Onjo Simson

  In the wake of Iran's recent airstrikes targeting Iraq, Syria, and Pakistan, diplomatic tensions are rapidly escalating in the region. The Arab League has scheduled an emergency meeting to address the situation, prompted by Iran's Revolutionary Guards launching a missile strike on Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan. Iraq, deeply affected by the attack, has filed a complaint with the United Nations Security Council and recalled its ambassador from Tehran. The Arab League meeting, yet to have a confirmed date, is expected to address the growing unrest sparked by Iran's military actions. Meanwhile, Pakistan has taken a strong stance against Iran's violation of its airspace, labeling it a "blatant breach" of its sovereignty. In response to the incident, Pakistan has recalled its ambassador from Tehran and has reportedly closed its border with Iran. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) conducted a series of missile and drone strikes across three neighboring countri...

  Iraq has recalled its ambassador from Tehran and summoned Iran's chargé d'affaires in Baghdad in protest over Iranian strikes in northern Iraq. The strikes, which took place overnight, resulted in the tragic loss of civilian lives in Irbil. The Iraqi Foreign Ministry condemned the Iranian attack, describing it as a blatant violation of Iraq's sovereignty, in direct contradiction to principles of good neighborliness and international law. This aggressive action is seen as a threat to the overall security of the region, escalating tensions in an already volatile geopolitical landscape. The Iranian strikes targeted what they claimed to be Israeli "spy headquarters" in Irbil, near the U.S. Consulate compound, and locations linked to the extremist Islamic State group in northern Syria. Iraq vehemently denounced the attack, emphasizing that it undermines the principles of diplomacy and peaceful coexistence among neighboring nations. The confusion surrounding the alleg...

Bread is a staple food for people all over the world, and paper is a sustainable and environmentally friendly way to package it. In 2022, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Union (EU) launched the Eco-Vital project in Erbil, Iraq. The project aims to reduce plastic waste by distributing paper bags to bakeries in the city. The project has been a success, with over 1 million paper bags distributed to bakeries in Erbil. This has helped to reduce plastic waste and raise awareness of good environmental practices. Here are some of the benefits of using paper bags instead of plastic bags for bread: Paper bags are biodegradable. This means that they can break down naturally over time, unlike plastic bags, which can take hundreds of years to decompose. Paper bags are renewable. Paper is made from trees, which are a renewable resource. Plastic bags, on the other hand, are made from petroleum, a non-renewable resource. Paper bags are recyclable. Paper b...

  In a groundbreaking move towards rehabilitation, Erbil's main correctional facility is breaking the mold by introducing yoga classes to prisoners. What began as an inmate's request has evolved into a transformative program, bringing the ancient practice of yoga to the incarcerated population. This initiative highlights the power of inmate voices and the potential of yoga to reshape lives, foster personal growth, and promote well-being within the confines of the correctional system.   The journey of yoga classes in Erbil's correctional facility started with a simple request from inmates themselves. Their desire for change and personal development paved the way for the introduction of yoga, offering a glimmer of hope within the prison walls. By honoring the voices and aspirations of those behind bars, the facility acknowledges the importance of their agency and self-improvement.   Yoga serves as a powerful tool for rehabilitation, bringing mental, physical, and em...