Iraq
Global executions reach highest level since 2015, with Iran, Saudi Arabia and Iraq responsible for 91%
Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabia were responsible for the overall rise in known executions, accounting for 1,380 recorded executions, or 91% of the global total.
Turkey says it wants no confrontation with Israel in Syria
“Unfortunately Israel is taking out, one by one, all military capabilities that a new state can use,” says Turkish foreign minister.
Oil falls 3.75% amid global trade war recession fears
Oil prices fell 3.75% on April 7, continuing last week's losses, as escalating trade tensions between the United States and China fuelled fears of an economic recession that could reduce crude demand.
US imposes 17% tariffs on Israeli goods while Iran faces only 10%
US President Donald Trump announced a comprehensive new trade policy on April 2 that reveals a striking disparity in tariff rates between Israel and Iran.
Desertification drives thousands of families from their homes in Iraq’s Dhi Qar
Dhi Qar Province has recorded the highest displacement rate due to desertification and drought in Iraq, with more than 1,000 people officially registered.
Chinese firm wins project management deal for Iraq oilfield
Chinese company HQC has secured a contract to provide project management services for Iraq's West Qurna 1 oilfield
China's Shang Xin secures $2bn contract to build industrial complex in Iraq's Basra
Iraq's Minister of Industry, Khaled Battal Najm, signed a contract with China's Shang Xin company to build a major industrial complex in Basra with investments exceeding $2bn.
Arab League and UN condemns brutal Israeli airstrikes on Gaza
The Arab League's Ahmed Aboul Gheit has hit out at Israeli strikes on Gaza on March 18 in a sign of collapsing relations between the two sides.
Iraq ditches dollar in digital dinar bid to end parallel market
Iraq's Central Bank is preparing to launch a digital dinar as part of its transition to digital currency management as it prepares to take steps away from a cash-based economy.
Iraq plans major tourism projects to attract 1mn visitors
Iraq wants to attract both Muslim and Christian tourists to its historical sites as it bids to build out new hotels and resorts.
Turkey reportedly keeps up military strikes on PKK despite Kurdish group’s unilateral ceasefire
At same time, Ankara backs Damascus move to integrate Kurdish-dominated SDF militia into Syrian national army. Erdogan officials usually refer to SDF and PKK as one and the same “terrorist” entity.
Iraq establishes National Mobile Company with Vodafone partnership
Iraq to create National Mobile Company to operate 5G technology in partnership with Vodafone International
Kurdish SDF agrees integration into Syrian army, hopes rise Turkey will leave northeast Syria in peace
Response awaited from Ankara, which does not distinguish militia from "terrorist" PKK.
Syria's neighbours condemn Israeli mission creep in Syria at Amman meeting
Syria's neighbouring countries issued a joint statement condemning Israeli aggression against Syria and calling for its withdrawal from occupied Syrian territories.
China signs latest hospital building contract in Iraq
Iraq’s Dhi Qar Governor Mortada Al-Ibrahimi announced on March 6 the signing of a contract with Chinese company “CCTE” to build a 100-bed hospital in Suq Al-Shuyukh district.
New figures reveal devastating impact of ISIS campaign against Yazidis
Iraq's Office for Yazidi Abductee Affairs in Kurdistan has released updated statistics on the genocide perpetrated against the Yazidi community by the Islamic State, painting a grim picture of atrocities.
PKK declares immediate ceasefire with Turkey
President Erdogan says there is an “historic opportunity” to end the 40-year-insurgency. Talks could unravel, but process could also help bring stability to Syria.
ISTANBUL BLOG: PKK leader’s call to disarm not first of its kind. Nor is it serious
Not-so-negligible note circulated by Abdullah Ocalan’s messengers missed by international media.
PKK Kurdish separatist leader Ocalan issues historic call to lay down arms, end 40-year bloody conflict with Turkey
Doubts all factions will heed message emerge. Peace could advance Ankara’s ambition to play main role in reconstruction of post-war Syria.
Iraq and Switzerland sign tax treaty to boost economic cooperation
Iraq and the Swiss Confederation have signed a double taxation avoidance agreement to strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries.