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Speech of  H.E. Dr. Latif Rashid

Senior Adviser to the President of Iraq

Former Minister of Water Resources

Iraqi Investment and Trade Conference London

3-4 July 2017

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Thank you for inviting me to this conference. This conference comes at a critical time and discusses a subject that is important to both Iraq and the UK. Iraq needs investment from developed countries that have the expertise, capability and history if I may add, the UK which is undergoing the Brexit, is looking for promising new opportunities and partners and Iraq is a perfect match.

Iraq is a very rich country when it comes to natural resources.  It has tremendous potential and needs almost everything: from infrastructure, to housing complexes, shopping malls,  hospitals, etc, you  name it.

Therefore, very simply, there is a unique opportunity where there is a need and resources to cover the expenses of these needs.

On the other hand, Iraq suffers from extreme poverty, bad management,  endemic corruption, weak state institutions, political bickering, lawlessness, lack of services, squandering of natural resources, lack of security and public protection, etc.

Unfortunately, Iraqi richness has not been translated to tangible results. Iraqis have not reaped the benefits of their wealth. Most of Iraq’s problems are manmade. Therefore, there are steps that are critical for the future of Iraq. Critical at this stage as Iraq is preparing for the defeat of Daesh. I would like to congratulate our fighting forces and ourselves for liberating Mosul and other areas.

Further more serious steps should be taken to resolve political and economic situation with Kurdistan regional government, especially Kurdistan political and financial problems.

On the political level:

Reforming political institutions to increase transparency and accountability. Iraq is holding, so far, regular elections on the local and national levels. However, Iraq has not completed its transition to democracy and cannot under the current system consolidate gains toward prosperity and better life.

In Iraq, the electorate does not know who  represents them and they cannot reward or punish their representatives. They also do not have clear channels to voice  their grievances.

The Iraqi electoral system needs to be  redesigned to establish direct relations between the voter and the representative. That would increase the accountability and transparency of the system and would help in moving Iraqi politics towards substantive politics. Through the present political and party system leaderships in full authority and control without accountability.  It is important to reduce the authorities of political leaderships.

On  the Economic Level:

Iraq has major structural economic issues: the public sector dominates the economy and is primarily dependent on oil  which constitutes provides for more than 90% of the government’s revenues and more than 80% of its foreign exchange earnings.

Iraq’s economy needs to be  diversified. To do  so  the private sector in Iraq must play a greater role. Relevant to the subject of this conference, investment is the key  to bolster such engagement in the private sector.

There are two very lucrative sectors that are in bad need of investment: services and tourism. In Iraq banking is an area that needs foreign investment, oil industry, oil refining, petrochemicals, etc. Simply the areas in which Iraq can compete without protection and support from the government or support for a limited period. Also, Iraq needs to privatize its public enterprises and it would be easier to do so if there is interest from foreign companies to invest in these enterprises.

Further, private Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) must be  encouraged and supported to increase their contribution to the Iraqi economy. This will reduce total dependence on oil in the state budget.

On  the Administrative Level:

One of the challenges that Iraq is facing is the running cost of the bureaucracy. As stated above the economy is dominated by the state and the state employs the majority of the workforce. The cost is unbearable and the situation is un-sustainable.

There are millions of people employed by the state. There are legal challenges and political impediments to address this issue. First how can one layoff a public servant. There are laws and procedures to do  so and the millions of employees are protected by these laws and procedures. Second to cut down the number of employees amounts to political suicide for any politician since these employees and their families will turn against him/her.

What makes the situation even worse is the millions that are employed by the state are not hired based on their merits and qualifications but due to their kinship and political affiliation. Iraq suffers from a chronic case of favoritism and nepotism. This means that the bureaucracy that is consuming the resources of the state is an ineffective bureaucracy staffed by incompetent people who are unable to carry out the tasks and duties entrusted to them.

One of the most urgent reforms that needs to be undertaken and that are politically feasible is to establish the Federal Public  Service Council as stipulated in the constitution.

Iraq also needs to decentralize its decision-making process and delegate power from the center to the  federal government to the regional and provincial governments.

Last but not least - Iraq needs Digital Transformation:

Digital transformation

Iraq must materialize digital transformation  and build the infrastructure, systems, and operating programs and the use of the expertise of information scientists in major global companies.

It needs to focus on  technology especially in the field  of security and administration to minimize the effects of sectarian, national, tribal intolerance, corruption and incompetence and to raise the performance of the government. It is necessary to complete and activate the work of e-government. 

This can be one of the most important and most consequential areas of cooperation between the UK and Iraq. One of the most important reasons why the state bureaucracy is ineffective and the state intuitions are weak is the incompetent staff the educational system is producing. This educational system having a very negative effect on both private and public sectors.

I know the challenges are interwoven and present kind of a causality dilemma whether the chicken is from the egg or vice versa: do  we perform the administrative reforms or economic reforms first. The  answer is we do  them in parallel and one of the most important needs is investment: foreign investment that is mutually beneficial to both Iraq and the investors. This needs a serious and realistic program with a road map to be implemented.

Having said that it is a right time for investment in Iraq and with all the outlined issues Iraq has shown number of achievements such in field of telecommunication and internet...Etc.

Thank you,

Further Readings:

 1 Country Analysis Brief: Iraq, US Department of Energy

And: (2015). "Iraq facts and figures." Retrieved June 14, 2017, from http://www.opec.org/opec_web/en/about_us/164.htm.

And: (2017, April 28, 2016). "Iraq's Key Energy Statistics            ". Retrieved May  28, 2017, from https://www.eia.gov/beta/international/country.cfm?iso=IRQ.

And: (2017). "INTERNATIONAL ENERGY  STATISTICS : Vented and Flared Natural Gas, 2014."

Retrieved May  28, 2017 from https://www.eia.gov/beta/international/rankings/#?prodact=43-

1&iso=IRQ&pid=43&aid=1&tl_id=1-A&tl_type=a&cy=2014.

And: (2017, June 15, 2017). "The World Fact Book: Iraq." Retrieved May  22, 2017, from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/iz.html.

Iraq’s crude oil reserves are estimated to be  more than 143 billion barrels, which is OPEC’s second largest and the world’s fifth largest reserves.  Iraq holds 9%  of proven global oil reserves. Better yet, Iraq’s known hydrocarbon wealth is still unexploited. Output of refined petroleum products is about four and a half million barrels per day, while it exports more than three million barrels per day. Proven natural gas reserves are estimated to be  3.158 trillion cubic meters, and is the 11th  or 12th  (depending on the source) largest reserves in the world. However, Iraq does not export any of the natural gas it produces. Iraq flares or vents most of the natural gas it produces. In 2014 Iraq vented and flared 455 billion cubic feet of natural gas and was the second largest flaring country of gas worldwide, squandering  billions of dollars, although there are steps that are taken now by the government to reduce flaring. Iraq is also rich in phosphate and Sulphur, and has a very long history and has agricultural potential. Iraq is also rich in phosphate and Sulphur, and has a very long history and has agricultural potential.

