City and also to meet the man who built it: Abdullah al-Jibouri.

Security is naturally high profile and there are a number of check points before any vehicle can enter the main stadium car park – Iraq’s Youth and Sports Ministry must convince the worldwide football body FIFA the venue is as safe before a ban on international games in Iraq can be lifted.

made from special grass able to survive daytime temperatures of 40C plus.

And it is on the pitch where my host Mr Al-Jibouri is waiting in shirt sleeves at the centre spot where games are scheduled to kick off soon, to the joy of football mad Iraq.

“You know John, I am so proud of this stadium. It means so much to the Iraqi people,” says Mr Al-Jbouri and he invites me to continue our conversation in a cooler VIP room in the stand.

Iraq’s revival Breathtaking Up close this amazing building is even more breathtaking. I notice between the white “bubbled” outer casing, supporting legs designed to represent the trunks of palm trees for which Iraq, and Basrah in particular, was once renowned.

Walking through the cool of the black marbled lobbies I see workmen installing ticket barriers, escalators and other paraphernalia found in world class stadiums.

Beyond is a stunning green pitch 28 | IRAQTODAY | Summer 2013

Over good sweet Iraqi tea and chilled water Mr Al-Jibouri, adds: “This stadium is very much the brain child of His Excellency Nouri al-Maliki the Prime Minister of Iraq, who said he wanted something to represent this country’s revival.

“He made sure the funding was there for us to build the best. I think we have fulfilled his dreams.”

“The Prime Minister has taken a strong personal interest during construction.

“When he visited in May, he said he

“I am so proud of this stadium. It means so much to the Iraqi people.”

ABDULLAH AL-JIBOURI

INSIDE STORY: Abdullah al-Jibouri speaks to IRAQ TODAY’S John Cookson Journal of the Iraq Britain Business Council

Iraq’s new Free Zone oil and gas hub within the Khor Al Zubair Free Zone, developed by BIOGH in partnership with the Free Zone Authority (FZA).

Basra’s New International Oil and Gas Free Zone For more information, please contact us:

UK: +44 20 7640 3162 Iraq: +964 7816 88 34 55 E: info@biogh.com BASRA INTERNATIONAL OIL & GAS HUB LIMITED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE FREE ZONE AUTHORITY

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Cover story

BASRAH SPORTS CITY

MAIN: Aerial view of Sports City complex including main stadium, practice arena and hotels RIGHT: The main stadium is believed to be 3rd biggest in the world

30 | IRAQTODAY | Summer 2013

Journal of the Iraq Britain Business Council

SPORTS CITY FACTS Construction started on: July 15th

2009 The roof structure is steel and cantilever 30 metres from the back support column of the upper deck with a 15 metre back-span.

When complete the complex will comply with Olympic track and field standards.

The complex contains four training facilities, athlete housing, a fire station, a medical centre and a helipad.

“When the British Army were here they promised us David Beckham!”

ABDULLAH AL-JIBOURI

Barcelona Football club have already started a training programme for young players.

The architectural team was 360 based in Texas, USA who teamed with Newport Global Project Management Group of Missouri, USA

was amazed how fantastic it is – which is what most people say,” smiles Mr Al-Jibouri.

No-one is quite sure what the inaugural football game will be, but Iraq’s Sports and Youth Ministry is considering a mouth-watering match between a Basrah team and another from Baghdad.

They promised us Beckham!

“When the British Army were here they promised us David Beckham!” says Al-Jibouri. He adds: “But we Iraqis love the Spanish clubs, so seeing someone like Messi kick a ball on our pitch some time soon would be just amazing.”

The 65,000 seat stadium, with its secondary stadium for 20,000, its four 5 www.webuildiraq.org

star hotels, swimming pool and other sports facilities cost half a billion US dollars – a staggering amount when millions of Basrah residents are without mains electricity, regular water supplies and get by on about US$2 a day.

Al-Jibouri, aged 58, and who heads the Anwar Soura General Construction Company, acknowledges this but points out the stadium has generated a thousand Iraqi jobs during construction and will create many more when it opens. The stadium is boosting fresh local construction with new roads to connect the stadium to Basrah airport and a new highway west.

And because foreign football fans must sleep somewhere several new

hotels are being built in Basrah. All this is generating wealth for the local community for years ahead.

The regional and television spotlight will turn on Sports City when it hosts the Gulf Cup in 2015 putting Basrah on the football map.

More will follow Because of the success of Basrah Sports City there are plans to build other stadiums in Iraq. The country’s football chiefs are hoping this will lead to the scrapping of a FIFA ban on Iraqi venues for international games.

Al-Jibouri sums up: “Basrah Sports City is an iconic building and a symbol of national pride. Its value to Iraq is utterly priceless.” n Summer 2013 | IRAQTODAY | 31

Front line

Drilling in the

DANGER ZONE Iraq’s Al Majnoon oil field is one of the biggest in the world. But the project is not easy.

One of the major challenges includes removing thousands of tonnes of unexploded weapons left over from the Iran-Iraq war.

JOHN COOKSON reports on the brave Iraqi teams who are turning a battlefield in to an oil field.

S

earching for buried explosives across a landmass of almost 1,000 square kilometres is just another day at the office for Simon Porter, who heads Shell’s explosive removal team at the huge Majnoon oil field in Iraq. The unexploded mines, grenades, missiles and other deadly munitions scattered there are a stark reminder of the field’s turbulent past.

Al Majnoon was a huge battle site during the Iran-Iraq war, leaving a scarred landscape that continues to exact a toll on neighbouring communities through injuries and death.

“In order to make drilling safe, build new facilities and to expand existing ones, the whole area must be safe,” says Simon. “So extensive de-mining is critical.”

Danger! UXB Al Majnoon is one of the most heavily contaminated areas in the

32 | IRAQTODAY | Summer 2013

world in terms of left over war debris, everything from sub-munitions, through to mortars and artillery projectiles and mines to air-dropped bombs – some of which are buried 20 feet below ground.

Simon, who is a former British Army soldier and veteran of demining operations in war zones like Afghanistan, Angola and Mozambique, was stunned by the scale of the contamination in Al Majnoon.

He said: “I have never seen anything as bad. Majnoon was far more contaminated with mines and explosives than even Shell envisaged. I think the company was surprised by the scale of the problem when work began.”

Metallic crust Years of shelling have resulted in so much shrapnel on, and just below the surface, that there is a ‘metallic crust’ covering the vast majority of the field.

This makes the use of metal detectors to locate sub-surface ordnance almost impossible and at Al Majnoon demands a unique approach to clearance.

Shell had a good sense of this world class field’s potential in late 2009 when it was awarded a service contract to ramp it up to 1.8 million barrels per day by 2017. But that is dependent on making the vast field safe.

Early efforts to locate munitions used handheld mine detection equipment.4 Journal of the Iraq Britain Business Council

DEADLY ARSENAL Cleared from Al Majnoon:

EXPLOSION: The destruction of some of the ordnance cleared in Majnoon DETECTION: Foerster multi-probe in action

www.webuildiraq.org

BOMBS: 34 FUSES: 582 GRENADES: 323 MINES: 741 MISSILES: 3

MORTARS: 3997 PROJECTILES: 2413 ROCKETS: 317 SUB-MUNITIONS: 1365

TOTAL: 9409

Summer 2013 | IRAQTODAY | 33

Front line

DANGER ZONE AL MAJNOON FACTS

SHELLS: Piles of unexploded ordnance cover parts of the Majnoon oilfield.

As lead operator, Shell holds a 45% share in the project, with partner Petronas holding 30% and Iraqi state partner Missan (spun off from the South Oil Company in 2008) the 25% remainder Al Majnoon is one of the richest oil fields in the world with an estimated 25 billion barrels and proven reserves of 12.6 billion in place.

The field is thought to be named Al Majnoon which means ‘crazy’ in Arabic in reference to excessive amount of oil in a dense area.

