In light of the wars and crises our regionโespecially the Middle Eastโis going through, it has become essential for every knowledgeable and experienced individual to ask: What have we learned from these hardships? And how can we prepare to address their consequences?
Isnโt it time for collective efforts to come together?
From our perspective as professionals in technology and software:
Isnโt it time to launch a secure national search engine that cannot be easily compromised?
Or a national messaging application that protects citizensโ privacy?
Or a national social media platform?
Or independent local systems for forms and electronic services?
Isnโt it time to reduce reliance on services provided by Google and Meta, and applications such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Waze, and othersโsystems where we have no control over our data?
If there are serious initiatives, my team and I would be among the first to contribute our effort, expertise, and participation.
However, such a project requires a bold national decisionโfrom leaders within both the legislative and executive authorities. We also hope that the Iraqi Programmers Association plays a role in amplifying this voice.
We call on everyone who cares to think about how they can serve their country through their field of expertise.
Change begins with a single stepโitโs far better than standing still.