2 (2017). "Sustainable Development Goals: About Iraq." Retrieved May  15, 2017, from http://www.iq.undp.org/content/iraq/en/home/countryinfo.html.

3 Patrick, S. E. R. S. (2008). Index of State Weakness in the Developing World, The Brookings Institution.

10, 14, 15, 17,

4 (2017). "Iraq." Retrieved June 1, 2017, from http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/iraq.

And: (2017, June 15, 2017). "The World Fact Book: Iraq." Retrieved May  22, 2017, from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/iz.html.

 And: (2017). "INTERNATIONAL ENERGY  STATISTICS : Vented and Flared Natural Gas, 2014." Retrieved May  28, 2017 from https://www.eia.gov/beta/international/rankings/#?prodact=43-

1&iso=IRQ&pid=43&aid=1&tl_id=1-A&tl_type=a&cy=2014.

And: (2017, April 28, 2016). "Iraq's Key Energy Statistics            ". Retrieved May  28, 2017, from https://www.eia.gov/beta/international/country.cfm?iso=IRQ.

And: Country Analysis Brief: Iraq, US Department of Energy

Iraq’s GDP  is 180.1 billion dollars, its GDP  per capita was estimated to be  16500 USD  in 2016. Iraq’s comparison in terms of GDP  is 36  while in terms of GDP  per capita is 101. 23% of Iraqis live under extreme poverty. Further, proven natural gas reserves are estimated to be  3.158 trillion cubic meters, and is the 11th or 12th (depending on the source) largest reserves in the world. However, Iraq does not export any of the natural gas it produces. Iraq flares or vents most of the natural gas it produces. In 2014 Iraq vented and

flared 455 billion cubic feet of natural gas and was the second largest flaring country of gas worldwide, squandering billions of dollars, although there are steps that are taken now by the government to reduce flaring.

5 (2009). Iraq:- The Way  Forward A Political Strategy To Win  & End the War In Iraq. The Faculty of the Josef Korbel School of International Studies. University of Denver, University of Denver. Master of  Arts in International Studies: 125.

6 Ibid.

7  Ibid.

8 (2017). "Sustainable Development Goals: About Iraq." Retrieved May  15, 2017, from http://www.iq.undp.org/content/iraq/en/home/countryinfo.html.

9  (2017, June 15, 2017). "The World Fact Book: Iraq." Retrieved May  22, 2017, from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/iz.html.

10  Ibid.

11  (2005). The Iraqi Constitution  (Unofficial Translation).

Article 107: A council named the Federal Public Service Council shall be  established and shall regulate the affairs of the federal public service, including appointments and promotions, and its formation and competencies shall be  regulated by law.

12 DeGross,  B. K. D. P. T. D. W. A. T. W.-H. J. (2004). Information Systems Research: Relevant Theory and

Informed Practice, Springer Science & Business Media.

Digital transformation is the change associated with the application of digital technology in all aspects of human society.

Country Analysis Brief: Iraq, US Department of Energy

(2005). The Iraqi Constitution (Unofficial Translation).

(2009). Iraq:- The Way Forward A Political Strategy To Win & End the War In Iraq. The Faculty of the Josef Korbel School of International Studies. University of Denver, University of Denver. Master of Arts in International Studies: 125.

 (2015). "Iraq facts and figures." Retrieved June 14, 2017, from     http://www.opec.org/opec_web/en/about_us/164.htm.

(2017). "INTERNATIONAL ENERGY STATISTICS : Vented and Flared Natural Gas, 2014." Retrieved

May 28, 2017 from  https://www.eia.gov/beta/international/rankings/#?prodact=43-

1&iso=IRQ&pid=43&aid=1&tl_id=1-A&tl_type=a&cy=2014.

(2017). "Iraq." Retrieved June 1, 2017, from  http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/iraq.

(2017, April 28, 2016). "Iraq's Key Energy Statistics           ". Retrieved May 28, 2017, from https://www.eia.gov/beta/international/country.cfm?iso=IRQ.

(2017). "Sustainable Development Goals: About Iraq." Retrieved May 15, 2017, from http://www.iq.undp.org/content/iraq/en/home/countryinfo.html.

(2017, June 15, 2017). "The World Fact Book: Iraq." Retrieved May 22, 2017, from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/iz.html.

DeGross, B. K. D. P. T. D. W. A. T. W.-H. J. (2004). Information Systems Research: Relevant

Theory and Informed Practice, Springer Science & Business Media.

Patrick, S. E. R. S. (2008). Index of State Weakness in the Developing World, The Brookings

  Institution

Latif Rashid, a leading Kurdish politician, explains why he believes Iraq can still have a peaceful future despite last week's violence

Sunday 24 August 2003

The Observer

As we look at the carnage of last week it may not seem it, but there is still an opportunity in Iraq to undo the mistakes of a century ago when the Middle East was carved into states by occupying powers in the aftermath of the First World War and to build a peaceful, stable country.

I am a Kurd, and for me that division has always been particularly painful. The Kurds were dispossessed - emasculated in the new international system based on nation-states and marginalised politically and geographically. We were forced to fight successive Iraqi regimes to preserve our culture, livelihood and honour. Last week we saw the capture of one of the most evil men ranged against us - Hassan ali Majjid, known to everyone as Chemical Ali for his brutal use of chemical weapons against my people.

But this is about more than just the Kurds. It is about the nation of Iraq. The first thing that the Americans must realise if they are to stabilise the country is that, whether they like it or not, the Iraqi people must be given a stake in their own security.

At the moment the American forces are being attacked by a minority of Iraqis, merely a handful of individuals and extremist terrorist groups, while the majority just look on. Give the Iraqis a stake in the maintenance of security and they will feel that anyone loyal to the old regime is attacking them and their wellbeing.

As Kurds and Iraqis, we are profoundly grateful to the allies for getting rid of Saddam and for capturing men like Chemical Ali. They now have to make sure that malevolent and reactionary forces are no longer able to gain power and to use such power in the pursuit of racist and genocidal policies.

Only by embracing a representative system of government in which the rights of all peoples are enshrined and protected can we ensure that such grotesque figures as Saddam Hussein are consigned to historical ignominy.

We may be Kurdish, but we are also Iraqi and are full partners within the Iraqi political community. We believe that our government in Iraqi Kurdistan acts as a reminder to the world that Iraqis can live in freedom, untroubled by terror or oppression, and acknowledge and support democratic, fair and federal principles and human rights.

As Iraqis, we are embarking on a new, exciting future, but one which needs to be managed carefully and needs to be assisted in the early stages. Iraq needs to be repaired, both in terms of infrastructure and in terms of society.

The international community was a committed partner with the Iraqi opposition, and certainly with the Kurds, but we need to be trusted with the running of our own country's affairs, and not to be treated like children who have the potential to run riot.

Iraqis are proud, and it is essential that we are empowered to make the decisions which will fundamentally affect our lives and, more importantly, those of our children.