As some explosive remnants contain little metal, the detection units also picked up other small pieces of shrapnel lodged throughout the field.

All had to be marked, dug up and safely dealt with.

New approach To avoid this, Shell developed a new approach.

First, the ground is prepared using heavily armoured bulldozers clearing safe lanes 6 meters in width and excavating to a depth of 40cm. Then MineWolf vehicles follow with tiller and flail attachments for mine removal, and a lifter behind the vehicle used for quality control purposes.

This unique approach has so far cleared 12 square kilometres of the Majnoon field, allowing more rapid access to oil production facilities.

Mass graves Apart from removing deadly unexploded war-debris Simon also revealed the team have found a number of mass graves from heavy fighting between Iraqi and Iranian forces 30 years ago. When that happens the company draws in specialists to identify and return the remains to Iraqi families. Officials from Iran come to collect Iranian fallen.

34 | IRAQTODAY | Summer 2013

Zero accidents Shell’s explosives team is made up of about 200 Iraqi contractors who must work to stringent health and safety standards. Given Shell’s commitment to employ as many local people as possible it was inevitable training was needed to make this happen.

So far there have been no deaths or serious injury from de-mining at Al Majnoon since work began in 2010.

Simon added: “Yes, we had zero accidents. These guys work in incredibly tough conditions. Temperatures often

“Work is incredibly tough.

Temperatures hit 50 degrees and the work is potentially dangerous.”

SIMON PORTER, SHELL

Al Majnoon could potentially reach 175,000 barrels of oil per day by the end of 2013

hit 50 degrees and of course the work is potentially dangerous.”

With so much war debris a huge amount of metal is detected. 99% of it is safe, but taking care over that deadly one per cent of unearthed desert, which may include unexploded ordnance, means the greatest danger comes from human complacency.

Important legacy Simon went on: “Apart from doing a good job I get a lot of satisfaction from seeing well-trained individual Iraqis become team leaders and eventually field supervisors.

“And I believe when work is done at Al Majnoon, in a couple of years, they will be used in small units elsewhere in Iraq to de-mine other regions.”

Mine clearance at Al Majnoon has been a major success. The project has won multiple awards over the past two years, both for safety and project delivery.

It has also left Iraqis with an important legacy, not only of de-mining skills, but also a safe environment for themselves and future generations. n

Journal of the Iraq Britain Business Council

LET’S PUT VALUABLE SKILLS INTO THE HANDS OF IRAQI PEOPLE. We can all help build a better future for the nation. Like getting local people back into work and developing the talents and skills of Iraqi citizens. Shell has been investing in Iraq for many years. Not just in the energy sector, but working directly with the government and local communities to fight unemployment. At the Majnoon oilfield for example, over three-quarters of the 3,000-strong team are Iraqi. Let’s give local talent the power to succeed. www.shell.com/letsgo

LET’S GO. www.webuildiraq.org

Summer 2013 | IRAQTODAY | 35

Innovation

MEET THE NEW HIGH FLYER IRAQI AIRWAYS TAKES OFF Iraqi Airways first took off nearly 70 years ago. Wars, sanctions and terrorism have ravaged the region, but the national flag carrier has survived. Now flush with new wealth from oil, Iraqi Airways is preparing to challenge the biggest airlines in the world for supremacy in the skies.

BARNABY WILSON reports

36 | IRAQTODAY | Summer 2013

F

or sheer tenacity there are few airlines in the world with as much dogged determination to survive as Iraqi Airways.

Launched in 1945 as a branch of Iraqi State Railways, the first Iraqi Airways flight was on January 28th 1946 with a service to Damascus, Syria.

In the seven decades since the airline has experienced so much turbulence: wars, sanctions, embargoes, terror attacks; the story of the flag carrier is a slice of Iraqi history rolled up in one business.

Now in 2013 that indomitable Iraqi spirit seems to be powering the company’s take off. And nearly a billion US dollars for a new aircraft fleet also helps.

New chapter The breakthrough which enabled Iraqi Airways to expand was the settling of a legal action

by Kuwait, which was seeking compensation for Saddam Hussein’s alleged theft of 10 of its aircraft in 1990.

The decades long dispute was settled late last year and it paved the way for the Iraqi flag carrier to fly to Kuwait and add new destinations like London Gatwick last March.

Now Iraqi Airways wants to fly to all the major capitals in Europe and its new destinations will be added one at a time. Frankfurt London and Copenhagen are operational and next the airline will look at Paris and either Madrid or Rome.

Efforts to fully remove Journal of the Iraq Britain Business Council

SHOPPING LIST The company has spent US$ 700 million on its new fleet with 30 737-800s and 10 787-8s Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

One 777-200LR arrived in Baghdad on 15 December 2012, more will follow and Iraqi Airways plans to add Washington or New York as destinations.

Iraqi Airways took delivery of its third Airbus A320 (MSN 5464) at Baghdad International Airport on 7 March 30 ordered 737-800s will begin arriving in July 2013, with an unspecified number being upgraded to 737-900ERs. Iraqi Airways expects to place an order for two additional Boeing 777200LRs.

Iraq from Chapter Seven UN sanctions – which complicate visa applications for Iraqi citizens – will be critical to growing the European network.

“The main draw right now is for Iraqis visiting family and friends.

There are four million Iraqis living outside of Iraq, so that’s a big market,” says Saad al-Khafaji, a spokesman for the airline.

At the same time as moving in to Europe the airline will grow its Asian network initially focusing on Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.

Mr Al-Khafaji went on: “We are trying to go to the East, to Kuala Lumpur. We started a joint venture with AirAsia, and now we want to do it on our own.”

He added: “We’d like to start our route to Beijing, as we used to fly there before. We’ll also start www.webuildiraq.org

flying to Guangzhou in China.

And we’re aiming for Bangkok and Shanghai in the near future.”

Black gold The country’s vast oil revenues – Iraq is now OPEC’s second biggest producer – is bank rolling the airline’s rapid expansion.

Aviation experts believe the Iraqi flag carrier could one day rival the likes of Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways which have already revolutionised the airline industry simply because they

MAIN: Iraqi Airways spends nearly US$ 1 billion on new fleet ABOVE: Experienced crew members welcome new passengers

“Experts believe Iraqi Airways could one day rival the likes of Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways.” do not operate on the same commercial rules as say the European giants such as: British Airways or Lufthansa.

Meanwhile Iraq’s Ministry of Transport is also investing heavily in airports. Plans are underway to add three new terminals to Baghdad International, doubling its annual capacity to 15 million passengers.

Similarly ambitious airport projects are in the works throughout the country including the commercial capital Basrah, backed partly by the premise that a transport hub will spur growth in the surrounding cities.

On a busy day, especially during religious holiday periods, Baghdad International can see 150 take offs and landings, while in the skies above, 500 planes owned by foreign carriers use Iraqi airspace daily.

I used to fly regularly as a passenger between Baghdad and London on an Iraqi Airways 747 with its iconic green livery back in the late 1980s. Back then onboard service was impeccable. I was delighted I enjoyed the same excellent customer care when I took a recent Iraqi Airways flight from Erbil to Baghdad earlier this year. I have to say the entire crew were of a certain age, but totally dedicated to making the flight enjoyable.

Great staff, new aircraft: Iraqi Airways is clearly flying out of years of heavy turbulence. n Summer 2013 | IRAQTODAY | 37

Report

IRAQI OIL: BLESSING OR CURSE? Iraq has some of the biggest oil reserves in the world. Exports are boosting federal coffers by around US$7 billion dollars a month.

But so far oil wealth has not changed the lives of millions of ordinary Iraqis – many of whom go to bed hungry.

Meanwhile the twin issues of who owns the oil and revenue sharing have driven a deep wedge between Erbil and Baghdad.

DAVID JOHNSON reports.

