Journal of Imam Al-Kadhim College is a quarterly peer-reviewed scientific journal that is concerned with publishing all human research and studies that simulate the latest scientific developments and innovations in the field of human specializations. It also contributes to enriching human knowledge through the cognitive additions provided by researchers.
كلية الامام الكاظم(ع) للعلوم الاسلامية الجامعة
THE WORLD OF VIOLENCE:A Critical Reading of the Characters in Hamid Nasser’s Novel (The Crippled Man’s Obsession)
This paper is an attempt to analyze the novel The Obsession of the Crippled Man by Hamid Nasser from a psychological perspective, it seeks to understand how violence managed to leave its marks on the unconscious structure of the characters' inner feelings. The question arises of the internal Fragmentation of identities affected by Violence, causing political and social transformation, which is what Iraq experienced after 2003. This revived the collective feeling of the characters amidst their suffering from the ravages of war and oppression. They were faced with two bitter choices: either to adapt to the hostile environment or to resist and reject everything around them. Here, the research intended to closely explore this society and its scattered identities in Hamid Nasser's novel Hāgis al-Rajul al-Kasīḥ (The Crippled Man’s Obsession) The main question here is: How does Violence in its various forms shaped the characters’ consciousness, scattered identities & influence the narrative elements in the novel? To answer this, the study applies René Girard’s theory of mimetic desire, rivalry and fragmented identity, alongside Pierre Bourdieu’s theory of symbolic violence. The expected finding refers that, violence was dominant force permeating every detail in daily lives, transforming space and time into instruments of oppression, causing deep fractures in identity. In addition to the mechanisms of Symbolic Violence & the Normalization Of Repression as well as the psychological defense strategies employed to endure terror. Finally, It recommended to expand Academic studies on Iraqi fiction to help in deep understanding of identity fragmentation, mechanisms of symbolic violence and employ literary narrative as a tool of resistance and healing from trauma.
Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Imam Al-Kadhim College https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
The United States–China Competition in the Asia-Pacific Region: From Economic Cooperation to Geopolitical conflict
This study examines the U.S.–China competition in the Asia-Pacific region as one of the most prominent manifestations of transformation in the contemporary international system. It focuses on the shift of this competition from economic cooperation to geopolitical rivalry, analyzing its economic, military, and technological dimensions. The research also highlights the implications of this competition for regional security, particularly the naval arms race, as well as the positions of East and Southeast Asian countries. The study concludes that the continuation of this rivalry without effective regulatory frameworks may lead to further regional instability, posing risks to international peace and security.
The national themes in the Poetry of Abd al-Sahib al-Barqʿawi
This study examines the national themes in the poetry of Sheikh Abdul Sahib Al-Barqa‘awi (1931–1995), one of Iraq’s distinguished poets, a native of the holy city of Najaf, and a graduate of its religious seminary. The poet addressed the theme of the homeland in a large number of his poems, driven by a strong sense of national feeling and pan-Arab affiliation with the sons of Arabism. The research is divided into four sections. The first discusses the concept of the homeland in Al-Barqa‘awi’s poetry. The second examines his engagement with national issues. The third addresses the poet’s interaction with the causes of the Arab nation, while the final section explores his inspiration from religious and historical symbols and their employment in national causes. These sections are preceded by an introduction that presents the poet and outlines the national themes, and followed by a conclusion summarizing the main findings of the study.