-Latif Rashid is a senior representative of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan

By Azos L. Rashid

Just a brief glance through our history confirms that Kurdistan has tackled and overcome many obstacles. This is such a vital time of the realigning of powers in the region and the emergence of the terror organisation ISIS. Yet I find it troubling that the most dangerous and urgent problem is one of our own doing: the Economy. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) must deal with this by seeking genuine solutions and amending its policies, rather than by what they are doing: sticking their heads in the sand, denial or diverting attention through talk of independence.

The problem isn’t just one of a budget dispute or the delayed payment of government workers’ salaries: it is bigger than that, concerning the economy of the KRG as a whole. The fact is that all our economic policies have failed, which leads to the KRG continuing to go cap in hand to Baghdad, with the same old tired arguments over and over again.

Greece is a nation suffering huge financial difficulties. They have a much more advanced financial system, policies and institutions than the Kurdistan Region, and yet still they are not getting any international help. Why? because the international economic world understands that, by giving them a bailout loan, they would simply be throwing good money after bad. So, without reform in all the relevant sectors and a review of the financial laws and conduct, a bailout would be pointless. The Kurdistan Region is in exactly the same boat, but with a greater deficit when compared to the GDP, and without any credible financial institutions, a lack of industry, with a KRG and Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) that would like to blame everyone’s policies other than their own.

Just looking at the MNR’s annual reports would suggest that it is acting as the Ministry of Finance, Planning, Public Policy, Industry, and Foreign Affairs. Fortunately for many in the Government they can put the blame on ISIS, buying themselves some time – and this is the problem. ISIS and our economy do not go hand in hand, and those responsible in the government don’t seem to be doing anything constructive with the time.

I know the PUK parliamentarians have started to question the KRG’s policies, but this needs a national debate, and I would like to urge all news outlets, journalists, students, teachers and professionals from all parties to start seriously addressing the following issues concerning the economy of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq:

1. The level of debt of the KRG is now of crippling proportions, constituting at least 200% of the budget of 2014-15. Government debt now at an estimated $25 billion+, although it is very difficult indeed to get an accurate figure from the KRG.
2. This is because, perhaps, no-one in the KRG has a full view of the debt portfolio. Knowledge appears to be partially held, allowing the further rapid accrual of debt.
3. These are a few aspects of the debt that are perhaps known:
4. $5 billion pension fund shortfall
5. 2013 deficit of $3 billion covered by freezing $10 billion bank assets.
6. 2014 budget of $14 billion has a deficit of $6 billion
7. Since January 2014, the KRG is incurring at least a further $500 million debt per month due to shortfall from Baghdad.
8. The oil sums do not work. Production of oil since 2004 has cost $9 billion, while $10 billion was received by the KRG up to January 2014.
9. KRG producing oil from Avana and Bai Hassan is likely to be challenged by Baghdad as being unconstitutional. And Baghdad would be correct.
10. To achieve the budget target of $1 billion per month, the KRG would need to significantly increase production, to perhaps 1 mbpd, and also ensure that less discount is given to Turkey.
11. The transfer of Kurdish crude to Turkey and the return of refined products needs to be fully notarised and documented.
12. If producing IOCs (DNO, Keystone, Genel) are not paid, they will likely sell their blocks, or collapse. Either way, the public relations picture for Kurdistan would not be positive. IOCs only get 15% of barrel value, and are already struggling.
13. The MNR works very slowly. Oil ministries should reflect the complexities of the industry, and this requires highly segmented and specialised offices. MNR does not have this.
14. The KRG and MNR also need to be transparent about the terms of contracts signed, such as the 50 year gas deal with Turkey. Why is the KRG giving away discounted gas to Turkey, yet importing gas at a higher price from Iran?
15. The serious matter of oil smuggling needs to be addressed, not by hearsay and rumours, but by proof and very real consequences.
16. The KRG has no savings. It has been in receipt of significant funds since 2004, and especially in 2012 and 2013, yet no ‘regional’ wealth fund has been created. Instead, money comes in, goes out, or is ‘lost’. If the KRG had set up a wealth fund, then there would at least have been some resources available to get through this current crisis.
17. But the strategy would also require a much slimmer Kurdish bureaucracy, and measures to genuinely put a halt to issues that are hurting our bureaucracy such as “ghost employees”.
18. Why is the KRG not using KRG-owned banks rather than the privately-owned Kurdistan International Bank for KRG-related financial dealings?
19. The giving away of KRG public land for private enterprise must be stopped, because it has depleted the KRG of billions of dollars of much needed assets.
20. We need to focus the KRG Parliament to create and implement laws to:
21. Limit the powers of a KRG branch making unilateral decisions.
22. Help build the foundations for a strong economy: for example, the KRG still doesn’t have a debt law.
23. The KRG strategy of seeking ‘soft’ loans off international banks, countries, organisations is doomed since KRG is not sovereign. The IMF, for example, can only give to a sovereign entity.
24. We need to get out of the mindframe of hitching Kirkuk’s economy to the KRG: to put it bluntly, the KRG is trying to hide its shortcomings with Kirkuk’s oil. The only thing that this will achieve is a cut in Kirkuk’s petro-dollars and in Baghdad’s budget allocation for the Governarate.
25. The Baghdad – Erbil deal is actually very favourable to the Kurds, to such an extent that it is reasonable for Basra to argue that it is subsidising Kurdistan’s existence. Exporting through SOMO also removes the problem of discounting independent oil exports.
26. A possible way forward to consider for Kirkuk is the creation of a ‘Kirkuk Oil Company’, to be owned jointly by the KRG, the Governorate of Kirkuk, and the Government of Iraq, thus negating the problems of the Kirkuk cluster.

We are sitting on a sea of natural resources, surrounded by fertile land, and have a population that, given the chance, has shown they can thrive economically. So it genuinely sickens me when I visit the homes of our fallen heroes who have died for our freedom, only to see their children wait to live on hand-outs. It is not right.

…………………………………………

Azos L. Rashid is a former diplomat to the UN and WTO

13 April 2011

The Independent Chair of the Council,

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen!

I am very pleased to be with you and to introduce my candidacy to the post of FAO Director General.

• The FAO is the largest specialized UN agency. Therefore the FAO's success or failure is the main indicator of the entire UN system, and its global commitments in improving the standards of living across the world.
• The principals and activities of FAO are valid today as they were originally established.
• The activities can be implemented by the various committees and offices (talking into amount the core activities):
• Agriculture and Consumer Protection.
• Economic and Social Development.
• Fisheries and Aquaculture.
• Natural Resources and Environment.
• Technical Cooperation.

• The FAO is now required more than ever to insure a world free of hunger. (Right of Food is a human right). We are all aware that:
  • Global hunger is too widespread, with over 1 billion people hungry as we speak.
  • World population is expected to be well over 9 billion in 2050 which requires 70% increase in food production.
  • Competition on limited resources of land and water in many countries is taking place.
  • Effect of environmental and ecological degradation on food production is becoming a serious problem.
  • Climate change and its impacts on agriculture, particularly on small holders is a reality but damaging.

