Iraq

Trump’s USAID shutdown threatens hundreds of Iraqi development projects

bnm Gulf bureau February 13, 2025

Trump's shutdown of USAID has put Iraq's third-sector activities in jeopardy, with water resources likely to dry up.

Iraqi migrants face trial in Russia after EU-border jump to Latvia

bnm Gulf bureau February 13, 2025

Twenty-three men from Iraq's Kurdistan Region are awaiting trial in Russia following their detention at European Union borders, with one illegal migrant reportedly dying in custody.

Iraqi PM visits Czechia amid arms and security diversification push

bnm Gulf bureau February 13, 2025

Baghdad Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani arrived in Prague on February 13 for official talks focused on military deals.

Trump's Iran sanctions put Iraq's power sector at risk

bnm Gulf bureau February 11, 2025

Iraq faces a potential energy crisis as US President Donald Trump ends its exemption from sanctions on Iranian gas and electricity imports.

Iraq recovers ancient artefacts from Japan and Switzerland

bnm Gulf bureau February 11, 2025

After years of looting Iraq has retrieved several stolen archaeological pieces from Japan and Switzerland through intensive diplomatic efforts.

Iraq sues Lexus over advertisement at historic site

bnm Gulf bureau February 9, 2025

Iraqi authorities in Dohuk are up in arms over a Lexus advert filmed at the historic site without permission.

France awards top military honour to Iraqi commander

bnm Gulf bureau February 6, 2025

France awarded its highest military honour to a senior Iraqi commander for his role in combating terrorism, Iraq's Joint Operations Command announced in Baghdad.

USAID spent $20mn on Iraqi Sesame Street project

bnm Gulf bureau February 6, 2025

A US senator has criticised the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for spending $20mn on an Iraqi version of Sesame Street, among other projects she described as "wasteful and dangerous spending."

French TotalEnergies signs $820mn Iraqi solar power deal

bnm Gulf bureau February 5, 2025

France's TotalEnergies has signed an agreement with Basra Investment Commission to construct a 1,000-MW solar power plant in Iraq

Turkey could set up airbases in Syria’s desert, brief Damascus sources

bne IntelliNews February 5, 2025

Speculation over Ankara’s intentions mounts as interim Syrian president al-Sharaa meets Turkish leader Erdogan.

Britain supplies emergency vehicle boost to Iraq in $31mn fire engine deal

bnm Gulf bureau January 31, 2025

British manufacturers will supply 62 firefighting vehicles to Iraq's Ministry of Interior under a $31mn loan agreement from UK Export Finance (UKEF).

Britain secures major Iraq military base as US influence declines

bnm IntelliNews January 30, 2025

The Iraqi government has granted Britain control of the strategic Qayyarah airbase in a deal worth GBP500mn in an historic shift from US control of the region.

More than 5,000 Nigerian women trapped in Iraq

bnm Gulf bureau January 22, 2025

More than 5,000 Nigerian women are currently stranded in Iraq after being recruited as caregivers under false pretences, the head of Nigeria's Diaspora Commission said on January 22

China's Shanghai SUS Environment secures $497mn contract for waste-to-energy project in Iraq

bnm Gulf bureau January 22, 2025

Iraq has awarded China's Shanghai SUS Environment Co. Ltd a $497mn contract to build the country's first waste-to-energy plant, which will process 3,000 tonnes of waste daily and generate 100 MW of electricity.

Iraq seeks Iran-backed militia disarmament in new push

bnm Gulf bureau January 18, 2025

Iraq is trying to convince Iran-backed armed factions to lay down their weapons or join official security forces, Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said.

ISTANBUL BLOG: “Dog bites man” story as Erdogan arrests more mayors, but there’s more here than meets the eye

Akin Nazli in Belgrade January 15, 2025

Two issues to watch: shape-shifting opposition politician Imamoglu and sad sight of boomers failing to solve Kurdish question.

Iraq's London moment marks its post-Saddam era's coming of age

bnm Gulf bureau January 15, 2025

When Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani sat down with King Charles III in London on January 14, the symbolism could not have been more profound. It was twenty years after the fall of Saddam Hussein's hated regime.

Iraq, BP to sign major Kirkuk fields deal worth over $27bn

bnm Gulf bureau January 15, 2025

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed in London to assess the feasibility of a comprehensive redevelopment programme for four oil fields in Kirkuk as part of a bigger BP deal.

UK crime agency helps Iraqi forces arrest three Kurds over people smuggling

bnm Gulf bureau January 14, 2025

Three men suspected of running a major people smuggling network from Iraq’s Kurdistan region to Britain and Europe have been arrested in a joint operation between British and Iraqi security forces

Britain signs landmark Iraq deal including migrant returns accord

bnm Gulf bureau January 14, 2025

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani have signed a comprehensive partnership and cooperation agreement that encompasses trade, economic collaboration and strategic relations.

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