An Analytical Exegesis of the Verse of Proclamation in Surah Al-Ma’idah
This study examines the Verse of Proclamation (Qur’an 5:67) through an analytical exegetical approach that integrates Qur’anic sciences, linguistic analysis, rhetorical examination, and the study of circumstances of revelation (asbāb al-nuzūl). Given that Surah Al-Ma’idah is among the last chapters revealed, the verse under discussion occupies a pivotal position in the final stage of the Islamic message and reflects a decisive moment in the history of Islam. The research demonstrates that the conditional structure in the verse—“And if you do not, then you have not conveyed His message”—indicates that the command given to the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) concerns a matter of exceptional gravity, such that neglecting it would amount to the failure of conveying the entire divine mission. Through linguistic and rhetorical analysis, the study highlights the force of the imperative form “convey” (balligh), the exclusive address “O Messenger”, and the divine assurance of protection—“Allah will protect you from the people”—all of which underscore the sensitivity and significance of the commanded proclamation. By surveying narrations transmitted in both Shiʿi and Sunni exegetical sources, the study concludes that the verse was revealed in connection with the event of Ghadir Khumm, where the Prophet publicly proclaimed the authority (wilāyah) of Imam ʿAli ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon him). The research further establishes a close thematic relationship between the Verse of Proclamation, the Verse of Wilayah (5:55), and the Verse of the Completion of Religion (5:3), revealing a coherent Qur’anic framework affirming the principle of leadership after the Prophet. Accordingly, the study affirms that the Verse of Proclamation is not related to a subsidiary legal ruling or a confrontation with disbelievers, but rather addresses a foundational issue essential to the preservation and continuity of the Islamic message. It thus represents a decisive Qur’anic declaration marking the completion of the religion and the culmination of the Prophet’s mission.
The Aesthetics of Detail in Nizar Qabbani’s Poetry
Postmodern poetry emerged with a different current that challenged traditional poetry in both form and content. Postmodern poetry has focused on small and precise details—details that were marginalized in classical poetry— as the modern poet made intensive use of minor elements through everyday language and simple details. This approach gives the reader a stronger sense of realism compared to traditional poetry, and Nizar Qabbani is considered one of the pioneers of this trend in most of his poetic works.
Procedures of the Commission of Integrity in Combating Corruption in Iraq After 2003: An Analytical and Evaluative Study
يتناول هذا البحث دراسة وتحليل إجراءات هيئة النزاهة في مكافحة الفساد في العراق بعد عام 2003، بوصفها إحدى أهم المؤسسات الرقابية المعنية بحماية المال العام وتعزيز مبادئ الشفافية والمساءلة يهدف البحث إلى تقويم فاعلية الإجراءات التي تعتمدها الهيئة في مواجهة ظاهرة الفساد الإداري والمالي، وتحليل مدى انسجامها مع المعايير الوطنية والدولية المعتمدة في هذا المجال، فضلاً عن تشخيص أبرز التحديات التي تواجه عمل الهيئة في بيئة سياسية وإدارية معقدة. اعتمدت الدراسة على المنهج الوصفي لتحليل الإطار القانوني والتنظيمي لهيئة النزاهة، واستعراض مهامها وصلاحياتها وآليات عملها، كما استُخدم المنهج المقارن للمقارنة بين إجراءات الهيئة خلال سنوات مختلفة ، ولا سيما خلال المدة (2018-2024) وتوصل البحث إلى أن هيئة النزاهة أسهمت في تطوير أدوات الرقابة والتحقيق، وتعزيز ثقافة الإبلاغ عن الفساد، إلا أن فاعلية إجراءاتها ما تزال محدودة بفعل جملة من المعوقات، أبرزها ضعف التنسيق المؤسسي، والتدخلات السياسية، والتحديات التشريعية والتنفيذية ويخلص البحث إلى ضرورة دعم استقلالية هيئة النزاهة، وتطوير التشريعات المنظمة لعملها، وتعزيز التعاون بينها وبين بقية مؤسسات الدولة، بما يسهم في رفع كفاءة إجراءات مكافحة الفساد وتحقيق أهداف الإصلاح الإداري في العراق.