• Emphases should be given to the field work and project implementation, through adequate consultation and engagement with member countries.
• Reform is important and it is required in every institution encluding the FAO.
• FAO on-going reforms are pleasing and there could be room for speeding up the programme of reforms.
• I believe that the reform and improvements of efficiency are not time-bound, but a continuous process.
• I am also pleased with the reforms made to the CFS and I believe the new CFS can carry out its mandate as the main global forum to debate and develop policies on world food security.
• Taking about CFS I would like to mention that the CFS cannot impose its policies on countries. It supports country lead programs and policies to ensure food security.
• There are many sister organization and agencies in the world.
• Partnership with sister organizations in Rome WFP & IFAD as well as other global and regional partners and stakeholders are necessary.
• With the recommendations of CFS food prices are major factor.
• Food prices volatility is a major issue. There is a real need for stability in the food market. FAO shall play its role in helping the member states in having clear policies, offering technical support and making data available.

My vision to FAO

I would like to declare that:

• I will continue to make the FAO a member-guided organisation through involving all member states, more consultations, and more engagements.
• Enhance the Technical Cooperation Program (TGP) of FAO and link it with priorities at country and regional levels.
• Increase the field Presence and support for the decentralization Process, and encouraging south – south cooperations.
• Focus and developing and implementing projects aiming at improvement of food and agricultural products.
• Improve the efficiency of FAO governing bodies by encouraging full participation and oversight by member states.

• Maintain the ability of FAO to react satisfactorily to any humanitarian crises while keeping its major function as a proactive development agency in the area of food and agriculture.
• Enhance FAO voluntary contributions and resource mobilization through prudent execution of budget and measurable deliveries and outcomes. (assessed budget contribution and voluntary or extra budgetary contribution)
• I will embark on continuous reform to achieve:
• Truly democratic and neutral UN agency where all nation are engaged in sharing the responsibility of eradicating hunger.
• Promote sound policies and assistance in modernizing and transforming world agriculture towards increase and production and sustainability.
• Ensure maximum efficiency of FAO governing bodies through transparency, better management and accountability.
• Increase FAO presence in the field and support decentralization process and enhance the regional offices.
• Positive cultural change that motivate FAO staff to deliver more promote gender equality, and rule of woman.
• Empower regional offices to work closely with every region and engage civil society and reputable NGOs.
• Assessments and monitoring activities.
• With that I have been lucky to have qualification and experience in private and public sectors, UN organizations, and government institutions including ministerial level to put in the Originations disposal to carry out necessary activities with efficiency and reforms to achieve the objectives.
• Finally, if I am elected, I will personally cut my salary by 10% and put it back the Organization's budget.

By: Dr. Latif Jamal Rashid

Senior Advisor to the President

Former Minister of Water Resources

Republic of Iraq

July 2016

Water Resources Strategies  

• Overview
• Issues
• Priorities and future development
• Water Resources Development Strategies

Introduction

The world is developing in different fields and this development consumes several resources, among these resources, water, and the most precious. Therefore countries started to think of diversifying water recourses and exploit it as much as it is possible in different ways. The member states of the UN expressed that during the 2012 decision regarding the right of human to access water and sanitation.

The studies that were discussed in the UN halls cleared that (884) million person lacks safe drinking water and more than (2.6) million person don’t get basic sanitation services and (1.5) million children below 5 dies of disease caused by poor quality of both water and sanitation. The decision included that (the right to access safe and clean drinking water and good sanitation is one of the human rights and it is a necessity to enjoy his full rights).

 The abundance of water resources considered a main factor of stability and equilibrium in arid areas which represents a large proportion of Tigris and Euphrates basins area. And as it is known , Iraq shares it's rivers with its neighbor countries, the Euphrates river takes about 88% of its water from Turkey and 9% from Syria and

about 3% from inside Iraq . The Tigris River takes 56% of its water from Turkey and 12% from Iran and about 32% from inside Iraq.

Ancient Iraq- Water Civilization

55. If anyone open his ditches to water his crop, but is careless, and the water flood the field of his neighbor, then he shall pay his neighbor corn for his loss.  Code of Hamurabi

Ancient Hydraulic Civilization

- Iridu Civilization (south of Nassirriya) 5000 BC- first evidence of irrigation systems.

- Sumeria-Akkadia-Ur 4000-3000 B.C.

   I-tu-rungal Canal ( Baghdad to Nassirriya)

- Babylonia/Hammurabi 1900-1600 B.C. Nimrud Dam on the Tigris, other dams.

- Assyrian Age 1600-700 B.C. Sennacherib’s Canals, dams in Nineveh.

- Chaldean Age 700-600 B.C. Nebuchadnezzar’s dams and reservoirs.

- Persian, Greek, Parthian Age 600 BC – 637 AD.

- The Great Flood of 627-628 AD (created marsh system).

Water Resources Management

1- The Water Resources authorities (MoWR) provide Integrated Water Resource Management to the citizens of Iraq. As the steward of this vital resource.

2- The authorities have strive to balance the competing demands of irrigation, municipal and industrial water supply, hydropower, flood control, and environmental requirements, including marsh restoration. It involves to manage groundwater resources and supplies water to rural customers.

Background

- The bulk water supplier for the Nation of nearly 30 million people.

- Operate 25 major dams & barrages and 275 irrigation pump stations.

- Produce 20 % of Iraq’s electricity.

- Maintain irrigation & Drainage channels.

- Irrigate 3.25 million hectares.

- Total length of networks (irrigation and drainage) = 126887 km.

Background Continue

- About 3/4 of Iraq`s water comes from Turkey.

- 70% of flow occurs during flood season lasting 4 months ending in May.

- All reservoirs designed for carry-over storage.

- Groundwater used for domestic needs and irrigation in Kurdistan.

- Over 100 water control structures.

Flows in Iraqi Rivers

160 BCM (wet year)1969

28.16 BCM (dry year) in 1999 and 2001

76.88 BCM {(Average year) 1930-1990}

Balancing Competing Demands:

Flood control

Irrigation

Municipal and Industrial Water Supply

Environmental requirements including marsh restoration

Hydropower

Storage Capacity (BCM)

Mosul = 13.14 BCM

Dokan = 7.80 BCM

Derbendi-khan = 3.80 BCM

Hemrin = 3.76 BCM

Al-Adhaim = 4.00 BCM

Haditha = 10.00 BCM

Tharthar = 85.00 BCM

Agriculture (87-90% of water use)

- Land suitable for Agriculture =11.11 Mill. Hectare.

- Lands technically and economically suitable for Irrigation=5.72 Mill. Hectare.

- Agriculture provides 9% of GDP (Was 16% in 1968). Estimated at $US 1.6 billion in 2002.

- Employs 20% of population.

- Support all rural population 27% of population.

- 60% of family income used to be spent on food before implementing the Ration Card.

