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Brush Strokes Gallery in downtown Fredericksburg will feature the work of a dynamic and internationally recognized artist from Iraq: Hashim Al Samarrai.

In a show titled Crossroads: Where East Meets West, which was born from Al Samarrais desire to showcase his Middle Eastern culture beside the free-flowing American landscape, visitors will see 18 of his paintings. Most are for sale, but a few hail from personal collections and are being displayed specifically for the show.

Penny Parish, gallery president, said she was especially impressed by his versatility, but also his ability to capture the world as it exists in his own medium.

Art, like music, is a universal language, she said. You do not have to know words to appreciate talent and beauty. We hope visitors see that in Hashims work.

The exhibit will be displayed through July 31. It will open with a First Friday reception on July 1 from 5 to 9 p.m. The artist is expected to attend.

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The works selected for the show are painted in oils and acrylics in his distinct style of realistic scenes with expressionistic colors, lush textures and playful light. Iraqs ancient ways of life, which have always been tied to the land, may be disappearing, but Al Samarrai has revived them in paintings such as Streets of Old Baghdad and works that convey the lonely challenges of the desert, such as Man of the Desert and Resting Place.

His travels in the United States have served as a beacon of hope and healing for him. In Virginia Gold, he captures the beauty of a sunset over the river, while Sunrise conveys the hope of a new day.

Al Samarrai hopes that his Crossroads exhibit will convey the message that, while Iraqi and American cultures may differ on the surface, a shared heart of resilience and common humanity beats at their core and we can recognize the beauty in the other.

A guest exhibitor to the gallery, Al Samarrais paintings have been featured in several American and Middle Eastern galleries and his commissions are found in personal collections throughout the world.

He is a lifelong student of art, but also of history, and Al Samarrai has always found inspiration in Iraqi history and old traditions. He and his work have borne witness as back-to-back wars destroyed the cultural heritage and natural resources of Iraq.

He graduated first in his class from the Baghdad Institute of Fine Arts in 1991, just after the Gulf War. During the crushing economic sanctions that followed the war, canvas and paint were impossible to find. So, he fashioned canvasses out of worn cloth, stretched and painted with makeshift white paint. He was able to harness the inherent roughness of his homemade canvasses to create rich texture and depth in his paintings.

His love of texture began long before that, though. Al Samarrai was born in Samarra, Iraq in 1969, one of ten children. He described knowing he was an artist by age three, always with a pen and paper in hand. He was once so taken by the way the light hit his eggs in the morning, he ran to get his pencils and completely forgot to eat.

When reflecting on his career as an artist, but specifically during the past 19 war-torn years, Hashim said, Unquestionably, painting breathes air into my lungs and allows me to separate myself from my bitter surroundings and remain optimistic. It allows me to press forward amidst a life marred by fear, debilitating uncertainty, and terror. Like a delicate butterfly, painting gives me wings strong enough to float above the chaos. I dream and work toward opportunities to break the chains that tether me from expanding my talent and sharing my gifts with the world.

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Brush Strokes Gallery to feature works by internationally recognized artist from Iraq - Culpeper Star-Exponent

The situation facing todays global energy markets is already tough. Now, Iraq, a country that contains close to 10 per cent of the world's proven oil reserves, is having to deal with the constant threat of attacks against its facilities.

In March, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps fired 12 ballistic missiles at the Kurdistan region, hitting the home of businessman Baz Karim, whose company KAR Group operates the largest oil refinery in the region. Tehran claimed that the site was an Israeli "strategic centre". Militants have at various points been blamed for other attacks in the region.

But last week was especially bad. On Wednesday, two contractors were wounded in a missile attack near the Khor Mor gasfield, also in the Kurdistan region. A second attack took place on Friday, and a third on Saturday. In a statement, Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), stressed the importance of security co-operation with Baghdad to fill the "security vacuum" surrounding the region. Iraqi President Barham Salih said that the assaults are "targeting the countrys stability and hitting the national economy".

Iraq faces a number of other severe issues, including drought. AFP

Finding a lasting solution to this multifaceted threat is complex, and there is no comprehensive one. Companies and authorities are fortifying sites, but a large part of the threat posed by missiles and drones, even the cheapest ones, is that they are hard to intercept. Swathes of contested ground in the country provide ample launching spots.

There is, however, one elusive requirement that goes deeper than more security forces, reinforced concrete, roadblocks and air defence systems. A key reason Iraq remains powerless in the face of attacks on its interests is political paralysis in Baghdad. National elections took place in October, yet factions are still arguing over the formation of a government. A key aggravating factor is that Iran-backed groups fared badly, which some say is pushing Tehran to use violent intimidation tactics in other regions, such as the KRG.

That is only part of the political problem. Another complication in securing more domestic co-operation in the face of such threats is constitutional and legal disagreements between the KRG and Baghdad over the manner in which the former a semi-autonomous zone manages its energy resources with the federal government. Much like with forming a government, no immediate end is in sight, but there is an urgent need for action.