Political tensions in Iraqi television election debate programs and their impact on public participation in the 2025 parliamentary elections from an academic perspective
Election debate programs in the media have programmatic weight and priority in planning, implementation and technical treatment, through which those media, especially Iraqi satellite channels/the research sample, are keen to give them important time spaces and sometimes they are open in some media coverage. The researcher identified the research problem as the space of ambiguity created by election debate programs and their political tensions among specialists regarding the repercussions or effects of these television programs on the public who are aware of elections as a necessary democratic and political participation for 2025. The research adopted several objectives, including: identifying the type of cognitive, emotional, or behavioral repercussions that election debate programs and their political tensions translate into public decisions to participate in elections or not. Regarding the most prominent findings: Over 87% of academics in Baghdad believe that election debate programs prioritize political agendas over the public interest by supporting entities and candidates affiliated with the satellite channel owners. Meanwhile, 85% of them say they watch these programs because of the presenters' professional skills and their ability to manage the dialogues between the participating parties.
The relationship between political stability and foreign direct investment in Iraq: An analytical study for the period (2004-2022)
This research analyzes the relationship between political stability and foreign direct investment, as there is a reciprocal relationship between the two variables in Iraq, especially after 2003, in light of the opening up of the Iraqi economy and the increase in foreign direct investment flows amidst the political transformations that Iraq witnessed, Therefore, there is a statistically significant relationship between the level of political stability and foreign direct investment, as an improved political and institutional environment in Iraq contributes to increased foreign direct investment flows into its economy by increasing foreign investors' confidence in the Iraqi political environment, There is also an indirect effect of foreign direct investment flows into Iraq on its political stability, by strengthening the foundations of the macroeconomy and thus positively impacting the strengthening and stability of the political environment, The research adopted the descriptive analytical approach to present the theoretical framework of the concepts of political stability and foreign direct investment, while formulating standard models to measure the relationship of influence between the two variables in Iraq.
A Transitivity Analysis of News Reports of Al-Assad’s Regime Collapse
The paper aims to analyze how Western and Middle Eastern media looks to Al-Assad’s collapse. The reporters’ ideologies play an essential role in showing this issue to the reader. The aim is fulfilled by an analysis of certain reports during the coverage of Al-Assad's collapse. These reports employ definite linguistic choices to manipulate the collapse. The analysis is achieved in the light of transitivity and the lexical selections of Systemic Functional Linguistics. The research concludes that the reporters manipulate linguistic selections in order to influence readers’ perceptions and views, that some reporters support Al-Assad’s regime collapse, considering it as the beginning of freedom for the Syrian people, while others see it as the beginning of freedom as well as the beginning of crises and uncertain future without any regime at the same time. The study also concludes that the material processes are the most adopted choices. Verbs of doing and happening are dominant in the coverage.
Is the doctrinal identity of Umara al Yamani Ismaili or Shafi‘i ?
Since every rule has its exceptions, it is necessary to shed light on a poet who has constants that did not change with the change in political circumstances that faced the Fatimid state, unlike the rest of the poets who were subjected to this state with praise or censure, or with both praise and censure, such as Al-Fazari or Sahl Al-Warraq who defeated Ubayy. Yazid Al-Kharji, like most of the jurists of Kairouan, despite the difference in doctrinal structure, believed that the revolution of the owner of the donkey would rid them of the rule of the Fatimids, and here the difference between Amara and his peers - who wander in every valley - becomes clear, like the difference between a pearl and a wasteland, and these constants that Amara remained adherent to made him pay with his life. A tax for her because he did not satirize a country in which he lived for seventeen years, even though poetry was a long-standing weapon in his hands Through it, he can, at the very least, defend the new ruler under the title of piety. However, his poetry was not threatened by his enemies, nor was it used to satirize his opponents, nor did he disavow the insults of yesterday’s companions, and this is one of the important reasons that prompted us to examine the life of this objective poet
Urgent News Coverage of the “Israeli” Military Escalation Against Iran on Al Jazeera and Al Arabiya Al Hadath:A Comparative Analytical Study Over 11 Days
This study aims to analyze the directions of urgent news coverage of the “Israeli” military escalation against Iran on Al Jazeera and Al Arabiya Al Hadath, by examining the news sources, topics, and sub-categories included in the coverage. The research falls within descriptive–inferential studies and employs quantitative content analysis using a systematic random sample of 1,200 news items drawn from a total of 10,404 urgent news items broadcast by the two channels over eleven days. The study relied on a structured content analysis form. The findings reveal clear differences between the channels: Al Jazeera relied more on official sources and news agencies, with greater emphasis on political and humanitarian topics and the Iranian narrative, alongside a multi-party security framing. In contrast, Al Arabiya Al Hadath relied more heavily on unspecified media sources, correspondents, and private sources, with a stronger focus on military topics, “Israeli” security precautions, and highlighting civilian casualties on both sides.