Future Directions in Water Resources Development Projects

1- Rehabilitation, Construction and O &M of pumping stations across the country Includes:

• Rehabilitation or replacing pumps,
• Electrical power
  • Generators
  • National grid
• Fuel supply
• Operation and maintenance 

2- Land Reclamation Projects

Includes:

• Construction of new projects
• Complete the remaining phases of the existing projects
• Rehabilitation of the irrigation and drainage networks
• Construction of field drains networks
• Canal lining
• Canal dredging
• Connection of the drainage network to the Main Outfall Drain (M.O.D)
• The use of modern irrigation technologies to improve water use efficiency (drip & sprinkler systems)

3- Restoration of Iraqi marshlands

Includes:

• Restoration of the marshes to the maximum possible extent
• Building infrastructure and basic services
• Providing environmental monitoring
  • Quantity & quality of Water
  • Biodiversity
  • Sustainability
• Supporting traditional industries and local economy.

4- Build, rehabilitation, operate and maintain dams, reservoirs, barrages and regulators.

Includes:

• Rehabilitation, O&M of storages and hydraulic control structures (9 major dams, 18 barrages and tens of regulators)
• Dredging and cleaning of major rivers, canals and drains (about 55.00 thousand km long)
• Building new dams
•    (in Kurdistan, northern and western Iraq).

5- Hydropower generation

• Rehabilitation, operate and maintain the hydro power generation system (total design capacity is 2465 MW),
•    at present gives about 17% to 20% of national capacity.

Investment needs in the Water Resources Sector

   It is estimated the financial resources needed as follows:

• $13.5 billion for land reclamation projects
• $3.44 billion for Water resources development and eco-restoration in the South
• $12 billion for dams and reservoirs.

Activities Related to Resources in Iraq (Role and functions)

- Nation’s water management and the supply of bulk water for agriculture, industry and potable water.

- In charge of storing, managing and planning Iraqi water resources across the country.

- Development of irrigation and drainage systems

- Construction of dams, canals, regulators, barrages, pumping station and irrigation/drainage systems;

- Operation & maintenance of all water-related civil structures.

- Determination of water allocation and supplies for various users.

- Management of water in rivers, streams, reservoirs, marshes and the groundwater. - Assessment of water resources.

- Issuing water extraction licenses.

- Funding research and studies on land and water.

- Monitoring, planning and managing water use. Across the country.

-Protecting the environment, biological diversity and related ecosystems.

- Restoring the Marshlands.

- Negotiating water sharing agreement with other riparian countries- Especially; Turkey, Iran and Syria. To achieve agreeable and just arrangement for sharing water. To agree on operational procedure of dams and reservoirs. To cover the required amount for domestic and agriculture, etc.

As an Iraqi, I would first like to say that we are extremely sorry for those who lost their lives during the war against Saddam Hussein. Our sympathies are with their families wherever they are – US, UK, Iraq - or anywhere else.

It must be remembered, however, that at the time not only did Prime Minister Blair & President Bush wish to remove Saddam Hussain from power in Iraq, but so did most of the entire spectrum of the Iraqi opposition (including Kurds, Arabs, Shia, and all other minorities that make up the Iraq) and most of the international community.

Office of the Senior Advisor to the President of Iraq

Declaration

Dr. Abdullatif Jamal Rashid, Senior Adviser to the President of Iraq took part in the "Second Global Forum against the Crime of Armenian Genocide" on 23 - 24 April 2016 in response to the official invitation sent by the Presidency of the Republic of Armenia.

Armenian President opened the conference, which was attended by high-level government officials, legal and political figures as well as the global movie stars and artistic and cultural figures.

The Forum program included Attending (Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity) as well as the following events:

09: 15 - Arrival and registration of the participants

10:00 - OPENING OF THE FORUM:

Statement by H.E. Serzh Sargsyan, President of the Republic of Armenia

11:30 - PANEL ONE:

GENOCIDE AND DISPLACEMENT: IDENTIFYING GENOCIDE FROM

THE PERSPECTIVE OF FORCED DISPLACEMENT AND RELOCATION

Followed By Q&A session

14:30 - PANEL TWO:

PREVENTING GENOCIDE AND PROTECTING REFUGEES:

CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES

Followed By Q&A session

16:00 - CLOSING SESSION:

Statement by Speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia

Statement by delegations and delegates/participants

Statement by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia

Speech of Dr. Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid delivered at the conference

Mr. President,

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good afternoon:

It is with pleasure that I convey to you the greetings of the President of Iraq and the Iraqi people.

It is an honor to accept this kind invitation and, participate in this important event to commemorate the victims of the crime of Genocide that the Armenian people suffered. This is one of the worst crimes ever in history.

It is a painful occasion and shame on humanity. Commemorating the genocide gives humanity a chance to do justice to victims. It is a condemnation to the perpetrators of this crime. It also enables us to learn the lesson in order to prevent such horrible events from recurring.

Sadly, the crime of the Armenian Genocide is not the last crime of this sort. Over the course of the past century other genocides have happened before and after the Armenian Genocide in different places in Europe, Africa, Asia, and in other continents without getting the attention they deserve.

Regrettably, humanity did not take a decisive and firm stand against the crimes of mass murder, Genocide, and destruction in spite of the legal obligations that International Organizations and individual countries have obliged themselves with.

It seems that humanity has not learned the lesson. To this very day victims still suffer because, the criminals can act as they intend. They can still act with relative impunity.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Iraq is an example. Over the course of the last four decades, if not for longer, our country has suffered from crimes organized at the state-level and committed by Saddam Hussein's dictatorship against millions of Iraqis be they in Iraqi Kurdistan, or in the southern and central parts of the country. Crimes of genocide took place: chemical weapons and mass graves were used as means for physical destruction. This is not to mention the displacement, and planned change of the ethnic and sectarian make-up of certain regions in the country to serve genocidal ends.

   Further, during the last years and, until this very moment, our country suffers from heinous crimes perpetrated by the gangs of Al-Qaida, ISIS or (Daesh), the Takfiris, and, other murder gangs.

Iraqis from different religions and denominations were targeted by terrorists. Campaigns of killing and forced displacement targeting groups based on ethnic and denominational motivations took place. To this end, I refer to the suffering of the Yazidis, Christians, and Sabean Mandaeans.

Our country has been in a fierce war for over a decade with terrorists. In this war we always expect the support of the international community to help us rid the world from the evil of terrorism. However, and I say this with pain, instead of besieging and closing in on terrorists, some of our neighbors help terrorists infiltrate our cities and facilitate the provision of logistical supplies to them.

We all have to understand that if, we do not appreciate the responsibilities that fall on our shoulders then, the human dignity and life will always be threatened. As such, holding the perpetrators of previous crimes accountable and, serving justice are important steps to repel perpetrators and, bring closure to the victims.

At the end, we must never forget that the greatest service to the victims is: to faithfully guard peace, freedom, and human dignity. We have to respect the sanctity of life and, preserve diversity. We have to prevent criminals from violating the values of humanity.

May the Armenian victims and the victims of tyranny, dictatorship, and terrorism rest in peace wherever they maybe in the world.

Thank you.

