Iraq
Iraq greenlights pharmaceutical factory and power projects in reconstruction push
Iraq approves pharmaceutical factory in Mosul and new power projects as part of reconstruction drive. Committee chaired by PM Al-Sudani endorses housing, electricity and industrial investments.
European Union allocates €1.1mn to address urgent water crisis in Iraq
The European Union is allocating €1.1mn million in humanitarian funding to address the escalating water crisis in Basra, southern Iraq, as climate change continues to dry out the country.
English Channel migrant arrivals exceed 25,000 in record time
The number of migrants entering British waters via English Channel crossings has surpassed 25,000 arrivals at the earliest point in any year since records began.
300-MW solar energy project underway in Iraq’s Karbala desert
Iraqi Electricity Minister Ziad Ali Fadel announced the continuation of work on the Karbala solar power plant project, which represents the first solar project to actually enter Iraq's national electricity grid
Iraqi PM launches Turkish-Lebanese joint bridge project in Baghdad reconstruction
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani launched construction of the Krayat Bridge over the River Tigris as part of Baghdad's long-delayed reconstruction campaign.
Iran faces new heatwave as 12 stations record temperatures above 50°C
Iran is experiencing a new heatwave beginning July 29, with more than 12 weather stations recording temperatures above 50°C (122°F) in the past 24 hours, according to the country's meteorological service.
Extreme heat slams Middle East amid growing regional climate emergency
Summer 2025 has turned the Middle East into a furnace. Across Syria, Iraq, Iran, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, temperatures have surged past 50°C, prompting power cuts, water shortages and silent protests in some of the world’s hottest cities.
Iraq repatriates 15,000 citizens from Syria’s al-Hol camp
The Iraqi Ministry of Migration and Displacement announced that it has repatriated 15,000 Iraqi nationals from the al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria, with 10,000 already returned to their home regions across the country.
Iraq shuts down as temperatures soar above 53°C
Iraq has topped the list of countries with the world's highest temperatures, with several Iraqi cities recording temperatures exceeding half the boiling point.
ASH: Türkiye – geopolitical opportunity knocks
Potential for big wins, but also new headaches for Erdogan.
Iraq turns to solar energy with 535 government projects and citizen incentives
Iraq's National Team for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Projects confirmed that the Baghdad government has decided to implement 535 projects in government institutions to generate electricity through solar energy.
Egypt, other Arab states condemn Israeli airstrikes on Syria
Several Arab countries have strongly condemned the recent Israeli airstrikes on Syrian territory, which targeted key sites linked to Syria’s Interior and Defence Ministries.
Iraq plans ten new dams as "El Niño" worsens water crisis
Iraq's water resources Minister Awn Dhiab Abdullah said that “El Niño's negative impact” on Iraq is increasing, with 12 provinces now relying exclusively on groundwater.
BEYOND THE BOSPORUS: Make no mistake. What we have here is an Erdogan, PKK coalition
As usual, Turkey’s wily leader is running circles around the media monkeys.
Baghdad residents protest about electricity shortages as temperatures exceed 50°C
Protesters burnt tyres and clashed with security forces as Iraq's chronic electricity crisis intensifies during the summer heat wave.
Kurdistan Workers' Party begins historic weapon destruction in Iraq
The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) has begun destroying its weapons in an unprecedented move to end armed struggle and transition to peaceful political resistance.
Iraq bans Labubu dolls citing child behaviour concerns and “demonic spirits”
Kurdish authorities in Erbil have confiscated 4,000 Labubu dolls and banned their sale in shops due to alleged negative effects on children's behaviour.
Macron and Starmer pledge to fight English Channel Kurdish migration gangs
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed to intensify cooperation against illegal migration gangs during a summit at Downing Street.
COMMENT: Iraq's fiscal crisis exposes the perils of petro-state profligacy
Iraq's budget deficit will more than double from 4.2% of GDP this year to 9.2% by 2026, according to the International Monetary Fund.