The military and society in Iraqbarracks, soldiery, parallel army
The Iraqi army has gone through a number of phases, reflecting the successive historical cycles of the army's rise and fall. During its rise, the relationship between the military and society, and its heightened symbolism, were the same factors that weakened it and prompted the search for an ideological army as an alternative to defend power. The stages that accompanied the Iraqi army since its founding are represented by the "barracks" phase, its isolation from society, characterized by its unique values and customs, allowing it to be an independent institution with the necessary capabilities. However, the rise of the military's symbolism and the accompanying political circumstances pushed the army to leave the barracks. This departure was motivated by expanding its role to include political and developmental issues. There were two paths to working outside the barracks: one expanded into society without departing from the context of the political system's institutions, influencing society and enabling interaction to strengthen its presence within the sphere of control of state institutions. The second is its entry into the phase of parallel armies with society, which was evidence of the political regime's recognition of the weakness of the official army, or lack of trust in it. This resulted in the rise of a parallel army based on a doctrinal ideology that emerged from society. Here, state institutions were unable to control or curb the expansion and power of these parallel armies or regulate their behavior towards the regime or society. This is the most dangerous phase in the army's expansion towards society.
Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Imam Al-Kadhim College https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Political elites between cohesion and fragmentation: An approach to leadership and political stability
The nature of political stability depends directly on how ruling elites interact with the leadership. Ideologically closed elites, despite their integration, create a superficial and fragile stability that lacks flexibility. In contrast, pluralistic elites whose rivalries are managed within institutional frameworks are more resilient and able to absorb shocks. Elites use their primary resources, position, influence, wealth, expertise, and organization to transform their power into real authority that shapes leaders and determines state policy. This influence can lead either to individual rule that weakens institutions or to robust institutional stability. The latter stability is achieved when legitimacy, accountability, clarity of purpose, discipline, and trust are present. To transform the elite's role into an effective and coordinated force, It is imperative to establish laws to address conflicts of interest, replace quotas with clear coalition agreements, support decisions with objective assessments, and strengthen partnerships with civil society. The goal is to achieve positive, flexible stability capable of development.
The Narrations on the Compilation of the Qur’an between Affirmation and Denial: An Analytical Study
This study explores the compilation of the Q This study explores the compilation of the Qur'an by analyzing the conflicting traditions between denial and affirmation, both in Sunni and Shi‘i sources, and examining relevant Qur'anic verses, rational proofs, and historical contexts. The research demonstrates that the Qur'an was indeed compiled during the Prophet Muhammad’s lifetime, including its preservation, ordering, and recording. Subsequent efforts under Abu Bakr and Uthman were documentation processes rather than acts of initial compilation. The study also dissects reports suggesting otherwise, critically addresses Orientalist claims, and reinterprets the role of Imam ‘Ali’s codex as an exegetical and chronological document rather than an alternative textur'an by analyzing the conflicting traditions between denial and affirmation, both in Sunni and Shi‘i sources, and examining relevant Qur'anic verses, rational proofs, and historical contexts. The research demonstrates that the Qur'an was indeed compiled during the Prophet Muhammad’s lifetime, including its preservation, ordering, and recording. Subsequent efforts under Abu Bakr and Uthman were documentation processes rather than acts of initial compilation. The study also dissects reports suggesting otherwise, critically addresses Orientalist claims, and reinterprets the role of Imam ‘Ali’s codex as an exegetical and chronological document rather than an alternative text.
A Decolonial Vision: A Critical Study of the Extract of Shakespeare's The Tempest in English for Iraqi 5th Preparatory Schools.