38 | IRAQTODAY | Summer 2013

Journal of the Iraq Britain Business Council

A

t around 3am on October 15th 1927 a team from the Turkish Petroleum Company were drilling an oil well at Baba Gugur near Kirkuk when there was a massive explosion.

Thousand of tonnes of crude shot into the night sky deluging workers and mud-brick homes on the ground.

The gusher was so intense massive pollution even threatened the town of Kirkuk.

Oil had been discovered in Iraq.

More than 80 years later we know Iraq has proven reserves of 150 billion barrels. According to recent surveys this figure is likely to be a huge underestimate, meaning Iraq may well possess the biggest oil fields on the planet.

British Foreign Office Minister Mark Simmonds recently told a London conference Iraq was: “re-drawing the global energy map and had

www.webuildiraq.org

rightly taken its place at the energy top table.”

The International Energy Agency was similarly upbeat and predicted Iraq’s output will reach 6.1 million barrels a day by 2020 and 8.3 million barrels a day by 2035.4

Summer 2013 | IRAQTODAY | 39

Report

BLESSSING OR CURSE?

“It is my duty to press ahead with this policy as the foreign oil companies invested US $20 billion and want to see a return on their outlay.”

ASHTI HAWRAMI, KRG’S NATURAL RESOURCES MINISTER

Meanwhile global demand for oil is projected to soar to 99.7 million barrels a day in 2035 due to a spike in consumption in growing economies such as China.

So we know oil is beneath Iraq’s deserts and mountains in mind boggling quantities, developing countries like China and India cannot get enough, it is relatively easy to get out of the ground and labour is cheap compared with the rest of the world.

So the people of Iraq are assured of a wealthy future? If only it was that simple!

Elephant in the room In one sense oil has been a curse on Iraq and the big fat elephant in the room at all recent energy conferences and ministerial meetings is the Iraqi Government’s failure to pass a stalled hydrocarbons law which has been on the table and unsigned since 2007 crippling the sector’s true potential.

Stalemate followed a political spat between Erbil and Baghdad over interpretation of a section of the Iraqi Constitution, a row over revenue sharing and a myriad of other issues like disputed territory around Kirkuk.

Until recently tensions remained extremely high between the Iraqi government and the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) over the 40 | IRAQTODAY | Summer 2013

development of oil fields in the north.

The two governments squared off last December by deploying troops at Kirkuk and other flash points.

Meanwhile the Kurds have angered Baghdad further by announcing they will have completed an oil export pipeline to the Turkish border by September – they are already trucking a 100,000 barrels a day across the border.

The KRG’s Natural Resources Minister Ashti Hawrami, gave an interesting argument for this go-italone policy. He said: “It is my duty as Minister to press ahead with this policy as the foreign oil companies invested US$20 billion and want to see a return on their outlay.”

Then, taking a swipe at the Maliki regime he added: “oil is not a monopoly to be dictated by Baghdad.”

But with a general election in Iraq a year away there is some optimism this bitter dispute may be heading to resolution. Recently Deputy Prime Minister Dr Rowsch Shaways revealed special committees – with representatives from both sides – had been set up to try to solve issues like revenue sharing He was also cautiously optimistic about an apparent rapprochement brought about by Prime Minister Maliki’s recent meeting with the KRG

leadership in Erbil and KRG Prime Minister Barzani’s second visit to Baghdad.

Down south And while the rows and general shenanigans go on over oil in the north – how about the south?

Has so-called “black gold” been a blessing or a curse for the southern provinces?

Major oil companies from Britain, the United States, China and Russia have all gained a foothold, some much more than others.

Britain’s BP and Shell Iraq are producing more than 70% of Iraq’s federal income, meanwhile the Chinese and Russian companies have made particularly great strides.

In 2008 the state-run China National Petroleum Corp. (CNPC) concluded a no-bid contract on the development of Al-Ahdab oil field and in the auctions since 2009, CNPC has secured a 37% stake in the development of Rumaila, one of the world’s largest with a targeted output of 2.85 million barrels a day. Russia’s LUKoil obtained a 75-percent stake in West Qurna-2, whose target is 1.2 million barrels a day.

In contrast, U.S. oil companies face difficulty in maintaining their access to Iraq’s rich reserves. ExxonMobil Journal of the Iraq Britain Business Council

gained a 60% stake in West Qurna-1, a huge field where the targeted output is set at 2.33 million barrels a day.

But the American giant was nearly forced to pull out of the project after rousing the ire of the Iraqi government in October 2011 over a deal with the Kurdish regional government.

While the oil companies are starting to see a return from their vast investments most Iraqi people have yet to be blessed with major benefit from “black gold.”

Demonstrations Southern Iraq, where many of the large oil fields are situated, is the nation’s poorest farming area.

Local families expected the arrival of major foreign oil companies to translate into large numbers of jobs, lifting them out of poverty. But this has not happened.

Oil fields employ relatively few; even the biggest companies operating Rumaila and Al Majnoon have directly hired just 5,000 Iraqis between them.

Local anger boiled over and at the Gharraf project about 200 local residents broke into the living quarters for oil field employees in November, demanding jobs. Two workers there were injured.

To tighten security, authorities deployed troops around the facility, in addition to oil police. Meanwhile Iraqi officials are also concerned the southern oil fields may become the target of terrorism.

The head of the Basrah residents’ association said recent demonstrations and violence was spurred by the wide gap between residents’ expectations for oil companies and the reality they are faced with.

“Most of the people in the region are jobless, but they do not have proper educational backgrounds,” he said. “Only 15 were eligible for www.webuildiraq.org

jobs, although we were told that 500 engineers will be hired.”

Meanwhile an official with LUKoil, said: “It is impossible to hire all the local residents.”

Dark clouds And while Iraqi politicians struggle with a new hydrocarbons law, and Iraqis bid for more jobs, the energy industry elsewhere in the world is undergoing vast change.

A shale gas revolution in the United States is well advanced and may well be copied in countries like China. In addition new players are entering the oil market like offshore fields in the Eastern Mediterranean, and new oil discoveries in Australia and African nations like Kenya.

Iraq is in a hugely competitive energy market with no marketing strategy in place.

Iraq’s problems do not end there.

Oil companies already working in Iraq are fighting corruption and the dead-hand of bureaucracy. They must often ask themselves is it really worth it?

Wealthy future?

The answer has to be yes, because in the longer term things should come right for Iraq, and oil will eventually be seen as a huge blessing.

Baghdad has recently published its Integrated National Energy Strategy which many observers believe sets realistic goals.

Under a high-production scenario, production would reach 13.5 million bpd by 2017 and be maintained until 2023. A low-production scenario targets 6 million bpd by 2025.

Baghdad is expected to enforce the medium-production scenario, where output reaches 9 million bpd by 2020.

That will require renegotiating service contracts with foreign firms.

By any standards 9 million bpd is impressive and new revenue will help

AT SEA: Iraq exports more than 2.5 million barrels of oil a day

power huge reconstruction projects such as millions of new homes, schools, hospitals, ports, airports and highways.

Former British Ambassador to the UN, Sir Jeremy Greenstock reminded delegates at a recent conference advanced Western democracies had taken time to grow across hundreds of years and Iraq’s current difficulties had to be seen in this context.

He said a united Iraq could: “ride the waves of change,” adding that progress would take: “courage, wisdom and time.”

Few would argue with that. n Summer 2013 | IRAQTODAY | 41

Innovation IRAQ’S MOBILE PHONE OPERATORS SLUG IT OUT

WHO WILL WIN

42 | IRAQTODAY | Summer 2013

?

Journal of the Iraq Britain Business Council

SMART: Iraqis love their mobile phones

A licence for a fourth mobile phone operator will be granted in Iraq later this year intensifying already fierce competition between the big three: Zain, Asiacell and Korek Battle lines are being drawn over one of the most dynamic new markets in the world. But who will win?