Dr. Latif Rashid

Senior Adviser to the President of Iraq

Yerevan, April 23, 2016

VORTEX TUBES

By A.L. RASHID

APRIL 1975

Basic Definition:-

Vortex tube sand trap consists of a tube open along its soffit which is embedded across the channel bed of a stream. The tube is open at one end to facilitate free discharge of some flow entrapped from the canal bottom.

The flow which is permitted to escape moves through the tube in a spiral motion; hence the device is called "vortex" tube. Therefore, a vortex tube sand trap is a device for removing from a canal, the sediment which travels near the bed. This device, when properly set and dimensioned, has proved to be very effective for the removal of sand and gravel moving as bed load in canal streams.

Available Information:-

A properly designed diversion works can exclude a portion of the material before it enters the channel. However, many diversion works were constructed before much was known about proper design for excluding or by­passing sediment. In India sediment excluders and extractors have been developed. In U.S.A. vortex tubes have been developed but general design criteria to assist field engineers in designing the vortex tube has been lacking. The phenomena is when flow is passed over the opening, a spiral motion was set up within the tube. This device was observed to be very effective in removing large material even to size of cobblestones.

In general, for operation at ultimate capacity, the most effective diversion method developed is continuous sluicing adjacent to canal headworks in a diversion approximately 60' to curved guide walls leading to headworks and sluiceways greatly increase the efficiency of the general sediment exclusion plan. Each diversion dam with its individual design requirements and field conditions requires separate studies to give the most satisfactory solution. 

Martin and Carlson used the performance effectiveness as the ratio of the concentration of the sand in the water passing through the sluiceway to concentration of sand in water passing through the headworks, i.e. Cs /Ch

Intermittent sluicing was tried and this method proved to be quite efficient in removing sand. However, it was recognized that the fluctuation of the canal water level due to varying discharge through the headworks during the cycle would cause sloughing of canal banks constructed in sandy material. Intermittent sluicing has been used successfully where the canal banks can withstand comparatively rapid water level fluctuations with sloughing.

A curved guide wall extending upstream from a point between the sluiceway and the over flow weir, with a vortex tube extending across the face of the headworks immediately upstream from the headworks sill, were installed in some designs. This arrangement gave a satisfactory ratio of Cs /Ch 7.5.

The ratio of Cs /Ch was lower for small Discharge and small velocities.

G.L. Koonsman and Maurice L. Albertson have presented the efficiency of trapping E in relation to other parameters such as the tube diameter, the channel width, the sediment concentration and Froude number.

They concluded by stating that; when the concentration of sand or bed load in a canal was excessive, the vertical action in the vortex tube was destroyed and deposition in the tube resulted, leading to low efficiencies. The results have shown that slightly better efficiency was found for values of F greater than.1, than for values less than 1. The critical depth gave the highest efficiency with the opening lips were on the same elevation. As the down­stream lip was lowered, increased efficiency was attained with F less than 1. Efficiency increased with relative tube size.

When silt exclusions devices were designed from the results of model tests carried out in Irrigation Laboratory in Colombo, the devices worked very satisfactorily for materials such as sand and larger sizes, but were not suitable for silt in suspension. This was due to the fact that most of these devices were based on model tests and it was found to be difficult to reproduce silt in suspension in models. 

S.V.Rao ; stated that unless the experimental technique was developed such as to correctly simulate the efficiency factor in the model, the proto­type structures naturally could not be expected to behave as originally contemplated. A model could operate with an efficiency representative of the prototype only if the same sediment concentration, i.e. same type of distribution of sediment at different points in a cross-section, was simulated in the model as obtaining in the prototype. This could be achieved when the following factors were considered:-

1. The precise laws governing sediment transportation.
2. The equipment for determining the sediment distribution inside a section should be available.
3. Having known 1 and 2, the prototype features should be established in the model preserving dynamic similarity.

Parshall recommended a vortex tube to be laid at angle of 45" with the axis of flow. Laboratory tests as well as field tests indicated that the optimum action of the vortex tube occurs when the water passing over the lip was moving at or near the critical velocity. That was when the velocity head was equal to one half the depth of water at the lip of the tube. No particular success was obtained in small scale model studies of vortex tube, therefore the laboratory tests were confined to tube sizes ranging from 4 inches to 12 inches in diameter which were assumed to be full scale dimensions.

Vortex tubes have been failure when the velocity in the canal was low or the tube was set below grade in the channel.

Tests carried out by Rohwer, et al on vortex tubes installed in channels 8 feet and 14 feet wide. The tubes used were 4 inches and 6 inches diameter set at various angles to the flow. Conclusions from these tests were as follows;-

1. The tubes were most active when the depth of water in the channel was slightly less than critical.
2. Straight or taper tubes were equally efficient in removing sand.
3. Angle of tube for angles less than 90° to the direction of flow had little effect on efficiency.
4. Efficiencies of trapping were conspicuously better when elevations of the upper and lower lips were the same.
5. The tubes would remove from 70% to 90% of bed load carried by the flame.
6. Tubes in a channel that was 8 feet wide seemed to be more efficient in sand removal than ones installed in a channel 14 feet wide.
7. When the Froude number of the flow immediately upstream from the tube exceeded 1.3 a considerable amount of sand and gravel was thrown out of the tube and re-entered the channel.

To aid in selecting and justifying a location for the diversion intake structure a hydraulic model is often constructed and operated over a wide range of conditions for both present and future. The model study is made to investigate a specific objective and may require in installation of a sediment ejector or excluder device. Following the specific use, the model is often used to extend the range of data sufficiently to generalize the design of a particular structure for future application to similar problems.

The first step towards economical handling of sediment in irrigation system is to prevent as much sediment as practicable from entering the system at the headworks. Usually there are several requirements considered in selecting a type of sediment removal device. Six of these requirements are the following:-

1. A sufficient quantity of water must be available for sluicing-type devices.
2. A sufficient head should be available to produce adequate sluicing velocities.
3. An ample water supply should be available in the downstream channel to carry the sediment away where sluicing devices are used.
4. The minimum size of sediment particle to be removed should be known.
5. The amount of sediment to be removed and gradation of particles should be known.
6. There should be adequate space available for sediment excavated from a settling basin.

It has been stated that the simplest and probably the least effective sediment excluder is the gated sluiceway placed adjacent to the canal head gate.The effectiveness of this type of excluder depends on the volume of the pocket that can be created by raising the sill of the canal head gate above the sluiceway floor. In many cases curved guide walls are provided at the head gate. These are curved training walls to form an approach channel to the head gate and sluiceway of an intake structure have been found to be efficient in excluding sediment from canals. These walls artificially create secondary spiral currents similar to those formed in a natural curved channel.The radius of curvature and the position of the guide walls with respect to the inlet and the channel currents are usually developed from model studies because the relationships of the several factors involved have not been determined in terms of hydraulic or sediment parameters.

The canal guide wall type of intake operates more efficiently when water is available for continuous sluicing. However, when the amount of sluicing water is limited, operators have sluiced intermittently with satisfactory results.

