Basra studies journal

Discourse has been of great significance since ancient times, serving as the primary means by which individuals connect with their social environment. As a result, its forms and purposes are diverse, encompassing religious, political, philosophical, promotional, and more. Regardless of the variety of its types, the speaker's primary goal is often to make their discourse more impactful and persuasive to the audience. To achieve this, the speaker employs various persuasive techniques, including dialogue, skillful structuring, presenting supporting arguments, and other rhetorical strategies. One prominent theory that addresses persuasive discourse is the theory of linguistic argumentation by Ducrot and Anscomber. Of particular interest in their theory are the rhetorical links that play a key role in the argumentative process.

Phonetic performance plays a crucial role in grammar, as its influence is deeply intertwined with the essence of language, which is fundamentally composed of spoken sounds. This research highlights the significant impact of phonetic elements on grammar, with pausing emerging as one of the most influential yet underappreciated aspects. Grammarians have often overlooked the importance of pausing in their studies, whereas reciters have recognized its strong connection to grammar. They have demonstrated that the relationship between pausing and grammar is reciprocal, requiring readers to follow grammatical rules to accurately apply pauses and achieve their intended effect.

Meaning is the ultimate goal for the recipient, sought within texts, symbols, or discourse. Linguistic studies have explored this pursuit, investigating methods for uncovering meaning. Some approaches provide direct access with ease, while others require the recipient to reflect deeply to discern precise meaning. Contextual theory plays a key role in navigating this path and resolving issues of ambiguous or overlapping meanings. One such context is the phonetic context, which significantly influences the revelation of meaning.
This research aims to explore the phonetic context within a clear and eloquent Arabic text, rich in the arts of Arabic expression: The Collection of Books and Letters of Imam Zaid bin Ali (PBUH). Through the analysis of these noble texts, the study examines prominent phonetic phenomena and their contribution to uncovering or defining the meanings intended by Imam Zaid. The phonetic context is a vital element of the broader linguistic context, working in tandem with other linguistic and non-linguistic contexts to determine meaning.
The phonetic context holds considerable influence, a fact recognized by ancient Arab linguists, whose works demonstrate a keen sensitivity to sounds and their meanings. Modern linguists have also highlighted this relationship between sound and meaning, noting that sounds often mirror nature. Even when a sound does not directly convey meaning, it can evoke an intuitive sense or emotional readiness to accept the intended meaning.

The city of Basra has a historical importance as Basra in Islamic history due to its strategic location as it is located in southern Iraq at the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which made it an important commercial center between the East and the West. Basra was conquered by the early Muslims in 14 AH / 635 AD and was one of the main military camps of the Islamic army in its conquests. Basra quickly became a center of science and literature, where many famous scholars and jurists appeared. Basra played a major role in the Islamic conquests in the East, as it was a starting point for armies that headed to conquer Persia and Transoxiana. Basra contained many public and private libraries, which made it an important scientific repository in the Islamic world.

Women held a distinguished status and high esteem in ancient Iraqi society. Literary works, particularly myths and epics, offer significant historical insights through the discourse of ancient Mesopotamian scribes, highlighting the prominent role of women in prehistoric times. They were depicted as nurturing mothers and fertile lands, generously sustaining society. Women played a pivotal and influential role, earning reverence and even worship as life-giving and fertility-endowing figures. They were also regarded as creators, leading to the recognition of that era as a matriarchal society.
However, these texts also reveal a decline in women's role over time, as men gradually assumed dominance. This shift might be attributed to changing cultural norms, evolving societal attitudes, or men’s realization of their capabilities in ascending the social hierarchy. Despite this, women did not completely retreat from prominence; instead, they became essential supporters, complementing men’s roles and continuing to contribute significantly to society.

On September 22, 1980, Iraq launched a large-scale war against Iran, with former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein receiving substantial support from Arab and Western allies. Despite the ongoing conflict, the Iranian government remained resolute in its efforts to suppress the Kurdish uprising within its borders, which coincided with revolts by other non-Persian minorities. The Iranian leadership forged an alliance with the Iraqi Kurdistan Democratic Party, led by Masoud Barzani, who was based in Tehran. Under their agreement, the two parties collaborated against Iranian Kurds and Saddam Hussein’s regime, while also working to eliminate leftist elements within Barzani’s party. In exchange, Barzani received financial and military support on the condition that he refrains from interfering in Iranian Kurdistan.
At the same time, Abdul Rahman Qassemlou, leader of the Iranian Kurdistan Democratic Party, offered to align his forces with the Iranian army during the war. However, the Iranian government rejected his proposal, as it was contingent upon granting national rights to Iranian Kurds. Instead, the government intensified its military operations to suppress the Kurdish insurgents, forcing them to retreat to rugged mountainous regions as the northern front of the war escalated. Between 1981 and 1987, Iranian Kurdish parties collaborated with the Iraqi regime in exchange for material support.