Editorials from The National

The most pressing work to be carried is not by soldiers, then, but politicians. They are not doing it quickly enough, and history gives little hope that the pace will pick up anytime soon. Until then, there is only so much the country can do to defend itself against destructive elements both at home and abroad. With this in mind, Iraqi politicians from all quarters, should drop internal, tactical and political aims for wider strategic ones. Unity will not end foreign interference, but it will help Iraq stand up to it.

The World Bank says that oil represents more than 40 per cent of the country's GDP, 99 per cent of its exports and more than 90 per cent of government revenue, despite the need to diversify the economy. Those numbers rise above political divisions. They are about the very future of the country, which is already battling terrifying challenges such as water shortages, disease and the risk of increased militant activity, to name only a few.

Published: June 28, 2022, 3:00 AM

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The best way Iraq can protect its oil industry - The National

Erbil, Iraq, 27 June 2022 UNDP Iraq and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in partnership with the Office of the National Security Advisory, and with participation from the Ministry of Migration and Displacement (MOMD) and other relevant government agencies, have brought together over 45 community and tribal leaders as well as local authorities from Ninewa Governorate in a workshop aimed at fostering understanding and community readiness among local leaders to facilitate the return and reintegration of displaced Iraqis back into their communities.

UNDP and IOM are working with the Government of Iraq to support the return and reintegration of displaced Iraqi families with perceived affiliation to ISIL, including those returning from Syria, in line with the governments efforts to end protracted displacement through proactive measures to facilitate access to durable solutions.

The workshop included participants from the areas of Baaj, Ayadia, Makhmour, Mosul, Al Qiarah and Telafar in Ninewa, and discussed the details of the return process, challenges facing families who will return, the role of community leaders and local government in facilitating the reintegration of families, and the work which UNDP and IOM are undertaking to facilitate return and reintegration. The workshop produced a unanimous consensus to enhance community acceptance of returning families.

UNDP Iraq Resident Representative Ms. Zena Ali-Ahmad emphasizes, UNDP is committed to working with the Iraqi Government and IOM to ensure communities are well informed and ready to accept the return of displaced families back to their communities of origin. Our sustainable approach to community readiness includes discussions with local and national authorities surrounding livelihood opportunities, mental health services, and housing options for both returning families and community members.

According to Mr. Giorgi Gigauri, IOMs Chief of Mission in Iraq, IOMs whole-of-society approach to identifying and facilitating durable solutions for displaced Iraqis demands that the needs, concerns and awareness of all those affected are taken into account this is a crucial component of joint efforts by IOM, UNDP and the Government of Iraq to resolve the cases of individuals facing complex barriers to return and reintegration. The good faith and commitment to social cohesion shown during this workshop are a hopeful indication of increased opportunities for concerted action moving forward.

Dr. Saeed Al-Jiashi, Advisor, National Security Advisory, states, This meeting is very important in clarifying accurate information to the community about returning families and the stages of rehabilitation, including defining the timetable for returns. We have addressed issues by presenting facts and listening to tribal leaders, heads of administrative and security units, and local peace committees.

In 2020, UNDP Iraq launched a dedicated five-year Social Cohesion Programme to promote stronger, peaceful, and more cohesive communities in all areas of Iraq. The Community-based Reconciliation and Reintegration Project supports the community readiness, return, and reintegration of families perceived to be affiliated with ISIL, who are often among the most marginalized and vulnerable, as well as supporting host families in areas of return.

Media contact:

Miriam Pineau, Communication Analyst | miriam.pineau@undp.org |+964 790 110 1982IOM Iraqs Public Information Unit | iraqpublicinfo@iom.int

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UNDP, IOM, and Iraqi government agencies encourage returns and reintegration in Ninewa [EN/AR] - Iraq - ReliefWeb

A legislator from the Iraqi Fatah (Conquest) political alliance says the countrys anti-terror resistance groups will soon deliver a shocking response to the ongoing Turkish military offensives in the countrys semi-autonomousKurdistan region as they constitute a flagrant violation of Baghdads sovereignty.

Alial-Fatlawitold Iraqs Arabic-language al-Maalomah news agency that the Coordination Framework along with Popular Mobilization Units better known as Hashad al-Shaabi will give a crushing response to Turkey within the next few days.

He said the Iraqi government always stands idly by in the face of attacks and violations carried out against Iraq.

Fatlawiwent on to say that Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament Mohamed al-Halbousitakes his personal interests into consideration during foreign meetings, as he refused to demand an immediate end to Turkeys repeated violations of the Iraqi sovereignty and security when he met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently.

The Iraqi lawmaker highlighted that Halbousi deliberately made no reference to Turkish attacks on Iraqi territories during last Thursday's special parliamentary session.

Turkey launched a newcross-border incursion into Iraq, codenamedOperation Claw-Lock, in April. The air-and-ground military attacks target suspected PKK positions in the Zab, Basiyan, Avasheen, and Korajiwar districts in the Kurdistan region.

