Iraq

Country Iraq
Capital Baghdad
Continent Asia
Currency Iraqi dinar (IQD)
Languages Arabic & Kurdish

Information

Introduction

Formerly part of the Ottoman Empire, Iraq was occupied by Britain during the course of World War I; in 1920, it was declared a League of Nations mandate under UK administration. In stages over the next dozen years, Iraq attained its independence as a kingdom in 1932. A "republic" was proclaimed in 1958, but in actuality a series of strongmen ruled the country until 2003. The last was SADDAM Husayn. Territorial disputes with Iran led to an inconclusive and costly eight-year war (1980-88). In August 1990, Iraq seized Kuwait but was expelled by US-led, UN coalition forces during the Gulf War of January-February 1991. Following Kuwait's liberation, the UN Security Council (UNSC) required Iraq to scrap all weapons of mass destruction and long-range missiles and to allow UN verification inspections. Continued Iraqi noncompliance with UNSC resolutions over a period of 12 years led to the US-led invasion of Iraq in March 2003 and the ouster of the SADDAM Husayn regime. US forces remained in Iraq under a UNSC mandate through 2009 and under a bilateral security agreement thereafter, helping to provide security and to train and mentor Iraqi security forces. In October 2005, Iraqis approved a constitution in a national referendum and, pursuant to this document, elected a 275-member Council of Representatives (CoR) in December 2005. After the election, Ibrahim al-JAAFARI was selected as prime minister; he was replaced by Nuri al-MALIKI in May 2006. The CoR approved most cabinet ministers in May 2006, marking the transition to Iraq's first constitutional government in nearly a half century. On 31 January 2009, Iraq held elections for provincial councils in all provinces except for the three provinces comprising the Kurdistan Regional Government and at-Ta'mim (Kirkuk) province.

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References

Iraq - Wikipedia
Iraq - CIA World Fact Book
Iraq - BBC
Iraq - National Geographic
Iraq - Timeline - BBC

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Wanted Iranian General Who Survived Israeli Attack Makes Surprise Trip To Iraq | Details - Times of IndiaWanted Iranian General Who Survived Israeli Attack Makes Surprise Trip To Iraq | Details  Times of India

History Today: When the Gulf War began with Iraq's invasion of Kuwait - FirstpostHistory Today: When the Gulf War began with Iraq's invasion of Kuwait  Firstpost

Iraq flags illegal tanker loadings amid US pressure on Iran links - Lloyd's ListIraq flags illegal tanker loadings amid US pressure on Iran links  Lloyd's List

ISHM: July 24 - 31, 2025 - ReliefWebISHM: July 24 - 31, 2025  ReliefWeb

Women This Week: First Women’s Political Party Launched in Iraq - Council on Foreign RelationsWomen This Week: First Women’s Political Party Launched in Iraq  Council on Foreign Relations

Maritime ministry mulls ferry service to Iran, Iraq amid land travel ban - DawnMaritime ministry mulls ferry service to Iran, Iraq amid land travel ban  Dawn

Interview: Ammar Al-Hakim’s vision for Iraq and its place in the region - Amwaj.mediaInterview: Ammar Al-Hakim’s vision for Iraq and its place in the region  Amwaj.media

Unearthing the past: Iraq’s mass graves and the quest for justice - European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR)Unearthing the past: Iraq’s mass graves and the quest for justice  European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR)

Why Turkey Canceled Its 1973 Oil Pact With Iraq - Crude Oil Prices Today | OilPrice.comWhy Turkey Canceled Its 1973 Oil Pact With Iraq  Crude Oil Prices Today | OilPrice.com

Development Road seen as catalyst for new Türkiye-Iraq energy deal | Daily Sabah - Daily SabahDevelopment Road seen as catalyst for new Türkiye-Iraq energy deal | Daily Sabah  Daily Sabah

How internal inertia, regional volatility test Iraq’s finances - Amwaj.mediaHow internal inertia, regional volatility test Iraq’s finances  Amwaj.media