Report: CLAUDIA BEECH Photographs: FAKHER ABDUL SATTAR AL-GHANIM

A

fter oil and gas the biggest industry growth sector in Iraq is telecoms.

Like the rest of us, Iraqis are addicted to their mobile phones and are hungry for internet access, however the cellular market is nowhere near saturated.

One senior Iraqi government official told me: “Iraq is a green field site for mobile ‘phone operators.”

A fourth operator’s licence will be up for grabs later this year, meanwhile market share for the three existing mobile operators breaks down like this: Zain Iraq: 13.6 million subscribers, Asiacell: 10.1 million and Korek: 3.5 million.

Iraq’s mobile penetration rate may be only 80%, but it is bound to rise as oil revenues push Iraq’s economic growth above 9% and drive demand for better services.

Already 4G has been launched

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in the north and a new 3G service is expected to be rolled out for the rest Iraq later this year – two important developments that are likely to further drive expansion.

Zain Iraq’s growth has been outstanding, although its investment has been colossal.

It has pumped in US$4.5 billion since it started services in 2003 and is now expanding its annual capital investment programme to between 12 and 15% of revenues to cover its 3G plans and modernisation of its core network.

Outstanding growth This dynamic company with an aggressive marketing strategy is a unit of Kuwaiti telecommunications firm Zain and Zain Iraq is a major money spinner for the group.

Zain Iraq’s subscribers constitute about 40% of the group’s total subscriber base and its revenue of US $1.73 billion last

Summer 2013 | IRAQTODAY | 43

Innovation

MOBILE PHONES

year was more than a third of the group’s total revenue.

Earlier this year Zain Iraq reported a 6% rise in 2012 net profit to US$369 million.

As market leader Zain Iraq claims 50% of the mobile market and the company is currently moving ahead with plans to list on the Iraq Stock Exchange (ISX) by floating a quarter of its shares.

That could make it Iraq’s biggest share sale, topping Asiacell’s US $1.27 billion flotation last February.

Floating to success

“

Nearly 45% of the Iraqi market is less than 15 years old.

This means that almost everyone can afford a phone. Some already have more than one unit. ”

KOREK CEO GHADA GEBARA 44 | IRAQTODAY | Summer 2013

While Zain has been grabbing recent economic headlines Asiacell is another remarkable story in Iraq.

The company’s market debut was the first major flotation in Iraq since the U.S.-led invasion toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003. It doubled the market capitalisation of the Baghdad bourse and was the largest equity offer in the Middle East since 2008.

Iraq stock market boosted Iraq watchers were astonished by how smoothly and successful the flotation went and it played a major role in boosting the Iraqi Stock Exchange as a serious and stable player in the region.

Asiacell is majority-owned by Qatari telecom group Ooredoo, and it posted a 31% rise in annual profit in its first results as a listed company, helped by an increase in customers and revenues. It revealed it made a net profit of 662 billion dinars (US$569 million) last year, on an 18% rise in revenue to 2.17 trillion dinars.

In addition Asiacell said its numbers increased by 12%, helping to lift the firm’s market share to 36% from 35% in 2011.

Our friends in the north Existing mobile operators have national licences but each have regional power bases.

Korek, the third player, is based very much in the Kurdish region of northern Iraq. The company, founded in 2001, is an affiliate of France Telecom and claims a 70% market share in the KRG region. It also has an aggressive local marketing strategy, is keen on promotions and currently sponsors four players in the Iraqi national football squad.

At a recent conference Korek CEO Ghada Gebara was bullish about her company’s further success and its place in the market saying: “Nearly 45% of the Iraqi market is less than 15 years old. This means that almost everyone can afford a phone.

Some already have more than one unit.”

Korek may have a loyal following and growth potential but it is currently fighting off an attack by Zain which is battling for a greater market share in the north which is autonomous and politically more stable than the rest of Iraq.

Perhaps worrying for Korek, Zain claims it now offers 95% coverage of the northern cities of Irbil, Sulaimaniyah and Dohuk and it reckons it can capture 20% of the northern market within 18 to 20 months.

And the winner is?

As the 3 giants slug it out, a fourth competitor will soon enter the market and to the victor will go the mobile phone spoils.

Increased competition means falling tariffs and a better service, so the other big winner in this battle is, of course, the Iraqi consumer. n

Journal of the Iraq Britain Business Council

www.webuildiraq.org

Summer 2013 | IRAQTODAY | 45

Analysis

6 MILLION IRAQIS FACE FOOD SHORTAGES Vast oil hydrocarbons wealth is now flooding Iraqi federal coffers but millions of poor families have yet to see benefits and significant changes to their daily lives – including not having enough to eat.

As JOHN COOKSON reports looking after the environment is a possible solution to ending Iraq’s food shortages.

46 | IRAQTODAY | Summer 2013

Journal of the Iraq Britain Business Council

W

hile Iraq is taking huge steps towards rebuilding a nation shattered by thirty years of war and sanctions – including new highways, ports, schools and homes – the disturbing truth is nearly 6% of the population still go to bed without enough food in their bellies.

A new report from the United Nations recently reported: “Six million Iraqis face food deprivation and vulnerability.”

The UN dossier was released to coincide with World Environment Day which focusses on minimising food waste.

“Before we can talk about food waste in Iraq, we need to talk about food production and supply,” said Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq and Resident Humanitarian Coordinator, Ms. Jacqueline Badcock.

“Food security in Iraq is fragile,” she said. “At least 1.9 million Iraqis or 5.7% of the population are food deprived and do not have enough to eat each day.

She added: “A further 4 million Iraqis are vulnerable to food insecurity, with one in four children experiencing stunted physical and intellectual growth due to chronic under nutrition.”

Agriculture at risk While conflict has played a major impact on Iraqi food production in recent years, climate change and environmental damage are also putting traditional agriculture at risk.

Soil salinisation – or salty soil in which crops will not grow – is now a major concern in certain regions of Iraq especially in the south of Iraq and Basrah province in particular which sits on the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. www.webuildiraq.org

“Water levels in rivers and dams are dropping,” Ms. Badcock said. “Soil salinisation is taking hold across large swathes of land, especially in the South.

“Climate variability brings flash flooding and crop damage, while poor land management has caused deforestation, desertification, and an increase in sand and dust storms that cause billions of dollars of damage each year,” she continued.

Billions spent on food imports As a result, Iraq relies increasingly on imports to meet domestic food needs. The total value of agricultural imports in 1985 was US$1.7 billion. In 2008, this grew to almost US$5 billion with the majority spent on basic foods such as wheat, cattle and rice.

Although there are signs of growth in the agricultural sector, with production of dates, fruits and vegetables on the rise again, 60-70% of vegetables consumed

by Iraqis still come from neighbouring countries.

Ms Badcock advised: “Iraq must commit to caring for its land and waterways.

“In 2020, the Iraqi population will exceed 42 million. It is essential that the Government continues to put in place the policies and good environmental practices that will re-establish Iraqi agriculture and ensure food supply for the most vulnerable.”

• The United Nations manages a range of projects to support the immediate needs of Iraqis vulnerable to food security, as well as programmes that support sustainable environmental management and build the capacities of Government institutions and farmers. n Summer 2013 | IRAQTODAY | 47

Sports

“Iraq will not play in the next World

Cup, but in 2018? We can only dream.”

When will the Lions roar again?

B

ullets whistle in the night sky. Car horns blare. From Zahko to Basrah fans dance in the streets until dawn.

It can only mean one thing: Iraq’s national football squad has won a game!

Truth is poor old “Lions” supporters have had nothing to cheer since March this year when Iraq hammered home a thrilling 2-1 win over Syria in a friendly.

And now their dreams of heading down to Rio for the World Cup in 2014 have been shattered when Iraq lost to Oman and Japan in the qualifiers.