The Iraqi government summoned the Turkish ambassador,Ali Riza Guney,shortly afterwards and handed him a "strongly worded" protest note over the offensive, and called the operation a blatant violation of its sovereignty.

On the other hand, Ankara summoned the Iraqi charge d'affaires and informed him those military operations will continue if Baghdad doesn't take action against PKK members.

Militants of the PKK designated as a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and European Union regularly clash with Turkish forces in the Kurdish-dominated southeast of Turkey attached to northern Iraq.

A shaky ceasefire between the PKK and the Turkish government collapsed in July 2015. Attacks on Turkish security forces have soared ever since.

More than 40,000 people have been killed during the three-decade conflict between Turkey and the autonomy-seeking militant group.

Earlier this month, the Iraqi Foreign Ministry condemned in the strongest terms a Turkish drone strike in the Kurdistan region that killed several people, pledging that appropriate measures will be taken after an investigation into the deadly attack is completed.

The ministry said in a statement on June 17 that such actions represent violation of Iraq's sovereignty and a threat to the security of ordinary people, several of whom lost their lives and sustained injuries as a result of the attack.

This attack undermines the security of Iraq and stability of its people, and requires a unified stance to be confronted, the statement added.

The Iraqi Foreign Ministry went on to pledge necessary steps after completion of a thorough investigation into the attack.

A Turkish drone struck a security base belonging to theProtection Force of Ezidxan, which is aligned with theso-called Kurdistan Communities Union and backed by the PKKmilitant group, in the Snune sub-district of Sinjar in the Iraqi Kurdistan region on June 15.

According to the Kurdish-language Kurdistan 24 television news network, the attack by Turkish drone left at least six people dead and injured several others. However, some other media outlets put the death toll at four.

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Iraqi resistance forces will give shocking response to Turkish offensives: Lawmaker - Press TV

Baghdad, 27 June 2022 - The United Nations set aside 27 June to annually celebrate the role that micro, small and medium enterprises play in the global economy, poverty reduction and the attainment of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

This year, UN agencies in Iraq share a statement to recognize MSMEs at the heart of any resilient recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts, and climate crisis. They contribute to the structural transformation of economies through decent jobs creation and income generation, particularly for vulnerable population, hence addressing the root causes of irregular migration.

Following the economic shocks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and in view of the current food insecurity, MSMEs can be effective agents of change to help advance in rebuilding and recovery efforts said UN Resident Coordinator in Iraq, Irena Vojkov-Sollorano, adding: They also have the potential to adopt actions in their business practices to contribute to building back better, in adapting to and mitigating climate change. MSMEs and start-ups need assistance to be the driving forces behind relevant innovations and take up new environmentally-friendly opportunities, as well as to improve their resilience to future shocks. Empowering MSMEs can thus contribute to a transition towards environmentally sustainable economies and societies for all and to building greater stability and resilience.

In Iraq, MSMEs represent a large share of the private sector. Supporting Iraqi MSMEs is instrumental for economic diversification, women and youth empowerment and ensuring sustainable peacebuilding efforts. Furthermore, supporting MSMEs comprises assisting young people as the upcoming employers and employees, leveraging on Iraqs demographic dividend. The White Paper for Economic Reform outlines the Government of Iraqs goals of attracting investment, inclusive development, introducing e-governance systems and fostering local production. By building on this impetus for reform and supporting MSMEs, the United Nations can help improve the overall business environment for MSMEs, increase their capacity to compete and assist the Iraqi government in achieving the goals set out in the Iraqs White Paper.

The UN in Iraq is working collaboratively to support MSMEs, particularly in high potential sectors for economic diversification and job creation, such as agriculture and agri-food value chains and the culture and creative industries. Improving MSMEs competitiveness and value chain upgrading opportunities is extremely needed nowadays in Iraq to boost the local economy and create sustainable livelihood opportunities. Well-defined strategies with mutually reinforcing interventions, fostering productive alliances, building bridges between the public and private sector and enhancing human and social capital, with a focus on young people, are crucial.

MSMEs need coordinated action and targeted support to untap their potential for sustainable and inclusive growth and decent work creation. We will continue to join our efforts to support MSMEs in Iraq to ensure they have the capacity and resources to leverage a green transition, increase their productivity and competitiveness and foster employment. The time to act is now.

Irena Vojkov-Sollorano, UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq

Eric Buchot, Head of Country Programme, International Trade Centre

Dr. Salah ElHajjHassan, FAO Representative, Iraq

Ally Raza Qureshi, WFP Representative, Iraq

Maha Kattaa, ILO Country Coordinator, Iraq

George Gigauri, IOM Chief of Mission, Iraq

Erik Willems, Regional coordinator, UNCTAD

Zena Ali Ahmad, Resident Representative, UNDP Iraq

Paolo Fontani, Director and Representative to Iraq, UNESCO

Jean-Nicolas Beuze, UNHCR Representative, Iraq

Mads Oyen, OiC Representative, UNICEF

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On Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSME) Day, the UN calls for support to MSMEs as effective agents of change to help advance in...