Iraq - Iran-Iraq War, Saddam Hussein, Invasion - BritannicaIraq - Iran-Iraq War, Saddam Hussein, Invasion  Britannica

Iraq: Damage to Kurdistan Region Oil Fields Puts Rights at Risk - Human Rights WatchIraq: Damage to Kurdistan Region Oil Fields Puts Rights at Risk  Human Rights Watch

Iraq Travel Advice & Safety - SmartravellerIraq Travel Advice & Safety  Smartraveller

Gunfight in Baghdad kills one as paramilitary group storms ministry - Al JazeeraGunfight in Baghdad kills one as paramilitary group storms ministry  Al Jazeera

Turkey asks Iraq to ensure full use of oil pipeline in talks on new deal - ReutersTurkey asks Iraq to ensure full use of oil pipeline in talks on new deal  Reuters

GGIP: A Multi-Energy Project to Support Iraq Towards Its Energy Independence - TotalEnergies.comGGIP: A Multi-Energy Project to Support Iraq Towards Its Energy Independence  TotalEnergies.com

Iraq PM Seeks Closer US Ties While Keeping Armed Groups at Bay - Deccan ChronicleIraq PM Seeks Closer US Ties While Keeping Armed Groups at Bay  Deccan Chronicle

Turkey eyes strategic expansion in Iraq amid waning Iranian influence - The Arab WeeklyTurkey eyes strategic expansion in Iraq amid waning Iranian influence  The Arab Weekly

Video | Iraq Prime Minister News | Iraq's PM Seeks Closer Ties With US While Keeping Armed Groups At Bay - NDTVVideo | Iraq Prime Minister News | Iraq's PM Seeks Closer Ties With US While Keeping Armed Groups At Bay  NDTV

Will China help Iraq revive nuclear aspirations? - Amwaj.mediaWill China help Iraq revive nuclear aspirations?  Amwaj.media

Unidentified drone kills PKK member, injures another in northern Iraq - Al JazeeraUnidentified drone kills PKK member, injures another in northern Iraq  Al Jazeera

25% on India, 19% on Pakistan, 35% on Iraq: Full list of US tariff rates announced by Donald Trump; who’s - Times of India25% on India, 19% on Pakistan, 35% on Iraq: Full list of US tariff rates announced by Donald Trump; who’s  Times of India

At least 61 dead, 45 rescued in huge fire at hypermarket in Iraq’s Kut - Al JazeeraAt least 61 dead, 45 rescued in huge fire at hypermarket in Iraq’s Kut  Al Jazeera

35 Years Since Iraq’s Invasion of Kuwait: The War That Redefined the Middle East - kurdistan24.net35 Years Since Iraq’s Invasion of Kuwait: The War That Redefined the Middle East  kurdistan24.net

Iraq allocates funds to improve electricity generation - The Peninsula QatarIraq allocates funds to improve electricity generation  The Peninsula Qatar

Iraq's PM Al-Sudani seeks closer US ties while keeping armed groups at bay - Business StandardIraq's PM Al-Sudani seeks closer US ties while keeping armed groups at bay  Business Standard

Iraq to open first two colleges on Artificial Intelligence - The New ArabIraq to open first two colleges on Artificial Intelligence  The New Arab

"Unacceptable": US Embassy On Recent Drone Attacks In Iraq - NDTV"Unacceptable": US Embassy On Recent Drone Attacks In Iraq  NDTV

The Fine Print of Freedom: Iraq to amend Freedom of Expression and Peaceful Assembly Law - Shafaq News - ??? ????The Fine Print of Freedom: Iraq to amend Freedom of Expression and Peaceful Assembly Law - Shafaq News  ??? ????