As the national side pick their way through a purple patch fans’ thoughts inevitably turn back to early 2013 when they enjoyed a good run in the last Gulf Cup making it to the Final against the UAE. The Lions’ stunning win against Bahrain in the semis was arguably the most thrilling Gulf Cup game. Level 1-1 at full-time Iraq won 4-2 on penalties.

48 | IRAQTODAY | Summer 2013

Just like the final of the 2005 West Asian Games, legendary goalkeeper Noor Sabri stepped up to take the last Iraqi penalty, comfortably slotting it home to send Iraq’s fans and players wild.

Iraqi hearts were broken in the Final against UAE when the Emirates side won 2-1 after extra time. Ahmed Yasin and lone striker Younis made a couple of encouraging moves midway through the first-half but were always thwarted by UAE defenders.

And UAE could easily have doubled their lead early in the second half as Omar Abdulrahman’s powerful long ranger from the left went slightly wide and Khalil’s attempt from close was also off target.

Landmark game The friendly in March against Syria was a landmark game for Iraq. It was the national squad’s first international at home for 18 months which they won 2-1.

Waving Iraqi flags and

By Barnaby Wilson

chanting “Oh Iraq, you are still alive,” boisterous supporters cheered on their team amid tight security. Fans were searched before entering the stadium, while two military helicopters buzzed overhead.

Shrugging off the effects of a recent 1-0 loss to China in an Asian Cup qualifier, Iraq’s most famous player, Younis Mahmoud, opened the scoring in the 52nd minute with a cool finish after a lovely passing move.

Syria, which is unable to play matches at home due to the civil war, levelled in the 81st through Omar Khrebin’s powerful shot, only for Ali Rehema to score Iraq’s winner in injury time by running through the Syrian defence and striking the ball into the bottom corner of the net with his right foot.

Tariq Ahmed, general secretary of the Iraqi Football Federation, described the game as: “a big football party that has brought back the life to Iraqi football, and has brought back

Journal of the Iraq Britain Business Council

IRAQI NATIONAL SQUAD: World Cup dreams torn-up

Iraqi fans to the stadium.”

Ahmed said the stadium was filled to capacity with 45,000 to 50,000 fans, while 20,000 others gathered outside.

Liberian gloom But since the morale boosting win over Syria, Iraq’s fortunes have taken a downward spiral and for me the most troubling defeat this season was also in a friendly: this time against Liberia which the Lions lost 1-0.

The players and Serbian coach Ljupko Petrovic were perhaps not entirely to blame as the hastily arranged match was on-again, off-again. It was due to be played on May 24th at the Al-Shaab Stadium, Baghdad. The Liberian players had visa issues which were not sorted out in time and the game was postponed twice until the 27th.

The match was given little publicity, it kicked off at 4pm when the temperatures were around 42 centigrade, and the stadium was half full. Every side needs strong support and the

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Iraqi fans simply were not there in force to cheer them on.

Also in Iraq’s favour the Liberian side were jet-lagged after a horrendous journey to Baghdad via Nairobi, Accra and Istanbul and because it was not played on a FIFA match day Liberia’s top professionals were not available – only Alex Karmo and Herron Berrian made it. Also the African side had only a few hours to train in Baghdad.

Meanwhile the Iraqi side was reasonably strong and it is a game they should have won. Petrovic had three foreign based players – captain Younis Mahmoud, Salam Shaker and Ahmed Ibrahim – absent for the tie, but was able to call on the services of Ali Rehema of Qatari club Al-Wakra and give a start to veteran maestro Nashat Akram, his first game after reversing his decision to retire from international football.

Nashat plays for Iraqi league leaders Al Shorta and is the man the fans call Al Musika – or the Musician. To me Nashat is more akin to an orchestral conductor,

setting the tempo, shaping and creating the chances for his team-mates and unifying the team.

But Nashat was not on song against Liberia – the former golden boy was a shadow of his former self.

He was also a lot slower and appeared to have added a few pounds!

The home fans and their players, who had 19 goal attempts sensed it was not going to be their day when a minute after Amjad’s goalbound chip was headed off the line and out of danger by the lofty Alex Karmo on 74 minutes.

Nashat somehow put the ball the wrong side of the post, after Hulgard’s run on the by-line had created the opportunity.

Future glory?

But look, let us not get too despondent.

Iraq may be around 97th in the FIFA World rankings, but the fact there is a functioning Iraqi national side is a miracle given what many of the players and officials have suffered in the last decade of Iraq’s turbulent history.

In the 2015 Gulf Cup race Iraq face Saudi Arabia and Indonesia later this year. They have beaten both these sides already – and these are tough teams especially the Saudi Arabians.

As for the World Cup, Iraq had a reasonable run and gave the fans something to cheer. It is worth noting Iraq has qualified only once for the World Cup in 1986 when they lost to hosts Mexico, Belgium and Paraguay.

Iraq will not play in the next World Cup. But in 2018? We can only dream! n

Summer 2013 | IRAQTODAY | 49

Sports

SEARCHING FOR A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD Mosul based freelance journalist SUHA AUDA has been honoured with an award for her journalism by the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq.

IRAQ TODAY has edited and translated her prize-winning article about the struggle facing Iraqi women participating in sport

F “

I don’t pay attention to society’s views because my sole wish is to learn and improve my athletic skills.”

DUAA SABHAN 50 | IRAQTODAY | Summer 2013

iling nervously into a sports hall in Mosul, northern Iraq, around 20 girls prepared to practice gymnastics. Compared to their male counterparts at Mosul University’s Faculty of Sport, their number is small.

Another difference is that the gates to the sports hall were locked behind them and an announcement made the hall was exclusively allocated for women.

Liqaa Abdul Muttalib, a rhythmic gymnastics trainer says facilities are not ideal: “There are pillars in the hall which limit free movement and rotational flips.

This hall was initially designed for physical fitness.”

Behind another locked gate Ammar Shihab was coaching the university’s recently formed fivea-side female football team.

“Women’s participation has shrunk following the 2003 events,” said Shihab.

“However, this did not prevent women from exercising and participating in sports tournaments. Our women’s football team took part in the tournament that took place in Syria in 2010.”

On the separation between the two genders in sports Shihab thinks: “it is a right step for both of them at the present time.”

The gender gap It seems that the way society views women in Mosul and much of the surrounding Nineveh province is reflected in the attitude towards women’s participation in sports.

Some believe that it’s inappropriate, like Nihad Mohamed Qais, who is a 22-yearold student.

“I don’t like women’s participation in sports. It is not a Journal of the Iraq Britain Business Council

civilised phenomenon. Therefore, I will not allow my sister or a female relative to participate in sports or to join an athletic club or faculty,” he said.

“What makes me reject the idea is what I heard about the presence of boys and girls together, in addition to the presence of male coaches. I also do not like the idea of women wearing sports uniforms.”

While the majority of men in Mosul do not agree with women’s participation in sports, some women support it. One of them is 20 year old Dhikra.

“I do encourage women’s engagement in sports, provided that they do their exercises in the absence of men so that they will feel at ease, at least with regard to wearing the sports uniform,” she said.

My male and female colleagues do not know about me playing football because they do not welcome the idea.

“I believe that religious considerations are the main reason behind the families’ objections to their daughters joining faculties of sport.”

that wearing the hijab did not prevent her from taking part in sports.

“I do not support the present separation between us and our male colleagues,” she said.

“There is nothing that prevents me from exercising with them.

I don’t pay attention to society’s views because my sole wish is to learn and improve my athletic skills. My father often encourages me to get rid of the state of social shyness.”

When society constitutes a barrier, parents may support their daughters and lead them towards success and allow them to travel and participate in athletic contests. But the case of Sabhan is quite different from that of Riyam Ali who plays on the five-a-side football team.

“My family did not allow me to join the Faculty of Physical Education,” she said. “Therefore, at the end of the day, when my lectures finish, I join the team to attend training drills and exercises. Of course my male and female colleagues do not know about my coming here because they do not welcome the idea.”

