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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House votes to repeal Iraq war authorizations - CBS NewsHouse votes to repeal Iraq war authorizations  CBS News

Elizabeth Tsurkov lands in Israel following her release from captivity in Iraq - The Times of IsraelElizabeth Tsurkov lands in Israel following her release from captivity in Iraq  The Times of Israel

Elizabeth Tsurkov seen embracing loved ones for first time in Israel after release from captivity in Iraq - The Times of IsraelElizabeth Tsurkov seen embracing loved ones for first time in Israel after release from captivity in Iraq  The Times of Israel

Kidnapped academic Elizabeth Tsurkov released in Iraq - The HinduKidnapped academic Elizabeth Tsurkov released in Iraq  The Hindu

Israeli-Russian captive in Iraq Tsurkov was freed in exchange deal: Report - Al JazeeraIsraeli-Russian captive in Iraq Tsurkov was freed in exchange deal: Report  Al Jazeera

Abducted Israeli-Russian researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov freed in Iraq - BBCAbducted Israeli-Russian researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov freed in Iraq  BBC

Invasive plants and bacteria threaten Iraq’s Euphrates - Arab NewsInvasive plants and bacteria threaten Iraq’s Euphrates  Arab News

News: NATO Secretary General welcomes Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq , 08-Sep.-2025 - NATONews: NATO Secretary General welcomes Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq , 08-Sep.-2025  NATO

52-year-old Pakistani 'conman' arrested in US, took veteran benefits claiming he was deployed in Iraq - The Times of India52-year-old Pakistani 'conman' arrested in US, took veteran benefits claiming he was deployed in Iraq  The Times of India

26th Baghdad International Book Fair held in Iraq - Xinhua26th Baghdad International Book Fair held in Iraq  Xinhua

Iraq Gets VoWiFi as Asiacell Launches First-of-its-Kind Service - TechAfrica NewsIraq Gets VoWiFi as Asiacell Launches First-of-its-Kind Service  TechAfrica News

Iraq Eyes New Oil Export Route Through Oman - Crude Oil Prices Today | OilPrice.comIraq Eyes New Oil Export Route Through Oman  Crude Oil Prices Today | OilPrice.com

Kidnapped Princeton researcher's release stokes divergent responses in Iraq - Amwaj.mediaKidnapped Princeton researcher's release stokes divergent responses in Iraq  Amwaj.media

Iraq’s Asiacell boosts indoor coverage with VoWiFi service - Developing TelecomsIraq’s Asiacell boosts indoor coverage with VoWiFi service  Developing Telecoms

China’s ZPEC opens Iraq oil subsidiary named Babylon - Arabian Gulf Business Insight | AGBIChina’s ZPEC opens Iraq oil subsidiary named Babylon  Arabian Gulf Business Insight | AGBI

Iraq’s 2025 Election: A Recalibration of Power, Not a Rupture of the Status Quo - War on the RocksIraq’s 2025 Election: A Recalibration of Power, Not a Rupture of the Status Quo  War on the Rocks

Two Submarine Cables to Land in Iraq - SubTel ForumTwo Submarine Cables to Land in Iraq  SubTel Forum

Israeli academic released in Iraq after swap with Iran-backed militia - IRGC media - ????? ??????????Israeli academic released in Iraq after swap with Iran-backed militia - IRGC media  ????? ??????????

China’s ZPEC establishes regional oil subsidiary in southern Iraq - Iraqi NewsChina’s ZPEC establishes regional oil subsidiary in southern Iraq  Iraqi News

Ten questions (and expert answers) on Operation Inherent Resolve’s end in Iraq - Atlantic CouncilTen questions (and expert answers) on Operation Inherent Resolve’s end in Iraq  Atlantic Council

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 Announces Release of Kidnapped Academic Elizabeth Tsurkov - The Moscow TimesIraq PM Announces Release of Kidnapped Academic Elizabeth Tsurkov  The Moscow Times

Israeli-Russian researcher freed in Iraq after two years in captivity - Al JazeeraIsraeli-Russian researcher freed in Iraq after two years in captivity  Al Jazeera

Turkey’s ENKA, China’s Sinopec to develop Iraq’s Artawi oilfield - Iraqi NewsTurkey’s ENKA, China’s Sinopec to develop Iraq’s Artawi oilfield  Iraqi News

Elizabeth Tsurkov, released from captivity in Iraq, to return to Israel on Wednesday - The Times of IsraelElizabeth Tsurkov, released from captivity in Iraq, to return to Israel on Wednesday  The Times of Israel

Iraq is facing a water crisis, hit by one of its worst droughts in century - Al JazeeraIraq is facing a water crisis, hit by one of its worst droughts in century  Al Jazeera

CBI: Iraq ranks third in Arab trade - ??? ????CBI: Iraq ranks third in Arab trade  ??? ????