UAE, Iraq welcome growing international recognition of Palestinian State - ABNA EnglishUAE, Iraq welcome growing international recognition of Palestinian State  ABNA English

Dozens killed as massive fire rips through shopping mall in eastern Iraq - CNNDozens killed as massive fire rips through shopping mall in eastern Iraq  CNN

Iraq Explores Green Hydrogen Development in New Clean Energy Initiative - Fuel Cells WorksIraq Explores Green Hydrogen Development in New Clean Energy Initiative  Fuel Cells Works

Kuwait commemorates 35 years since the Iraqi invasion - Gulf NewsKuwait commemorates 35 years since the Iraqi invasion  Gulf News

Revisiting the Türkiye-Iraq pipeline agreement | Daily Sabah - Daily SabahRevisiting the Türkiye-Iraq pipeline agreement | Daily Sabah  Daily Sabah

Interactive: Harnessing flared gas in Iraq: The paradox of waste and scarcity - S&P GlobalInteractive: Harnessing flared gas in Iraq: The paradox of waste and scarcity  S&P Global

Iran, Iraq emphasize resolving gas export, payment issues - Mehr News AgencyIran, Iraq emphasize resolving gas export, payment issues  Mehr News Agency

Iraq: Shopping centre fire in Kut leaves 61 dead, many missing - BBCIraq: Shopping centre fire in Kut leaves 61 dead, many missing  BBC

Iraq consumes +59M liters of fuel daily - Shafaq News - ??? ????Iraq consumes +59M liters of fuel daily - Shafaq News  ??? ????

Iraq: New US$930 Million Project to Extend and Modernize Railways, Promote Regional Connectivity and Boost Growth - World BankIraq: New US$930 Million Project to Extend and Modernize Railways, Promote Regional Connectivity and Boost Growth  World Bank

Iraq reopens Mosul airport 11 years after ISIL conflict, destruction - Al JazeeraIraq reopens Mosul airport 11 years after ISIL conflict, destruction  Al Jazeera

Iraq's revoked maritime deal with Kuwait unleashes fallout - The New ArabIraq's revoked maritime deal with Kuwait unleashes fallout  The New Arab

Iran Must Relearn the Lessons from Its Eight-Year War with Iraq - The Jerusalem Strategic TribuneIran Must Relearn the Lessons from Its Eight-Year War with Iraq  The Jerusalem Strategic Tribune

Iraq prevented 29 attacks by Iran-aligned militias amid Israel-Iran war, PM says - ????? ??????????Iraq prevented 29 attacks by Iran-aligned militias amid Israel-Iran war, PM says  ????? ??????????

Iraqi parliament debates law restricting right to protest - Middle East EyeIraqi parliament debates law restricting right to protest  Middle East Eye

Iran is losing its stranglehold over Iraq - The EconomistIran is losing its stranglehold over Iraq  The Economist

Leveraging Iran’s Defeat to Strengthen U.S.-Iraq Security Relations - The Washington InstituteLeveraging Iran’s Defeat to Strengthen U.S.-Iraq Security Relations  The Washington Institute

Methane gas inside northern Iraq cave kills 12 Turkish soldiers - Al JazeeraMethane gas inside northern Iraq cave kills 12 Turkish soldiers  Al Jazeera

'Alarm Bell' as Century-Old Badaa Dam Dries Up in Southern Iraq - kurdistan24.net'Alarm Bell' as Century-Old Badaa Dam Dries Up in Southern Iraq  kurdistan24.net

UAE and Iraq Praised European Countries for Recognizing Palestinian State - The Media LineUAE and Iraq Praised European Countries for Recognizing Palestinian State  The Media Line

National Climate Resilience Assessment for Iraq – Analysis - IEA - IEA – International Energy AgencyNational Climate Resilience Assessment for Iraq – Analysis - IEA  IEA – International Energy Agency

Iraq's PM launches construction works of phase one of Second Beiji Gas-Fired Power Plant - MSNIraq's PM launches construction works of phase one of Second Beiji Gas-Fired Power Plant  MSN

Iraq Grants Free Entry Visas to Lebanese Pilgrims for Arbaeen - ShiaWavesIraq Grants Free Entry Visas to Lebanese Pilgrims for Arbaeen  ShiaWaves