Dressing for success

Religion and sport

Khalid Abdul Majeed is Deputy Representative of the Olympic Committee in Nineveh. He also believes that family disapproval and social conditions prevent more women participating in sport, as well as more of them wearing hijab (head scarves) “We have a female volleyball team which ranks second in Iraq,” said Majeed. “However, all the teams are found in Nineveh Plain because of the better security situation in the area as well as the positive social views about female athletes, which is almost free of perceptions of inferiority.”

Duaa Sabhan, 22, a talented and enthusiastic athlete, said

In Iraq religion has its say concerning women’s involvement in sport and taking part in contests.

“Women’s sport nowadays is a cause for molestation of women, particularly the sports that are covered by media and broadcast to the public,” said Skeikh Ahmed Ghanim, imam and preacher at the Islamic Awakening Mosque and a member of Iraq’s Scholars Association in Nineveh.

“The aim of this is merely to export women to the West.

However, women may exercise and do their drills inside confined halls, separately from men, while wearing their legal dresses.”

www.webuildiraq.org

“The limited role of women in the athletic field in terms of winning medals, good results, flags and participation does not constitute any risk to the country, and female athletes winning medals and cups is not an achievement for the country and does not contribute to its development,” Sheikh Ghanim added.

Religious and social views are almost the same and seem to have contributed to the difficulties many women find in joining in sports in Iraq. n

“My male and female colleagues do not know about me playing football because they do not welcome the idea.”

RIYAM ALI

Summer 2013 | IRAQTODAY | 51

Sports

AMMO BABA:

A FOOTBALLING LEGEND

By RUSS SMITH

A

sk any older Iraqi football fan to recall “the golden days” of Iraqi football and they will most likely go misty-eyed over the 1980s when the national side won the Gulf and Arab Nations Cups – and a football legend Ammo Baba was head coach.

Ammo Baba – real name: Emmanuel Baba Dawud – exploded on to the Middle Eastern football scene when he was only 16 playing for Iraqi schoolboys against the home nation Egypt in the Pan Arab School Championship in 1951.

His talents had been spotted by coach Ismail Mohammed who gave him his nickname and advised him to move from the West of Iraq to Baghdad to play for one of the top teams.

Ammo Baba, who is still revered by generations of Iraqis who never saw him play, was an instinctive out and out goalscorer, known for his bicycle kicks or backward double-kicks as they are known in Iraq, heading ability, and the power of his shooting. He had an opportunist’s eye for goal but also displayed magnificent technique and virtuoso skill of a great footballer.

In 1954 he signed for Baghdad based Haris al Maliki where he was a huge success, scoring bundles of goals, season after season.

The prolific marksman was

52 | IRAQTODAY | Summer 2013

once the captain of a short-lived Arab national team during the mid-1960s which was organised in Egypt but did not play any international competitions, managing only a few against local teams in Cairo and Alexandria.

British football calling After a brilliant scoring record for both Iraq and Al Ouwa al Jawiyah he was spotted by English Second Division side Notts. County managed by former Iraqi military coach Frank Hill and was offered a contract, but when the call from Meadow Lane came, he could not leave Iraq.

A year earlier another former coach of his, William Cook offered him a chance to play for Crewe Alexandra then in the English Third Division and there were also offers from Chelsea and Celtic – but Ammo Baba still could not leave his beloved Iraq.

Due to a serious injury he sustained in 1965 while playing for Iraq at the Pan Arab Games in Cairo, Ammo Baba was nearly forced to retire from the game but returned to play for a further five years.

He later played for Al-Maslaha and Kuliya Al-Askariya before calling it a day in 1970.

Coaching was his future He began his coaching career at Al-Maslaha (Passenger Transport) team in Baghdad in 1967 in a

player-coach role. A year earlier while returning from injury, the Iraq FA named him coach of the Baghdad XI side for a match against East Germany however they were beaten 4-0 by the Germans and Ammo Baba was relieved of his duties.

The same year he was appointed as the head coach of Iraq’s national team for the first time. He was also the Olympic team head coach, where he led the team to two Olympic appearances in Los Angeles in 1984 and Seoul in 1988.

During these golden years Ammo Baba led Iraq to three titles in the Gulf (1979, 1984, 1988), the Asian Games 1982 and the Arab Nations Cup in 1988.

He also found success in the Iraqi League where he led Al Talaba to a title in 1981. After leaving the national scene, he was hired by Al Zawraa and led them to a title in 1994.

Standing up to Uday He was one of the few prominent Iraqis to openly confront Saddam Hussein’s son Uday who was the president of the Iraqi Football Association. But Saddam remained one of Ammo Baba’s biggest supporters and somehow the coaching legend survived.

After the Iraq War 2003 all his family, including his children, moved to Chicago while he stayed in Baghdad where he ran a football academy for teenagers.

Final score On January 20, 2006, the 71-yearold was attacked in his home, where he was tied, blind-folded, beaten, and then robbed.

Ammo Baba died at the age of 74 on Wednesday the 27th of May 2009 in Dohuk from the complications of diabetes.

He was buried at Al Shaab Stadium, Baghdad, as he had requested before his death. n Journal of the Iraq Britain Business Council

Books

A new collection of iconic photographs captures the untold story of the Iraq war 2003

Untold stories from Iraq

BY STEPHEN CASSCELLS-HAMBY 4 PHOTOJOURNALISTS ON WAR, MICHAEL KAMBER Recommended retail price: US$ 65.00 | Amazon: US $55.05 | University of Texas Press: $43.55

T

wenty years from now, when the next generation is studying the 2003 Iraq War, I can only imagine what will fill their curriculum: dates, numbers of dead and injured, who won – who lost?

Yet while they frantically scribble notes to prepare for their exam, my guess is their minds will be devoid of stories unheard by most: about those caught in the crossfire of this conflict which changed Iraq forever.

Michael Kamber’s book provides that unique and intimate touch of photojournalism as he captures the tales of American soldiers and correspondents, but also of Iraqi families and their struggle to survive.

A foreword by Pulitzer winning journalist Dexter Filkins describes the book as, “epic in scope, human in scale.”

And for me turning every page I could feel my heart ache as I hoped the images and descriptions of Iraq at war were merely fantasy. But no, they were painfully real.

Contributor Lynsey Addario’s

and Iraqi citizens evokes a traumatising yet unforgettable experience that is certainly engrained in my mind.

And my feeling is the goal was not to evoke a sense of victory, as Iraq parted ways with a tyrant; rather to instil a moment of compassion and understanding that Iraq still had a long way to go.

When I read the stories and captions of photographs from Addario, Bangert and others I could imagine myself in Firdos Square, Baghdad witnessing historic change – a paradigm shift which cast shadows of anxiety and fear over its citizens as American forces, whose goal was to liberate from tyranny, but left a nation seemingly drowned in a sea of insurgency.

In a conflict where the only clearly identifiable soldiers on the streets American-led coalition forces, hopeful yet frightened Iraqi men, women and children found themselves caught between their ‘liberators’ and militias.

Images from Patrick Baz and Guy Calaf showed exactly that

recount of Iraq’s transformative perspective of Americans

with the latter remarking: “What always killed me about all of this

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was that these attacks were so costly to the population” For me the strength of Kamber’s work lies in his astonishing ability to instil breathtaking images in our mind of the painful untold stories and although shocking and sometimes gruesome, these photographs penetrate our deep understanding of war and its repercussions.

Dates and statistics are ignored, and once you turn that final page, you can finally understand.

Like the Baghdad woman photographed crossing a street filled with smoke and flames, you hope she and millions of other Iraqis eventually do find tranquillity on the other side. SCH

Summer 2013 | IRAQTODAY | 53

Postcard from...

Basrah After years of conflict Iraq is being transformed – but modernisation means slices of traditional life are lost forever.

