Latest news with #Hussein
Roya News
6 hours ago
- Business
- Roya News
Crown Prince Hussein turns 31: Birthday marked by leadership, military dedication, national pride
As Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II celebrates his 31st birthday, Jordanians reflect on his growing leadership role and deep commitment to national service, youth empowerment, and global diplomacy. Known for his hands-on approach and steady presence across the country, the Crown Prince has emerged as a symbol of a new generation of leadership. Over the past year, he has reiterated his dedication to serving Jordan and its people with continuous effort and limitless ambition. Championing youth and innovation Central to the Crown Prince's vision is his focus on empowering Jordanian youth. Since founding the Crown Prince Foundation in 2015, he has overseen numerous initiatives aimed at equipping young men and women across the Kingdom with high-demand skills in competitive sectors. More than two million young people benefit annually from the foundation's programs. The Crown Prince also regularly meets with young Jordanians from across the governorates, listening to their concerns and ideas and encouraging their active participation in building the country's future. In line with this vision, Al Hussein Technical University (HTU) was established in 2016 to support technical education and vocational training, with its first cohort enrolled in 2017. A field leader with military roots Holding the rank of Major in the Jordan Armed Forces–Arab Army (JAF), Crown Prince Hussein has undergone rigorous military training alongside his fellow soldiers. His experience includes parachuting, special operations, naval exercises, and rotary aviation. He is often seen on the ground, reinforcing his strong ties with both active-duty and retired military personnel. Global engagement and diplomacy On the international stage, the Crown Prince has actively represented Jordan, advancing its interests and strengthening global partnerships. He has delivered key speeches, including Jordan's address at the UN Climate Summit in Azerbaijan, and has participated in high-profile events such as the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos. His recent diplomatic engagements included official visits to Egypt, Kuwait, Turkey, and Japan, where he held talks with senior officials to boost political and economic cooperation. Through these efforts, he has reaffirmed Jordan's commitment to sustainable development and international collaboration. A patron of sports and national pride Sport is another area close to the Crown Prince's heart. His consistent support has led to significant achievements in the athletic arena, and he continues to be a driving force behind Jordan's sports development. Honors and recognition Crown Prince Hussein has been recognized with several prestigious awards both in Jordan and abroad. Jordan: Grand Cordon of the Order of Independence Medal of the Order of the State Centennial Foreign honors: Bahrain: Member 1st Class of the King Hamad Order of the Renaissance (February 5, 2019) Norway: Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Saint Olav (March 2, 2020) Sweden: Commander Grand Cross of the Royal Order of the Polar Star (November 15, 2022)
Shafaq News
16 hours ago
- Business
- Shafaq News
Muharram surge turns Karbala into economic engine
Shafaq News - Karbala With the arrival of Muharram, local businesses in Karbala are witnessing a sharp increase in activity as pilgrims flock to the city for religious commemorations, creating a surge in demand for food, services, and temporary labor. Muharram is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar and holds special significance for Shiite Muslims, who mark it with mourning rituals, especially on the 10th day known as Ashura, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. The season culminates in Arbaeen, a major pilgrimage observed 40 days after Ashura. Millions of Shiite Muslims from Iraq and abroad travel—many of them on foot—to Karbala to honor Imam Hussein's sacrifice. Abu Ali, a 52-year-old grocery store owner in the old city, noted that sales have multiplied during the first days of Muharram. "This month is unlike any other. The demand increases three to four times as processions require constant supplies, and families buy more than usual to host pilgrims," he told Shafaq News. Many workers travel from other provinces to find temporary work in Karbala. Hussein, 33, from Al-Muthanna's capital, Al-Samawah, sets up a small stand every year to sell black garments near one of the major processions. "There are no jobs in my city. Every Muharram and Safar, I come here to work.' Hussein shares a rented room with other seasonal workers and sells items like black shirts, pants, and scarves from early morning until midnight. "I support a family of five. Even if it's a sidewalk stall, work is work," he said, adding that he hopes to see economic development in Al-Muthanna one day. Economic experts say the religious season highlights both the potential of local commerce and the broader unemployment crisis in Iraq. Economist Karim Al-Hilu noted, "During Muharram and Safar, demand for food surges, especially in the first ten days and around Arbaeen," when thousands of volunteers set up roadside kitchens along pilgrimage routes to serve free meals to the millions walking to the Shrine of Imam Hussein in Karbala. He pointed out that Iraq graduates around 350,000 people annually, a number the public sector cannot absorb. "The state employs 35% of Iraqis, exceeding the global norm of 15%. The rest are expected to work in the private sector, but that sector remains underdeveloped." To address unemployment, Al-Hilu urged the government to develop vocational education centers and expand financial support for small businesses. "We need strategic plans to revive the industrial and service sectors and benefit from international development loans.'