Iraq currency exchange rates – August 2, 2025 - 964mediaIraq currency exchange rates – August 2, 2025  964media

Iraq’s democracy at crossroads as parliamentary polls near - Amwaj.mediaIraq’s democracy at crossroads as parliamentary polls near  Amwaj.media

Iraq launches solar power project in central desert - Arabian Gulf Business Insight | AGBIIraq launches solar power project in central desert  Arabian Gulf Business Insight | AGBI

TotalEnergies starts building 1 GW solar plant in southern Iraq - pv magazine InternationalTotalEnergies starts building 1 GW solar plant in southern Iraq  pv magazine International

US Sanctions Spur Iraq Crackdown on Oil Smuggling - energyintel.comUS Sanctions Spur Iraq Crackdown on Oil Smuggling  energyintel.com

Drone strikes on Iraq oil fields threaten essential public services - JURIST Legal NewsDrone strikes on Iraq oil fields threaten essential public services  JURIST Legal News

Fire at Iraq mall kills 69, prime minister orders probe - ReutersFire at Iraq mall kills 69, prime minister orders probe  Reuters

Anfal-Era 'Executioner' of Nugra Salman Prison Captured in Iraq - kurdistan24.netAnfal-Era 'Executioner' of Nugra Salman Prison Captured in Iraq  kurdistan24.net

Balancing acts and breaking points: Iraq’s US-Iran dilemma - Atlantic CouncilBalancing acts and breaking points: Iraq’s US-Iran dilemma  Atlantic Council

Iraq revives oil-for-projects deal with China - Arabian Gulf Business Insight | AGBIIraq revives oil-for-projects deal with China  Arabian Gulf Business Insight | AGBI

Iraq: Lawmakers must ensure that new law does not unduly restrict freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly - Amnesty InternationalIraq: Lawmakers must ensure that new law does not unduly restrict freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly  Amnesty International

Iraq’s fragile stability is threatened by a shifting Middle Eastern order - Chatham HouseIraq’s fragile stability is threatened by a shifting Middle Eastern order  Chatham House

Iraq’s wheat production declines due to summer drought - UkrAgroConsultIraq’s wheat production declines due to summer drought  UkrAgroConsult

Methane gas kills 12 Turkish soldiers in Iraq operation - BBCMethane gas kills 12 Turkish soldiers in Iraq operation  BBC

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever in Iraq: a risk communication and community engagement success story - World Health Organization (WHO)Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever in Iraq: a risk communication and community engagement success story  World Health Organization (WHO)

Drone strikes shut oilfields in Iraq's Kurdistan, cut output by up to 150,000 bpd - ReutersDrone strikes shut oilfields in Iraq's Kurdistan, cut output by up to 150,000 bpd  Reuters

Iraq’s Deputy Speaker: Baghdad knows who hit Kurdistan's oil fields - Shafaq News - ??? ????Iraq’s Deputy Speaker: Baghdad knows who hit Kurdistan's oil fields - Shafaq News  ??? ????

Shiite pilgrims commemorate Ashoura in Karbala, Iraq, under tight security - AP NewsShiite pilgrims commemorate Ashoura in Karbala, Iraq, under tight security  AP News

WHO contribution in Iraq: Evaluation report - World Health Organization (WHO)WHO contribution in Iraq: Evaluation report  World Health Organization (WHO)

Iraqi official denies mice and rats ate country’s cash reserves - The Jerusalem PostIraqi official denies mice and rats ate country’s cash reserves  The Jerusalem Post

Port of NEOM trials Egypt-Iraq intermodal trade corridor - Heavy Lift & Project Forwarding InternationalPort of NEOM trials Egypt-Iraq intermodal trade corridor  Heavy Lift & Project Forwarding International

‘Horrific Fire’ Kills at Least 61 at Iraq Shopping Mall - The New York Times‘Horrific Fire’ Kills at Least 61 at Iraq Shopping Mall  The New York Times

