The United Nations or the World Cup of Diplomacy and Artificial Intelligence?

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The UN as the world’s “World Cup of diplomacy,” its evolving role, and how AI is reshaping global diplomacy and international security. Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj A year ago, it looked like the United Nations was coming to an end. Funding was cut by the United States, it constantly appeared to be an ineffective institution, and there were fears that Donald Trump would withdraw the United States from the United Nations, which he founded and mainly funded. There was even talk that Trump's “peace board” could become an alternative or rival to the United Nations. But this week, as world leaders met again in New York, there was a new energy palpable. The first meeting on artificial intelligence in the history of the UN Security Council was held. Trump, although still as violent and threatening as ever, did what should be done at the United Nations: he used diplomacy. What has happened at the United Nations in recent days deserves careful attention and research. People talk a lot about how ineff...
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Iraq Secures Critical Food Lifeline as 44,000 Tons of U.S. Rice Arrive Amid Strait of Hormuz Crisis


By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj

Sulaimani, Iraqi Kurdistan — 31 May 2026 

Despite escalating regional conflict, shipping disruptions, and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Iraq continues to safeguard food security through alternative trade routes, with a major U.S. rice shipment arriving via Jordan's Aqaba Port.

A shipment carrying 44,000 tons of US rice designated for Iraq arrived at Jordan's Aqaba Port on Sunday despite shipping disruptions and maritime restrictions affecting regional trade routes, Iraq's Ministry of Trade stated. Lama Hashem Al-Moussawi, Director General of the State Company for Foodstuff Trading, noted that the company continues to implement its 2026 distribution plan for the food basket and social welfare programs, ensuring the uninterrupted supply of essential food items. 

She added that “the company is closely monitoring shipping and unloading operations while coordinating with relevant authorities to ensure the timely delivery of supplies to warehouses and distribution centers across Iraq.” 

 On May 22, Mahmoud Khalifat, Director General of the Aqaba Ports Corporation, announced that five cargo ships carrying food and industrial goods for Iraq had docked at Aqaba Port. Jordanian authorities also reported receiving 100,000 tons of vegetable oils destined for Iraq, while additional shipments carrying rice, corn, sugar, iron, and timber were awaiting unloading. 

 Regional shipping routes have faced sustained disruption since the US-Israeli war on Iran began on Feb. 28, which prompted Iranian missile and drone attacks against Israel and US military facilities across the Middle East. 

Tehran subsequently declared a full closure of the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping, forcing traders and importers to rely increasingly on alternative routes.

#Iraq #FoodSecurity #USRice #AqabaPort #Jordan #StraitOfHormuz #MiddleEast

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