We asked photographer FAKHER ABDUL SATTAR AL-GHANIM to capture some of the familiar sights which make up the rich kaleidoscope of life for ordinary Iraqis, before they become just a memory.

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Journal of the Iraq Britain Business Council

Ferry across the Sha’at The earliest civilisation in Basrah is thought to be at least 6,000 years old and almost since time began families have crossed this watery region in a variety of craft.

Despite the opening of three new bridges across the 800 metre wide Sha’at al-Arab in Basrah traditional ferries are still in business.

The fare from the Corniche to the other side is less than US$1, although for a few dollars more the ferryman will take you anywhere on the Sha’at.

But a new road tunnel and a suspension bridge are being planned.

In the future: will there be anyone to pay the ferryman?4 www.webuildiraq.org

Summer 2013 | IRAQTODAY | 55

Postcard from...

FERRY ACROSS THE SHAAT

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Journal of the Iraq Britain Business Council

Old Basrah

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Basrah is often called the City of Shanasheel, which is the Arabic term for a stand-out window surrounded by wooden latticework from the second floor upwards – the earliest versions were found in Baghdad from the 12th century onwards.

The wooden screen with openable windows gives shade and protection from the hot summer sun which in Basrah often tops 45C, meanwhile shade from the street causes different

air pressures and the lattice allows cool air to flow through the house. The lattice also allows the home owner to watch the street without being seen.

These magnificent examples of Shanasheel are in Old Basrah and are thought date from the end of the Ottoman period.

Somehow they survived years of wars, especially the Iran-Iraq convict more than 30 years ago when much of Old Basrah was destroyed.4 Summer 2013 | IRAQTODAY | 57

Postcard from...

Rope souk, Basrah Rope was first made by the ancients from the fibres of date palms which were plentiful in Iraq until recently.

It was from age-old settlements like Basrah the skill of rope making spread through the rest of the world several millennia ago.

Basrah’s maritime history – especially during the time of sailing ships – meant rope making in the city never died out and although some rope is made from hemp, most are now twisted from synthetic fibres.

All that remains of a once thriving industry in Basrah is the rope souk made up of a small collection of shops in the Ashar district where rope of every colour and strength can be found.

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Journal of the Iraq Britain Business Council

Al-Zubhair The souk at Al-Zubhair

Any gentleman looking for an abaya cloak to slip over his dishdash will find a souk dedicated to sewing together his requirements in Al Zubhair.

Seated on the floor crosslegged tailors have been turning out fine abayas here for a hundred years.

A standard one will cost around US$200, a more elaborate version with gold stitching much loved by sheikhs will cost more than five times that.

In some parts of Iraq sales of hand-made abayas have dropped dramatically with customers opting for cheaper ready made cloaks imported from the Far East.

But more traditional Basrah still prefers the quality of a handmade garment. n

LEFT: Many stalls sell trinkets, toys and coffee pots for tourists, especially those from neighbouring Iran.

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FE AT U RE SI N G A DV ER TI

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Building on 21 years of essential work throughout Iraq

A

MAR has an exemplary record, established over 21 years, of advising on and delivering essential health, education and training services in continuing complex emergency environments. AMAR forms close partnerships and works in close cooperation with, local and national governments, global health and education institutions and international companies.

By working in this way, and by only employing local professionals, AMAR is able to respond to the needs of the population, the government and corporate donors in a way which builds capacity and is therefore completely sustainable.

Zain Iraq is AMAR’s leading corporate sponsor and has been supporting AMAR in the delivery of all its projects in Iraq for over six years. Zain and AMAR are working together to address the desperate need for health care and education after several decades of neglect and deterioration of the health and education infrastructure.

The generous financial support provided by Zain enables AMAR to continue providing assistance to hundreds of thousands of men, women and children, as well as being able to develop and start new projects, such as the latest project to fight tuberculosis in Iraq in partnership with UNDP and the Ministry of Health.

AMAR has worked in partnership with Shell Iraq since 2010 to strengthen the provision of basic services in the communities around Shell’s Iraq operations and to increase access to primary health care services and health education. This project was awarded the Shell CEO’s Global Award for Social Performance. As this partnership grows AMAR and Shell 60 | IRAQTODAY | Summer 2013

MAIN: A hand-washing class from AMAR’s Health Education in Schools programme BOTTOM LEFT: A consultation with one of AMAR’s Mobile Health Clinic doctors BOTTOM RIGHT: A home visit by one of AMAR’s Women Health Volunteers

Iraq are now also developing a Road Safety Education campaign for schools and working to develop opportunities for professional medical training in addition to skills training and employment projects.

AMAR is also supported by Kuwait Energy Company, Gulfsands Petroleum, GardaWorld, SKA Group, Central Park Hotel, IKB Travel and AAIB Insurance, and has recently been supported by Dragon Oil and Olive Group.

CONTACT US For more infomation about AMAR, please contact us on: Tel: +44 (0) 207 799 2217 Email: london@amarfoundation.org Or visit: www.amarfoundation.org

Journal of the Iraq Britain Business Council

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ork Ourppnoretstw v o er su

1pe6ople5ev,e0ry m0on0th

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Restaurant

ALL ABOARD! TOP: LUXURY DINING Fine food and beautiful vistas of the Sha’at FLOATING RESTAURANT: A firm favourite with Basrawis

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ears ago – in better times – Basrah was a holiday destination for millions of Arabs especially from the Gulf states. They flocked to Basrah for the wonderful Corniche and to sample some of the best food and hospitality in the world.

The sparkling Sha’at Al Arab waterway was alive with the bustle of ships and a myriad of other sailing craft; even flying boats splashed down here – because Basrah back then was also a major trading centre for the region.

The sea and the waterways

Tisstahel Al-Basrah

begun. Once again the famous floating restaurants are coming back to life.

Stepping aboard Tisstahel alBasrah you walk down a corridor decorated red, silver and gold; you feel you are leaving the land

classic Iraqi dishes with tables groaning under plates of delicious salads, lamb and chicken kebabs, little dishes of vegetables and pickles and of course the masgouf or grilled carp. I must also mention the bread – huge warm and oval wings as light as air.

My fish was perfectly cooked: crispy on the outside with the soft juicy flesh falling away from the bone. As is the custom it was laid on a big tray and garnished with lemon and pickle. Simply delicious.

Prices depend on what you choose from the menu, but a

of southern Iraq are part of every true Basrawi’s heart – small wonder Basrah was the home of the legendary mariner Sinbad the Sailor.

Now, after years of conflict Corniche culture is being revived and a trickle of tourists has

and surrendering to the sea and all its secrets.

Its restaurant is ship-like inside – but port-holes give way to open viewing areas where the Sha’at glides by with a gentle gurgle!

Tisstahel al-Basrah serves

typical dinner is around US$20.

Tisstahel al-Basrah opened in 2007 and has already established itself with prominent Basrawis and their families.

Cool waiters, cool waters and cool prices. Tisstahel al-Basrah is a must visit. AH

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By Ahmad Hoobi The Corniche, Basrah Tel: +964 66 210 55 55

Journal of the Iraq Britain Business Council

BELLO BASILICO! TOP: A TOUCH OF CLASS Basilico oozes Italian style

Basilico

By Shivan Sabr

FINE FISH: Basilico specialises in the taste of the sea

Basilico. Rotana Hotel, Erbil Tel: +964 66 210 55 55

I

talian restaurants tend to be

lavish affairs and this culinary gem at the Rotana Hotel in Erbil is no exception.

The room is well laid out with tall ceilings, broad mirrors and light green chairs around wooden tables – positioned just the right distance from fellow diners!

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Whenever restaurants in Erbil cook foreign dishes – let’s be polite – they tend to have a Kurdish twist! But believe me Basilico is the real Italian job.