Saba Yemen
2 days ago
- Politics
- Saba Yemen
Sheikh Qassem: "Our choice is not to submit to dictates"
Beirut - Saba: The Secretary-General of Lebanon's Hezbollah, Sheikh Naim Qassem, affirmed, "We in Hezbollah support Iran's independent choices, stand against American hegemony and occupation, and oppose Israeli occupation." He stated, "The choice is to liberate the land, build the nation, and not submit to dictates or surrender to the enemy. We will resist for our country, no matter the sacrifices." During his speech at the first night of the Ashura mourning councils in Beirut's southern suburbs, Sheikh Qassem said, "Iran has proven that it alone is capable of confronting this global tyranny, alongside the criminal Israeli regime and with significant European support." He added, "Iran does not receive support from any other countries, nor do other nations fight alongside it. It has no supply lines—it stands alone, relying on the capabilities it has built itself." Sheikh Qassem pointed out that "Iran has solidified its regional and international position through its convictions and choices, without conceding anything." He emphasized that "today, Iran is stronger than before the war. It is a supporter of the resistance, an ally to its neighbors and friends, and capable of ensuring collective security for the region's countries without needing America or its allies." Sheikh Qassem questioned, "Why has this aggression against Iran occurred?" explaining that "the central goal of America and Israel in waging war on Iran was to destroy any independent, influential force supporting resistance and the liberation of Palestine in our region." He stressed that "Israel is an expansionist entity that will not be satisfied with all of Palestine's lands, nor with occupying the Golan and beyond—it seeks control over the entire region, as proven by events and facts." Sheikh Qassem affirmed that "Iran has thwarted the three objectives of the aggression: canceling uranium enrichment (which Iran possesses and continues), damaging its missile program (which remains a defensive capability, striking the enemy), and overthrowing its regime (which did not happen)." He noted that Iran has a courageous leader, a great people, and the Revolutionary Guards and security forces, who have made immense sacrifices. Sheikh Qassem declared, "This year, we raised the slogan: 'I will never abandon you, O Hussein.' We will not abandon you because you represent truth, your path leads us to God, and we seek to raise our generations in obedience to God." He added, "You, the people of resistance and honor, have lifted the nation's head high, proving that Hussein lives within us. You will continue the pledge of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah until we achieve all goals—victory or martyrdom—on the path of Imam Hussein (AS)." Whatsapp Telegram Email Print more of (International)
DW
3 days ago
- Sport
- DW
Jordan's women aiming to follow men to World Cup – DW – 06/25/2025
Jordan's men have qualified for their first World Cup, providing excitement for the country and inspiration for the women to follow in their footsteps at the 2027 Women's World Cup. "We love football as much as any country in the world," Ayah Hussein told DW. She was one of many female fans looking forward to watching the Jordan men's national team in action at Amman International Stadium. "At the coffee shop, there were as many women as men, and women are just as excited about seeing the Jordan flag at the World Cup." The recent match against Iraq was effectively a friendly, coming after Jordan had already clinched qualification for their first World Cup a few days earlier. "I can't wait to watch the games next year," Hussein added. "It is going to be a big party, as we have waited a long time for this' A year after the men appear on the global stage, comes the Women's World Cup. Jordan is about to start qualification and is also desperate to appear at the tournament for the first time. The team came close to making it to the 2015 and 2019 before falling just short. A top six finish in the 2026 Asian Cup will be enough to earn a ticket to Brazil in 2027. If it doesn't happen then, the 2031 Women's World Cup will be expanded from 32 to 48 teams to give Jordan a greater chance in the future. It may be no coincidence that the men clinched a spot at the enlarged 2026 tournament, in which Asia's automatic allocation has doubled from four in 2022 to eight. Jordan launched its women's program in 2005, at a time when many countries in West Asia did not participate in football at all. At the time, there were around just 30 players to choose from in the entire country. Over the past few years, the work of the past two decades has started to bear fruit. "We have players who have retired and are now working in the federation, you have female coaches, referees and women working in the administrative field," Rana Husseini, president of the Jordan Football Association's (JFA) women's committee from 2009 to 2018, told DW. When she started in her role, games were watched just by the players' families. "Now, there are more and more people going, interest is growing." They are now watching a professional league, the latest season of which kicks off in September and features six clubs. The winner enters the preliminary stage for the Asian Women's Champions League while the bottom team, drops to a second tier. A pyramid has been developed. It has been a long journey, led by Prince Ali bin Hussein, president of the JFA since 1999, who once noted that "women are 50% of our society and should be involved in everything.' The prince, as a member of FIFA's Executive Committee, was instrumental