Through the examination of the extract of the play ' The Tempest' in Iraqi Secondary schools, this paper explores the depictions of colonial and cultural identities within this work in the book entitled ' English for Iraq'. The paper challenges the domination of narratives and how they express the characterization and themes in the extract to form a colonial experience of Iraqi students' history and culture. This colonial ideology is hidden in Prospero's and Caliban's speeches. The aim of this paper explore a complex interface between the colonial strategy and Iraqi students' understandings, emphasizing the necessity of utilizing such a decolonial vision that enables us to make scrutiny and evaluation of the colonial impacts on Iraqi students' identities and experiences The paper applies Edward Said's contrapuntal mode of reading on the extract to gain this decolonial vision. The mode has two stages of analysis. The examination and exposition of the extract are done in the first stage, and the discussions of juxtapositional analysis lie in the second stage. The contribution of this study revolves around the decolonization of literary texts on the academic level. Ultimately, the mode provides the vision that helps the progress of Iraqi students' critical thinking about social justice and Iraqi cultural identity in Iraqi secondary schools.
Moral Values Derived from the Interpretation of the Story of Moses (PBUH) and the Family of Shu‘ayb
This research investigates the ethical values embedded in the story of Prophet Moses and the family of Shu‘ayb (peace be upon them), as narrated in Surah Al-Qasas. The study provides an in-depth analytical examination of the Qur’anic text with the aim of uncovering the moral and pedagogical dimensions inherent in the narrative. Qur’anic stories are not merely historical accounts or literary expressions; rather, they serve as profound educational tools that reflect divine wisdom in guiding human behavior and nurturing ethical conduct. The study highlights a number of prominent values illustrated through the events and characters of the story—such as courage in the face of adversity, modesty as a noble feminine virtue, generosity and kindness toward strangers, and trustworthiness and honesty as foundational traits in interpersonal relations. These values are extracted from the Qur’anic context and are then analyzed for their relevance and applicability in contemporary educational and social settings. The research adopts two core methodologies: the analytical method, which focuses on examining the Qur’anic verses in depth to elucidate their ethical significance, and the inferential method, which aims to derive practical educational applications from the extracted values. The study ultimately seeks to emphasize the role of prophets and righteous individuals as exemplary moral figures and to demonstrate how Qur’anic ethical principles can contribute to the development of a morally grounded and spiritually balanced human character in today’s world.
The educational and pedagogical objectives of the Meccan and Medinan surahs in the interpretations of “Al-Mizan” and “Majma’ al-Bayan”: A study Comparison
The Holy Qur’an is a primary source of guidance and purification, and it has formed a vital spiritual and scientific source in the building of Islamic civilization. Educational and spiritual meanings have branched out from its verses and are still present in contemporary Islamic thought. The noble prophetic traditions and narrations from the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) urged believers to recite the Qur’an, ponder its meanings, and reflect on its purposes. This call formed an important interpretive background that helped interpreters delve into the educational and social dimensions of the verses and chapters, taking into account the objectives of revelation according to the stages of revelation and the different nature of the Meccan and Medinan chapters. In light of this prophetic and Ahlulbayt guidance, serious attempts emerged to define the objectives of the surahs and distinguish their characteristics according to the contexts of their revelation. Advanced exegetical studies have demonstrated that the idea of distinguishing between Meccan and Medinan surahs was not foreign to the scholarly atmosphere of early Islam; rather, the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the Imams of his household (peace be upon them) adopted it in explaining the purposes of Islamic law and the methods of calling to Islam. Thus, semantic divisions emerged, aiming to highlight the specific character of each group of surahs and define their message within the overall Quranic framework. The study adopted an Analytical inductive approach based on reliable interpretive sources and available digital records, while following a descriptive analytical approach aimed at exploring the educational structure in the chapters of the Holy Qur’an through a selected interpretive record represented by the interpretations of Majma’ al-Bayan by Allamah al-Tabarsi and Al-Mizan fi Tafsir al-Qur’an by Allamah al-Tabataba’i, because they are among the most prominent interpretations that combined transmission and reason, and the apparent and the hidden in a comprehensive systematic way.