On vortex tube, Dominy stated that, tests indicated that narrow sluice gate which produced higher velocities in the sluice way approach channel combined with the vortex tube greatly improved the exclusion of sand from the canal. Vortex tubes have been built in several locations and have proven to be efficient devices for sediment ejection.

In certain installation, the vortex tubes perform excellently. However, its general use is limited in canals and canal structures because it cannot function properly under the conditions involving a wide variation in flow or when velocities are low. To achieve maximum efficiency, the flow across the tube should be near critical depth. If a particular section is designed to produce critical flow, operation at partial discharge greatly diminishes the efficiency of the tube. The tube is useful only in the removal of bedload and is practically ineffective in the removal of suspended sediment.

Findings:-

Review of past studies indicates that the vortex tube type of sand trap has been found to be superior to other types of sediment ejectors.The following design features are indicated based on findings of previous investigators.

1. The Froude number of the flow in the section containing the vortex tube should be near 1.0.
2. Amount of flow removed by the tube depends on slot opening as well as depth and velocity of flow. An average extractor ratio of about 10% was indicated.
3. The shape of tube was not particularly important as long as area was sufficient and shape such that sediment would not escape from the tube once it had entered.
4. Efficiency of   trapping increased   as   size   of   material increases.  
5. Straight tubes   performed equally   as   well   as   tapered ones.  
6. There seems to   be   a limiting length   of tube   for   optimum operation about 15 ft.                
7. The angle of tube should be in the range of 45°- 65° from the direction of flow.

In some researches, it was found that the percentage of flow removed was a function of tube geometry and angle, as well as depth and velocity of flow across the section. From the tests carried out in these researches on vortex tube sand trap, the following design criteria are necessary for the successful operation of the device.

1. The velocity and depth of flow across the section containing the tube should be such that the Froude number approximates O.B.
2. The percentage of flow removed by the tube is a function of the depth and velocity of flow in the channel as well as width of opening area, angle, and length of tube. The flow removed usually ranges from 5% to 15% of the total.
3. The width of opening should usually be in the range of 0.5 ft. to 1.0 ft.
4. The ratio of length of tube to width of opening 4D should not exceed 20 with the maximum length of tube being approximately 15 ft.

Where L = length of tube   and   D = width of opening.

5. The tube angle should be 45°.
6. Straight tubes operate as well as tapered ones.
7. The elevation of the upstream and downstream lips of the tube can be the same rather than having the downstream one lower.
8. The shape of the tube does not seem to be particularly important as long as this shape is such that material entering the tube is not allowed to escape back into the channel. A pipe with a portion of the circumference removed seems to operate as well as other prefabricated shapes.
9. The required area of the tube can be approximated by the relationship,       AT = 0.06 DL Sin Q,

Where AT = cross-sectional area   and   Q = angle of tube to direction of flow.

10. With the foregoing design specification, the tube can be expected to remove approximately 80% of the sediment with sizes greater than 0.50 mm. The trapping efficiency of smaller sizes will be considerably lower.

Researches have shown that most of the previous works on the maximum efficiency of vortex tube appeared to occur when the Froude number in the approach channel was about unity or slightly less. Recent research has pointed out that what is important is not Froude number but the absolute velocity the approached channel which affects the overall efficiency of the installation in two conflicting directions.

Meanwhile the design of an efficient vortex tube sand trap ideally requires model tests as recommended by many researchers. Recent theory developed for the design and interpretation of the flow behavior in a vortex tube is thought to be of some value.

BIBLIOGRAPRY

The following list of reference sources

1. REHBOCK, T   "Distribution of Transported Sedimentary

:Material in River Diversions".

Hydraulic Laboratory Practice, ed. J.R. Freeman

(pub. Am. Soc. Mech Eng. 1929), pp. 178-179.

2. MATTHES, G.B. "Diversion of sediment at Branching Channels". Trans. Am. Geophys. Union, Vol.14,

1933, p.506.

3. RAUDKIVI, A.J.   "Loose Boundary Hyd'rau.Id.ca'", Pergamon, 1967.

4. UPPAL, H.L.       "Sediment Excluders and Extractors"

Int. Assoc. for Hydr. Res. Report of 4th Congress, Bombay, 1951, pp 261-316.

5. AHMAD, MUSTAO (1963) "Design of Silt Excluders and Silt Ejectors". Proc. W. Pakistan Eng. Cong., Oct.1963,
6. 85-119

6. NEEDHAM, J.   "Science and Civilisation in China" Vol. IV, Part 3. Camb. Univ Press, 1971, pp 211-378.

7. KING, H.W.       "Exclusion of heavy silt from channels by Vanned Pitching ". Proc. Punjab Engineering Congress, Vol. VI, 1918.

8. THOlv1AS, A. R. Discussion on "Diversions from Alluvial Streams ".C.P. LINDNER. Trans. Amer. Soc. Civ. Eng.,

Vol. 18, 1953, p.276.

9. ROUVE & INDLEKOFER "The Influence of Secondary Motion on the Sediment Distribution in Channel Branches of Mild Slope Flow". Int. Assoc. Hyd. Res., Istanbul, 1973, Vol.l,pp 517-27.

10. BLENCH. T   ,Discussion on paper by Parshall (Ref 12, below) Trans. Amer. Soc. Civ. Eng., Vol. 117, 1952, p 213.

11. PARSHALL, R. L. (1931) "Sand Trap for Canals Works on Vortex Principle” , Civil Engineering (A.S.C.E., New York), Feb. 1931, p.419.

12. PARSHALL. R.L. (1952) "Model and Prototype Studies of Sand Traps" Trans. Amer. Soc. Civ. Eng. Vol 117, 1952

p.204

13. AIDw), MUSTAQ (1961)     Discussion of "Vortex Tube Sand Trap" Robinson (15) Proc. Amer. Soc. Civ. Eng. IR4t Vol. 87, Dec. 1961.

14. ROHVIER, CARL "Effect of Shape of Tube on Efficiency of Vortex Tube Sand Traps for various types of Sand". (In files of U.S. Conservation Services Office).

15. ROBINS ON , A.R. "Vortex Tube and Sand Trap" Proc. Amer. Soc. Civ. Eng. IR4, Vo1.86, Dec.1960

16. BROWN, n.R.M. (1962) "A Study of the Fluid Motion in Vortex Tube Sand Traps and the Factors influencing their efficiency". Ph. D. Thesis, University of London, 1962.

17. KOONSMAN & ALBERTSON "Design Characteristics of the Vortex Tube Sand Trap". Int. Assoc. Hydr. Res. Report of the 4th Congress, Bombay, 1951, pp. 317-323.