in persuading the world governing body to lift its ban on players wearing hijabs – the headscarves worn by some Muslim women – in 2012. There have been other battles too. In a conservative Muslim country, not everyone agreed that girls should play sports. "They would get attacked, not physically but verbally, on social media there would be cyber-bullying," said Husseini. Events such as Jordan's hosting of the Women's U17 World Cup in 2016 have made a difference. "People have got accustomed to seeing women running and playing. They have broken social taboos, and you can see players from all parts of society." There are also significant financial benefits from the men reaching the World Cup. It has been reported that the total prize money for the 2026 tournament will be around double the $440 million (€379 million) on offer in 2022. For the Jordan FA, it could be worth between $10 and 20 million in appearance money alone. It is also expected that there will be a rise in commercial income from sponsors. A richer federation is good news for the women's game. "The obstacle for women's football is always money," said Husseini. "Having many teams at all levels, entering tournaments and travelling costs money. The World Cup will mean more money for the federation – and more money for the women's game means more opportunities." That is also the case elsewhere in the region. Twenty years ago, Jordan was a lonely federation in the women's game in West Asia. Now though, other Arab nations are taking to the pitch. Palestine, Bahrain, Lebanon, United Arab Emirates and, for the first time, Saudi Arabia and Iraq are trying to qualify for the 2027 World Cup. If neighbors can improve, then everyone stands to benefit from a stronger region. "You have to think of Asia in a regional and not continental context," Khalil Al-Salem, general secretary of the West Asian Football Federation (WAFF) told DW. "You have to tell Jordan that if you beat the 11 others in WAFF then you qualify for the World Cup. This encourages young federations like Qatar and Saudi Arabia to put more money into women, as they see a qualification path." It also means a wider and more lucrative path for young girls to become professional players. "Jordan has focused on girls and grassroots and while that is the correct way, the main issue has been that there is a drop-off around the age of 17," Al-Salim said. "That is when girls then decide to go to college and stop playing football. But when they see their compatriots going to the World Cup and other leagues and clubs nearby, they see a path to a career in football." Amid the current heightened tensions in the region, football is bringing good news to Jordan and, maybe more. "The fact that we finally got to reach the World Cup, is going to reflect positively on the mood in Jordan, specifically among the younger generation," Husseini said. "Young girls will see something big out of this and say 'I want to play around the world, I want to raise the kingdom's flag, I want to go to the World Cup.'"
Shafaq News
4 days ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
UK, Greece hail Baghdad's stabilizing role amid regional crisis
Shafaq News/ Iraq received strong international praise on Tuesday for its balanced diplomatic posture and commitment to de-escalation during the recent Iran–Israel conflict, with both the United Kingdom and Greece commending Baghdad's role in promoting regional stability and protecting diplomatic missions. During a meeting in Baghdad, UK Chargé d'Affaires Robin Milton expressed his gratitude to Iraq's National Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji for the government's efforts in securing foreign embassies and maintaining calm amid heightened regional tensions. Milton lauded 'Iraq's effective role in ensuring the safety of diplomatic missions and contributing to de-escalation through its measured foreign policy,' according to a statement from al-Araji's office. Al-Araji reaffirmed Iraq's commitment to safeguarding all diplomatic facilities in the country, emphasizing Baghdad's ongoing efforts to cooperate with regional and international partners to prevent further escalation. 'Iraq continues to work for the security of the region through reason, wisdom, and diplomacy,' he said. خلال اللقاء الذي جمعنا بالقائم بأعمال السفارة البريطانية @UKinIraq في بغداد، السيد روبن ميلتون، أكدنا التزام العراق بتعهداته في حماية البعثات الدبلوماسية العاملة على أراضيه، وأوضحنا أن الحكومة العراقية تواصل جهودها بالتعاون مع الدول الشقيقة والصديقة لتجنب المخاطر المحتملة الناجمة… — قاسم الاعرجي (@qassimalaraji) June 24, 2025 Separately, Greek Foreign Minister Georgios Gerapetritis held a phone call with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein ahead of the NATO Summit in The Hague, seeking Iraq's perspective on unfolding developments in the Middle East. Gerapetritis praised Iraq's 'balanced diplomacy and influential regional role' in navigating complex crises and underscored the importance of preventing extremist groups from exploiting current unrest. Hussein welcomed the outreach, highlighting Iraq's proactive diplomatic engagement as key to regional peace. He warned of declining adherence to international law and cautioned that conflicts such as the Gaza war could trigger broader instability across Lebanon and even Iran. He reaffirmed Iraq's support for the US-led ceasefire initiative and expressed hope for serious adherence from all parties. On bilateral ties, both ministers described Iraqi-Greek relations as 'very strong,' agreeing to enhance cooperation. Gerapetritis announced plans to visit Baghdad soon with a delegation of Greek business leaders, a move warmly welcomed by Hussein.