The dramatic structure in the poetry of Maitham Radhi: A study of a collection of bad words
"Bad Words" is a collection of poetry by the Iraqi poet Maitham Radhi. The book was published in three editions, in 72 medium-sized pages, as part of the "Innocence" series published by Mediterranean Publications in Italy. Iraqi poet Maitham Radhi opens his collection "Bad Words" with the poem "Stuttering," as if it were an apology, a preliminary justification, like someone embarking on a dangerous adventure and fearing failure. This is not because he doubts his talent, but because the subject he chose for all his poems—"war"—touches him personally. He lives it, clings to it, and feels it to the point that he becomes morally confused when his self approaches the subject, to the point of separating them.
The Employment of Digital Technologies by Public Relations Practitioners in Government Institutions and Its Reflections on Professional Practices – A Field Study on the Directorates Affiliated with Baghdad Governorate
Abstract The research aimed to identify the extent to which digital media skills are employed by public relations practitioners in government institutions and its impact on professional practices in these institutions. The research identified the nature of digital media and identified the professional practices that institutions are interested in achieving. A field study was conducted in the departments and directorates of Baghdad Governorate to verify its objective. A number of results were reached, the most prominent of which was that there is a statistically significant correlation between the employment of digital media skills and professional practices among public relations practitioners. The research recommended a number of recommendations, the most important of which was the need to develop appropriate strategies within government institutions to disseminate digital culture among the public, to prepare a digital generation aware of the importance of digital media in communication, to enhance its role, and to protect society from the increasing negative effects of technology.
"The Effect of Neglecting Individual Learning Differences on the Academic Performance of Gifted and Struggling Iraqi EFL Students in Middle School"
This study explores the impact of neglecting individual learning differences on the academic performance of Iraqi students learning English as a foreign language (EFL) in intermediate schools, with a focus on both gifted and struggling learners. As English language education gains prominence in Iraq's educational system, addressing learner diversity becomes essential for equitable and effective instruction. The research employs a mixed-methods approach involving standardized test data, teacher interviews, and classroom observations to assess the outcomes of undifferentiated teaching. Findings reveal that neglecting individual learning styles and abilities significantly hampers academic progress, particularly among students at the two extremes of the performance spectrum. The study advocates for the adoption of differentiated instructional strategies to enhance both engagement and achievement in EFL classrooms.
Donation (secret charity - aid to charitable institutions - acquittal of debt) A comparative jurisprudential study among Imami jurists
Donation is a type of charity, and it takes many forms, meaning that all of these forms are based on donation, such as secret donation of recommended charity, donation in aid of charitable institutions, donation to release and drop the debt of others either through charity, reconciliation or clearing, and many other types of donation. The condition for donation in all its types and forms is that it comes from the person with his own satisfaction without being forced by anyone, and that donation is a charitable act that never ends, but rather is for the sake of growth and abundance.
Knowledge of the Unseen in the Hadiths of Imam al-Kadhim (peace be upon him)
The study attempts to discuss some of the hadiths narrated from Imam al-Kadhim (peace be upon him) that indicate his possession of knowledge of the unseen. Before reviewing these hadiths, some essential points are presented: a definition of knowledge of the unseen in language and terminology, then an explanation of the Islamic view of the prophets and imams (peace be upon them) possessing knowledge of the unseen. Afterwards, examples of these hadiths are reviewed to explain and analyze them, and to extract the most important values ​​they express. Finally, the study presents a conclusion and the most prominent findings.