Chef Vincenzo De Torres’s specialities focus on sea-food and although north Iraq is a long way from the ocean I opted for a platter of prawns, squid and other maritime delights for starter. It tasted utterly fresh and delicious.

The side-salad was also authentically Italian – such a wonderful change from Kurdish salads which are often a meal in themselves. For main I opted for ravioli, flavoured with wonderful herbs, filled with delicious mushrooms and with a memorable cheese sauce. For me this dish was the highlight and I’ll wager diners on the Via Veneto in Rome would not be tasting better.

The extensive menu also offers panini, pastas and, of course, pizzas.

What I also liked about this restaurant is the portions were just right, based on the Italian principle that customers might opt for four courses: salad, pasta, main course and desert.

And talking of pudding, the deserts at Basilico are little works of art.

I had the tiramisu – as authentically Italian as you can get.

Basilico is busiest during the weekend, where guests usually linger longer yet every effort is made to create an unforgettable experience.

It also tends to be a little packed at lunchtime when they serve a 30 minute meal.

The price of an average meal is between US$40 and US$60 without wine.

Mama Mia! A little bit of Italy in northern Iraq. SS Summer 2013 | IRAQTODAY | 63

Lifestyle

FITNESS FOCUS

With Graham Fairley

Welcome to our health and fitness section for businessmen and women travelling in the Middle East and Gulf region.

Graham is a New Zealand-born personal trainer who lists well-known personalities from music and show business among his clients Graham writes exclusively for IRAQ TODAY

HOW TO BEAT JET LAG? Hi Guys.

Well there is good news and bad!

First the bad: you can’t prevent jet lag.

But the good news is you can avoid the worst effects, if you follow my simple tips.

Top up your sleep Make sure you’re fully rested before you travel. If you’re flying overnight and you can get a bit of sleep on the flight, it will help you to stay up until night time once you arrive at your destination.

Change your sleep routine A few days before you travel, start getting up and going to bed earlier (if you’re travelling east) or later (if you’re travelling west). During the flight, try to eat and sleep according to your destination’s local time.

Have a stopover on the way Including a stopover in your flight will make it easier to adjust to the time change, and you’ll be less tired when you arrive.

During your journey Keep hydrated.

Dehydration can intensify the 64 | IRAQTODAY | Summer 2013

effects of jet lag, especially after sitting in a dry aeroplane cabin for many hours. Avoid alcoholic and caffeine drinks like coffee, tea and cola.

Preparing for sleep Eyeshades and earplugs may help you sleep. Regular exercise during the day may also help you sleep, but avoid strenuous exercise immediately before bedtime.

Use remedies with caution Many airline staff take melatonin, a hormone formed by the body at night or in darkness, to try to fight jet lag.

Sleeping medication is not recommended as it doesn’t help your body to adjust naturally to a new sleeping pattern.

At your destination Try to get as much sleep in every 24 hours as you normally would. A minimum block of four hours’ sleep during the local night – known as “anchor sleep” – is thought to be necessary to help you adapt to a new time zone. If possible, make up the total sleep time by taking naps during the day.

Natural light The cycle of light and dark is one of the most important factors in setting the body’s internal clock. Exposure to daylight at the destination will usually help you adapt to the new time zone faster.

Short trips For stays of less than three or four days, it may be better for the traveller to remain on “home time” (that is, timing activities such as sleeping and eating to occur at the times they would have occurred at home) to minimise disruption to the normal sleep-wake cycle – although this is not always practical.

Journal of the Iraq Britain Business Council

WHO NEEDS A GYM?

I

know many of you stay in hotels where gym facilities are poor to non-existent. But you do not need weights and running machines to stay fit.

Why not try some of these exercises in your hotel room to stay in shape: Running on the spot Start by jogging on the spot for 30 seconds slowly increasing your pace.

Once you have had a few seconds rest, sprint as fast as you can for 10 secs then jog for 10 secs. Repeat this 6-10 times. Remember to lift your knees nice and high and really pump your arms for maximum benefit. If you can only make 6 to start with try to add an extra one every time you train.

Bodyweight squats Great for hitting your glutes, hamstrings and quads.

Stand with your feet hip width apart. Your toes should be pointing straight ahead or only slightly outward. Cross your arms in front of your body, place your hands behind your head (prisoner squat) or at the side of your body.

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Keep your weight on your heels and bend your knees while lowering your hips towards the ground as if you are sitting down on a chair. Keep your back straight at all times.

Continue until you feel a slight stretch in your quadriceps.

Pause for a count of one.

Do not let your knees extend out beyond the level of your toes.

Return to the start position by pushing down through your heels and extending your hips forward until you are standing straight. Repeat 12-15 repetitions 2-3 times with a 30 second rest between each set.

Press-ups This is a tried and test way of staying fit. With your body raised on outstretched arms and on your toes – with your body straight – do as many press-ups as you feel comfortable with. This might be 10, 20 or 30 in succession.

Try do at least 3 repeats of say a minimum of 10.

For men: If you can build that up to say 200 a day with a 100 in the morning and 100 at night you will be amazed at the

growth of your pecs!

Tricep dips To target your triceps, use a hotel room chair or the side of the bath. Start the move with your palms down, fingers pointing towards your body.

Your legs should be straight out ahead of you and your bum in front of the chair. Dip so that your arms are bent to at least 90 degrees, then return.

Do as many as you can in 30 seconds then rest for 30 and repeat. Aim for 2-3 times. Your triceps should be burning in a good way!

Plank Last of all: those ABS! Get into a face down position on the floor supporting your upper body on your forearms.

Your elbows should be bent at 90 degrees.

Extend your legs straight out behind you, supporting them on your toes and balls of your feet.

Keep your body in a straight line by tightening your abdominal and oblique muscles.

Hold for as long as possible.

Make sure you keep your back nice and straight and flex your abdominals throughout the whole exercise.

You have finished your hotel room workout Well done!

Next time try to sprint faster, do more repeats and increase your time.

Don’t forget to stretch all the major muscles you used today.

Follow Graham at twitter @GrahamFairley Summer 2013 | IRAQTODAY | 65

Business

AND FINALLY..... in each edition of IRAQ TODAY we will outline 10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW about doing business in Iraq; an honest assessment aimed specifically at potential Western investors.

PIPING: Massive revenues are sure to follow from Iraq’s gas industry FUNDS The UK acted aggressively to address an historical weakness in its anti-bribery laws by enacting the UK Bribery Act

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THUMBS UP!

The good news is Iraq is very much open for business and there is limitless goodwill towards Western investors.

Quite simply Iraq is potentially one of the world’s wealthiest nations. With 10% annual growth Iraq is already one of the fastest growing economies after China Senior Iraqi politicians regularly tell the Iraq Britain Business Council: “We want Western businesses to come. Westerners are pushing at an open door.”

Iraq is generating more than US$7 billion a month from oil exports, a figure which could easily treble by the end of the decade.

Further massive revenues are sure to flow from Iraq’s gas industry which is still in its infancy in terms of development; at the moment US$10 million of gas is burned off every day until the capture program begins.

Iraq has not started mining rich mineral wealth beneath its deserts and mountains, including gold and platinum.

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Stalled since 2007 there is no sign a vital hydrocarbons law will be passed soon, but there appears to be a thawing of relations between Erbil and Baghdad over oil revenue sharing According to business watchdogs Transparency International, Iraq is languishing at 169th place out of 174 in a corruption list country by country.

Anyone doing business in Iraq would be wise to remind themselves of the severe penalties which can be imposed on corporations and individuals.

The United States, through the Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission, has dramatically increased its investigation and enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. In addition, in 2010 the United Kingdom acted aggressively to address an historical weakness in its anti-bribery laws by enacting the UK Bribery Act. Local Iraqi courts: not recommended; especially if a high value claim.

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Paperwork for setting up a company in federal Iraq can take up to a year.

THUMBS DOWN!

Journal of the Iraq Britain Business Council

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