18. BROWN, D.R.M. (1964) "A Study of the Factors influencing the efficiency of Vortex Tube Sand Traps" Paper No.6715, Inst. C.E. London; (Abst+act in Proc. I.C.E. Vol.28, June 1964, pp 197-200) Taken largely from the Author's Ph.D. Thesis (16)

19. FRANC IS , J.R.D. "Experiments on the motion of solitary grain along the bed of a water stream". Proc , Roy. Soc. London. Series A. Vo1.332. April 1973) pp 443-471

20. BAGNOLD, R.A. "The Nature of Saltation and of 'bed load' transport in Water". Proc. Roy. Soc. London, Series., Vol.332 (April 1973) pp 473-504.

21. RYAN, A.J. "Modern Control Works Solve Diversion Problems". Civil Engine{::ring, (A.S.C.E. New York) Vol.l1, Dec. 1947, p.30

22. RINGLEB, F.O. "Separa t i on Control by Trapped Vortices" Chapter in 'Boundary Layer and Flow Control'; ed. G.V. Lachmann, Vol.1 pp. 265-293. Pergamon, 1961.

23. MILNE-THOMSON, L.M. "Theoretical Hydrodynamics" Maemillan & Co., 5th ed. 1968

24. BATCHELOR, G.K. (1967) "Fluid Dynamics" Cambridge Univ. Press. 1967

25. BATCHELOR, G.K. (1964) "Axial flow in trailing line vortices". J. Fluid Meeh. Vol.20, Part 4 (Dee 1964) pp 645-58

26. GARTSHORE, 1.S. "Swirling flow in a straight pipe" M. Se. Thesis, University of Lendon, Jan. 1960.

27. DUNCAN, TROM & YOUNG "The l':echanics of Fluids". Edward Arnold Ltd. 1960.

28. HENDERSON, F.M. "Open Channel Flow" Macmillan, New York, 1966 p.16.

Hydraulic Research International Association for Hydraulic Research, 1958, page 304.

International Association for Hydraulic Research, Report of the 4th meeting, Bombay, India, 1951, page 317-323 •

International Association for Hydraulic Research, Report of the 4th meeting, Bombay, India, 1951, page 261-316.

Dominy, Floyd E., Design of Desilting Works for Irrigation systems. Journal of the Irrigation and Drainage Division, ASCE, Vol. 92, No. IRA, Proc. Paper 4988, December, 1966, pp. 1-26.

Marton, Rarold H. and Carlson, Model studies of Sediment Control Structures on Diversion Dams, Bureau of Reclamation, United States.

Campbell, P.A., Vortex Tubes Sand Traps: A Study of the Motion, M.Sc. Thesis 1973, Imperial College.

Hydraulic Laboratory Report No. Hyd 384. Bur. of Reclam. U.S. Dept. of the Interior, Washington, D.C., Feb. 1954.

Hydraulic Laboratory Report No. Hyd 385. Bur. of Reclam. U.S. Dept. of the Interior, Washington, D.C., April 1954.

Hydraulic Laboratory Report No. Hyd 479. Bur. of Reclam. U.S. Dept. of the Interior, Washington, D.C., March 1962.

Hydraulic Laboratory Report No. Hyd 499. Bur. of Reclam. U.S. Dept. of the Interior, Washington, ·D.C., August 1962.

Monday, July 14, 2008

An Iraqi Cabinet Minister Comes Calling

Theo Caldwell

Brendan Smialowski, AFP, Getty Images

Dr. Latif Rashid, Iraq's Minister of Water Resources, brought his vital portfolio to Canada last week in search of knowledge and partnership. He avers that Canadian equipment, technical skill and diplomacy, deployed correctly, can benefit his country and ours, as a resurgent Iraq welcomes foreign investment. Thus far, Dr. Rashid is encouraged and grateful for Canada's support.

At the best of times, Dr. Rashid's task would be a difficult one. He notes that the Middle East holds roughly 1% of the world's fresh water, which must be stretched to supply more than a billion people. His job was made tougher by Iraq's former regime, which, as a tactical and punitive measure, drained the country's 25,000 square kilometres of marshlands. This was done, Dr. Rashid points out, to provide staging ground for Iraq's war with Iran and to displace dissidents among Iraq's so-called Marsh Arabs.

While living in London, Dr. Rashid campaigned vigorously against the draining of the marshes, but to no avail. The result was an environmental and human catastrophe, during which half a million people were displaced or died.

Environmental zealots in North America burn with rage at gas-guzzling automobiles, yearning to drag soccer moms and dads from their SUVs and bludgeon them with Birkenstocks. But their anger would be better spent on men like the late Saddam Hussein -- arguably the worst environmental terrorist of all time -- whose burning of oil fields and draining of Iraq's marshes destroyed millennia-old ecosystems and did more damage to the planet than all the world's suburban carpools combined.

Since he took up his post in September, 2003, Dr. Rashid and his ministry have worked tirelessly to reverse the damage caused by the former regime. Their achievements have been extraordinary. Over 80% of the marshland has been reinstated and half the population has come back. Those Marsh Arabs who have not returned, according to Dr. Rashid, have chosen to remain in places where they established new lives in the years since their displacement.

As a senior member of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's Iraqi government, Dr. Rashid speaks with authority on other issues affecting the region, from the waning insurgency to Iranian sabre-rattling.

He is encouraged that Iraqis can now travel about the country -- including to his office to make requests in person -- in a way that was impossible even a year ago. "The security situation has improved," he told me in an interview. "The relationships among various segments of society are much better. There is more understanding. A year ago, we were worried about civil war. Now, in large areas that had sectarian conflict, life has become normal again."

Dr. Rashid does not want to give a glossy picture and says that officials are still very careful. But he believes the rapid progress in his country is a function of the U. S.-led troop surge strategy, combined with Iraqis' sincere desire for peace.

Asked about the escalation of tensions between Israel and Iran in recent days, Dr. Rashid is circumspect: "The Iranians are clever. They will not allow it to get to that stage where action takes place. It might happen, but I doubt it."

Dr. Rashid is well aware of Iran's influence within his own country: "Iran has become a major power player in the region. In Iraq, Iran has got good, strong contacts with every political group."

Like many observers, Dr. Rashid draws a distinction between Iran's hard-line regime and its population. Most Iranians are under 35 years of age and they long less for war than for freedom. "Every time I go to Iran, I see the change," Dr. Rashid says with optimism. "Young people -- the way they dress, the way they talk, the way they behave."

As to the single most important step Canada could take to strengthen its partnership with Iraq, Dr. Rashid is straightforward: "Establish your embassy in Baghdad." At the moment, Canada's diplomatic mission is stationed in Amman, Jordan, where Margaret Huber, of whom Dr. Rashid speaks very highly, serves as Canadian ambassador to Jordan and Iraq. While he understands that security is a concern for foreign service workers, Dr. Rashid points out that Canada is the only G8 country that has not established an embassy in Iraq's capital.

Canada has been blessed with one of the world's largest supplies of fresh water, and has developed the technology and tools to irrigate effectively. Iraq, meanwhile, holds potential for investors as its conditions improve by the day. Dr. Rashid's mission is to bring those interests together, for the benefit of both countries.

theojpcaldwell@yahoo.com - Theo Caldwell, president of Caldwell Asset Management, Inc., is an investment advisor in the United States and Canada.