This research examines changes in the duration of the Siberian high-pressure system over Babel Station during the climatic cycle from 2010 to 2021. The study analyzes the total and monthly averages of the days the high-pressure system persisted, as well as the variations in its duration. The research also explores the period during which the pressure system dominates the Babylon Governorate, with its influence varying based on the system’s strength and competition with other atmospheric systems. Observations are taken at 00Z and 12Z for Babel Station, focusing on the changes in pressure at the 1000 millibar level. These changes, whether positive (indicating a rise) or negative (indicating a decrease), have a significant impact on Iraq’s weather and climate. The Siberian high-pressure system generally lowers temperatures, clears the air, and reduces upward air currents due to weakened air movement and a lack of green areas resulting from low rainfall.
The study notes an increase in the number of days the Siberian high-pressure system persists, while the duration of secondary high-pressure centers has decreased during the 2010-2021 climatic cycle.

This research aims to shed light on the phenomenon of suicide in the urban centers of Basra Governorate and the factors contributing to its increase in recent years. A descriptive and analytical approach was adopted, utilizing criminal statistics data from the Basra Governorate Police Directorate to identify the primary causes and motives behind the notable rise in suicide cases.
The study focuses on suicide in the urban centers of Basra Governorate during the period 2018–2022, providing a clear picture of its spatial distribution and the reasons and factors contributing to its prevalence. The findings reveal that mental disorders accounted for the highest proportion of suicides, representing 72.2% of all cases in urban centers. Conversely, physical illnesses and alcohol and drug abuse were the least significant causes, accounting for only 1.9%.
The research concludes with key findings and recommendations aimed at mitigating and addressing this phenomenon.

This research aims to trace the impact of Al-Jahiz on the philosophical thought and intellectual development of the Arab and Islamic mind. Al-Jahiz serves as a key source for understanding this development from both intellectual and philosophical perspectives, while also providing a brief historical overview of the origins of Arab mentality. We argue that rational thinking did not emerge suddenly, but rather developed gradually, building stone by stone through different phases.
The Holy Quran played a central role in fostering rational thinking, containing philosophical and universal theories that contributed to the growth of intellectual movements through contemplation, reflection, research, and the study of metaphysical realities in a systematic manner. We emphasize that the Mu'tazilite school of thought and its proponents were pioneers in this development, significantly shaping the rational trend.
In this study, we focus on Abu Uthman Al-Jahiz to shed light on this intellectual progress, offering a general examination of the Mu'tazilite legacy. This includes their philosophical contributions beyond their well-known influence in poetry, literature, and rhetoric, with the aim of exploring a lesser-known aspect of their intellectual and philosophical impact. Al-Jahiz's works stand as a testament to this significant cultural evolution.

This study examines the spatial distribution of fuel stations along the main streets of Wasit Governorate using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). GIS has emerged as a crucial tool for analyzing the spatial patterns of service center distribution. The research aims to evaluate the distribution patterns of fuel stations, assess their relationship with spatial characteristics and surrounding geographical variables, and determine their sufficiency and efficiency.
By applying statistical methods, particularly buffer zone analysis, the study found that most fuel stations along the main streets in Wasit Governorate fail to meet the required distance standards. Exceptions include the Al-Amal Road stations located on Kut-Baghdad Street and the Abu Raghif stations situated on Kut-Maysan Street. This highlights the random and unorganized placement of fuel station sites, which do not adhere to the established standards set by the relevant authorities.
The research provides practical recommendations based on the results and insights gained from GIS analysis, aiming to improve the planning and organization of fuel station distribution in the region.

The research must specialize in one of the humanitarian studies that is concerned with Basrah Province affairs in particular and Iraqi affairs in general whether in the past, present or future, such as: language, literature, history, geography, sociology, philosophy, libraries and information systems, and other humanitarian studies.