The currency market in Iraq’s Kurdish city of Sulaymaniyah is a busy place, with cash still being king when it comes to payments. There are e-payment platforms available, though Iraqis are largely cut off from global payment services like PayPal, Apple Pay and Stripe. This is a huge disadvantage for entrepreneurs in Iraq, who are unable to expand overseas or access funding from abroad due to a lack of digital financial services. Domestic customers are also reluctant to use e-payment platforms, with cash-on-delivery making up 98% of transactions on Iraqi e-commerce platforms. It’s a challenge that needs to be tackled if ambitious entrepreneurs in Iraq are to have a chance of success. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