The bad consequences of suspicion in hadiths of the Ahl al-Bayt, peace be upon them
The research, entitled “The Bad Consequences of Suspicion in the Hadiths of the Ahl al-Bayt, peace be upon them,” deals with the definition of suspicion and doubt from a linguistic and technical perspective, while clarifying the difference between them The research presented texts and narrations from the Ahl al-Bayt, peace be upon them, that warned against doubt and suspicion, demonstrating their emphasis on the danger of surrendering to doubtsThe study revealed that the most dangerous consequences of suspicion and doubt include the corruption of social relations, the lack of trust among Muslims, the weakening of faith, and the whisperings of the soul, all of which lead to the spread of strife and conflict. The study also addressed the most prominent therapeutic methods for preventing suspicion and doubt Such as good intentions, investigating before making judgments, and relying on nourishing the heart with sincere faith and piety, in accordance with the directives of the Noble Prophetic Sunnah, and the necessity of promoting Islamic values ​​in societies.
The contrast between the Qur'anic form and the form it interprets. A study in light of Qur'anic expression
The research represents an important aspect of the Qur’anic study that researchers should pay attention to, by focusing on the structures of words and their use in the Holy Qur’an, with the aim of revealing the relationships linking the Qur’anic meaning and the linguistic structure, and revealing the semantic differences between the Qur’anic formula and the formula interpreted by it, which leads to reading the text within the limits of its realized formal structure, far from the sayings of deviation, assumption, and arbitrariness in guidance. The research concluded by saying that the assumed interpretive morphological formula is not suitable to replace the chosen Qur’anic formula, and is unable to accurately convey the meaning it conveys, since each morphological formula has its own significance, and the Qur’an employed its structures according to their various values ​​and arranged in a unique stylistic manner, representing the highest levels of rhetorical sublimity.
Analyzing the Role of Ruling Elites in Rebuilding the Iraqi State after 2003: A Study of Political Transformation and Institution Building
Iraq witnessed a major transformation after 2003, marked by a change in the political system, which led to a restructuring of the political and social structure. Political elites, comprised of former opposition parties and new forces, led the process of rebuilding the state, adopting a power-sharing system among the various components of society. Despite the effort to build a balanced system, this process faced multiple challenges, most notably escalating violence, the emergence of armed groups, and heightened sectarian tensions, along with widespread corruption and weak governance. Regional and international influences also contributed to the complexity of the political landscape. Conversely, the role of civil society emerged in pushing for reform and enhancing transparency. Studying the role of these elites provides an entry point for understanding the challenges and opportunities in the process of state-building and stability.
The Scriptural (Narrative) Evidence for the validity of Istishab Principle: AComparative study
Among the foundational principles that have drawn the attention of Usul (Islamic legal theory) scholars since the early stages of its codification is the principle of Istishab (presumption of continuity). Jurists refer to this principle when no other evidence is found regarding a specific legal ruling. Usul scholars have cited reason (‘aql), rational practice (sīrah ‘uqalā’iyyah), consensus (ijmā‘), and traditions (akhbār) as proofs for the authority of Istishab. Among early scholars, the rational argument was considered the main evidence for its validity; hence, Istishab was classified as a speculative rational proof. This remains the dominant view among the majority. This study seeks to examine the narrative evidence supporting the principle of Istishab (presumption of continuity), through a comparative analysis between the Shi‘a Imami school and the other major Islamic jurisprudential schools. The Imami (Shi‘a) narrations concerning Istishab are numerous and diverse, and their hadith-based research is deep and detailed, involving extensive discussions of both the chains of transmission and the texts themselves. Therefore, I have classified the narrations into three categories, providing examples for each: The first (and most important) category includes narrations that explicitly provide a rationale based on the major premise of Istishab (“Certainty is never overruled by doubt”). The second category is similar in content to the first but lacks the explicit rationale. The third category supports Istishab indirectly through reference to the principles of purity (tahārah) or permissibility (hilliyyah). As for Sunni scholars, they were pioneers in using narrations to support the authority of Istishab. However, they did not comprehensively investigate the scriptural evidence. Instead, they cited one or two narrations without elaborating on how they indicate Istishab or to what extent they apply to legal rulings, given that they originally address specific legal subjects. While Sunni narrations are numerous, they are not diverse, resembling those of the second Imami category. They lack narrations comparable to the first and third Imami categories. Because Istishab was initially viewed as a speculative rational proof, scholars among the Sunni majority historically held differing views on its validity, both in classical and modern times. A similar trend existed among early Imami scholars. However, in the past three centuries, after Istishab came to be supported by narrations and these narrations became the primary evidence for its authority, the disagreement among Imami scholars ceased. Consequently, Istishab was reclassified from a speculative rational proof to a binding legal (religious) proof based on textual worship (ta‘abbud).