Israel-Iran war recalls the 2003 US invasion of Iraq – a war my undergraduate students see as a relic of the past - The ConversationIsrael-Iran war recalls the 2003 US invasion of Iraq – a war my undergraduate students see as a relic of the past  The Conversation

Iraq - European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid OperationsIraq  European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations

Over 141,500 Visitors Cross Iranian Borders to Iraq for Arbaeen Pilgrimage - ShiaWavesOver 141,500 Visitors Cross Iranian Borders to Iraq for Arbaeen Pilgrimage  ShiaWaves

Work completed on Iraq upstream oil projects - MEEDWork completed on Iraq upstream oil projects  MEED

Sounds familiar: Was this said about Iraq in 2003, or Iran in 2025? - Al JazeeraSounds familiar: Was this said about Iraq in 2003, or Iran in 2025?  Al Jazeera

Iraq situation - UNHCR - The UN Refugee AgencyIraq situation  UNHCR - The UN Refugee Agency

Hot, dry weather persists across Iraq as Basra set to hit 50°C - 964mediaHot, dry weather persists across Iraq as Basra set to hit 50°C  964media

Topic: NATO Mission Iraq - NATO - HomepageTopic: NATO Mission Iraq  NATO - Homepage

The PMU: A resistance army at the heart of Iraq’s sovereignty crisis - thecradle.coThe PMU: A resistance army at the heart of Iraq’s sovereignty crisis  thecradle.co

World Report 2025: Rights Trends in Iraq - Human Rights WatchWorld Report 2025: Rights Trends in Iraq  Human Rights Watch

Iraq explores potential for green hydrogen production - Arabian Gulf Business Insight | AGBIIraq explores potential for green hydrogen production  Arabian Gulf Business Insight | AGBI

UAE-based Gulftainer boosts operations at Iraq’s Umm Qasr - Iraqi NewsUAE-based Gulftainer boosts operations at Iraq’s Umm Qasr  Iraqi News

Returning with hope: Muhammed and Hussein’s journey back to rebuild Syria - UNHCR - The UN Refugee AgencyReturning with hope: Muhammed and Hussein’s journey back to rebuild Syria  UNHCR - The UN Refugee Agency

300-MW solar energy project underway in Iraq’s Karbala desert - bne IntelliNews300-MW solar energy project underway in Iraq’s Karbala desert  bne IntelliNews

Egypt–Iraq Corridor Transit Times Cut - Logistics BusinessEgypt–Iraq Corridor Transit Times Cut  Logistics Business

Iraq thwarted 29 attempts to fire at Israel or US troops during Iran war, PM says - The Times of IsraelIraq thwarted 29 attempts to fire at Israel or US troops during Iran war, PM says  The Times of Israel

Pope offers condolences, prayers for victims of Iraq fire - Vatican NewsPope offers condolences, prayers for victims of Iraq fire  Vatican News

Mercato: Jouini signs in Iraq, Mathlouthi close to CSS! - Foot AfricaMercato: Jouini signs in Iraq, Mathlouthi close to CSS!  Foot Africa

The Current Situation in Iraq - usip.orgThe Current Situation in Iraq  usip.org

Saudi company in talks over Iraq chemicals project - MEEDSaudi company in talks over Iraq chemicals project  MEED

Israel has learned no lessons from Iraq - Al JazeeraIsrael has learned no lessons from Iraq  Al Jazeera

Agatha Christie's historic Baghdad home faces collapse | Daily Sabah - Daily SabahAgatha Christie's historic Baghdad home faces collapse | Daily Sabah  Daily Sabah

OPEC+ urges Iraq to submit plan to compensate for surplus oil output - Iraqi NewsOPEC+ urges Iraq to submit plan to compensate for surplus oil output  Iraqi News

Iraq: 3 killed in clashes between armed group, security forces - The New ArabIraq: 3 killed in clashes between armed group, security forces  The New Arab

Amnesty International: Iraq must block or amend protest bill - Shafaq News - ??? ????Amnesty International: Iraq must block or amend protest bill - Shafaq News  ??? ????