The Role of the Wagner Group in Expanding Russian Influence in Africa: A Case Study of Niger
Russia tended after the dissolution of the Soviet Union to achieve its interests outside its borders away from financial and moral pressures, so the military groups had a prominent role in that, especially the Wagner Military Group, although the Russian constitution prohibits such groups, but Russia adheres to the pretext of its work outside its borders, as this group is characterized by ease of contracting with it away from the legal and financial consequences and has contributed to the entry of Russian influence to many countries and regions, especially the African continent, and the death of its leader has provoked many One of the questions about its continuation, as the situation indicates its continuation because of its importance to Russian interests
Modality and Representation in BBC and CNN News on Social Distancing at the Onset of Covid-19: A Critical discourse analysis
The present paper is a critical discourse analysis of two online articles published in the spring of 2020, in the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic, which address the issue of social distancing in different ways. The first article, Social distancing: How to persuade others it works, written by Martha Henriques on April 6th 2020, focuses on the challenge of convincing the population about the risks of Covid and the importance and effectiveness of following public health measures such as social distancing and self-isolation. While the second article, Why America’s social distancing efforts have had ‘painfully slow’ results, published on May 7th on the CNN website and written by Eric Levenson, mainly represents a criticism of the way in which the US government handles the crisis situation compared to other countries. This paper attempts to look at the ways in which the authors of the two articles employ tools such as modality, including hedging, together with other representational strategies such as naming, but also transitivity in order to deliver their message and, more importantly, what effect does the usage of these instruments have when it comes to the relation between language and society and the way in which such tools impact the social status quo. The aim of this analysis of modality, hedging, representational strategies and transitivity is to show, among others, how language is used to reveal and conceal, to express personal opinions and commitments, to soften the impact of a message, to add vagueness or, on the contrary, to increase precision, to represent various social actors in different ways, or to manipulate agency and thus, implicitly, power.
The effectiveness of artificial intelligence in verifying the content of television advertisements
The research aims to analyze the content of television advertisements that used deepfake technology and explore the effectiveness of artificial intelligence techniques in the advertising industry. A sample of seven prominent television advertisements was selected according to specific scientific criteria to understand how this technology is employed in visual narratives, enhance advertising impact, and engage with audiences. The research relied on a content analysis approach, using analytical tools to explore the visual, linguistic, and narrative elements in these advertisements. The results showed that deepfake technology contributes to the creativity and attractiveness of advertisements, but at the same time, it raises challenges related to media ethics and content reliability. The research recommends the development of clear regulatory standards for the use of deepfake in advertising, raising public awareness about this technology, and conducting future studies on its long-term impact on consumer behavior and media culture.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Abbas Mohamed Ridha
The extent to which Islamic education books for the primary stage include the concepts of peaceful coexistence
The current research aims to know the extent to which Islamic education books for the primary stage include the concepts of peaceful coexistence. The research community was Islamic education books approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Education. As for the sample, it is the concepts of peaceful coexistence included in Islamic education topics. After conducting a content analysis process for the topics, the existence of a set of concepts and their number 35 concepts distributed over the six stages, but there was no balance in distributing them to the school stages. The concepts of respect and assistance predominated in all stages in the first place, followed by the concept of brotherhood, love, and removing harm. As for the concept of charity, good neighborliness, forgiveness, friendship, humility, justice, generosity and righteousness, they were the least among the concepts mentioned in the topics of Islamic education, which called the researcher to suggest a balance between these concepts and their distribution in a way Intensive in Islamic education topics
Asist.Lect. Ahmed Abdel Wahed Abdel Hassan