Israeli-Russian graduate student Elizabeth Tsurkov freed from captivity in Iraq - The Times of IsraelIsraeli-Russian graduate student Elizabeth Tsurkov freed from captivity in Iraq  The Times of Israel

Report: Hezbollah officer captured by IDF swapped for Israeli scholar held in Iraq - YnetnewsReport: Hezbollah officer captured by IDF swapped for Israeli scholar held in Iraq  Ynetnews

Elizabeth Tsurkov arrives in Israel after two years of Iraq captivity - JNS.orgElizabeth Tsurkov arrives in Israel after two years of Iraq captivity  JNS.org

Will Iraq integrate the Popular Mobilization Forces into the state? - Al JazeeraWill Iraq integrate the Popular Mobilization Forces into the state?  Al Jazeera

Elizabeth Tsurkov arrives in Israel after two-year kidnapping ordeal in Iraq - thenationalnews.comElizabeth Tsurkov arrives in Israel after two-year kidnapping ordeal in Iraq  thenationalnews.com

Invasive plants and bacteria threaten Iraq's Euphrates - Phys.orgInvasive plants and bacteria threaten Iraq's Euphrates  Phys.org

Qualifiers - Group G: Oman 1-0 Pakistan; Iraq 0-0 Cambodia - AFC websiteQualifiers - Group G: Oman 1-0 Pakistan; Iraq 0-0 Cambodia  AFC website

Princeton researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov freed in Iraq - Long War JournalPrinceton researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov freed in Iraq  Long War Journal

The New York Times: International’s next bureau chief for Iran and Iraq - Editor and PublisherThe New York Times: International’s next bureau chief for Iran and Iraq  Editor and Publisher

Iran’s Role in Deploying Middle Eastern Militias to the War in Ukraine - Middle East ForumIran’s Role in Deploying Middle Eastern Militias to the War in Ukraine  Middle East Forum

September 11: The Pretext for the Invasion of Iraq - TOLOnewsSeptember 11: The Pretext for the Invasion of Iraq  TOLOnews

Iraq exports 33,000 bpd of Fuel Oil to UAE in September - Shafaq News - ??? ????Iraq exports 33,000 bpd of Fuel Oil to UAE in September - Shafaq News  ??? ????

Israeli Russian researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov released from captivity in Iraq - AL-MonitorIsraeli Russian researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov released from captivity in Iraq  AL-Monitor

Iraq’s First ‘Feminist’ Political Party Jumped High Hurdles to Exist - PassBlueIraq’s First ‘Feminist’ Political Party Jumped High Hurdles to Exist  PassBlue

Elizabeth Tsurkov, Princeton Student, Is Released From Iraq, Trump Says - The New York TimesElizabeth Tsurkov, Princeton Student, Is Released From Iraq, Trump Says  The New York Times

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

Netanyahu Speaks With Tsurkov After Return From Captivity In Iraq - i24NEWSNetanyahu Speaks With Tsurkov After Return From Captivity In Iraq  i24NEWS

Asiacell introduces Iraq’s first Voice over Wi-Fi service - Iraqi NewsAsiacell introduces Iraq’s first Voice over Wi-Fi service  Iraqi News

Iraq, Oman Reach Preliminary Agreement on Oil Pipeline Project Amid Feasibility Doubts and Geopolitical Calculations - kurdistan24.netIraq, Oman Reach Preliminary Agreement on Oil Pipeline Project Amid Feasibility Doubts and Geopolitical Calculations  kurdistan24.net

Iraqi officials to visit Russia for talks on nuclear power tie-up - Arabian Gulf Business Insight | AGBIIraqi officials to visit Russia for talks on nuclear power tie-up  Arabian Gulf Business Insight | AGBI

Iraq: 2025 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Informational Annex - International Monetary FundIraq: 2025 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Informational Annex  International Monetary Fund

Iraq’s water crisis: Dammed by neighbours, failed by leaders - Chatham HouseIraq’s water crisis: Dammed by neighbours, failed by leaders  Chatham House

Princeton doctoral student kidnapped in Iraq has been freed. 'We both started sobbing,' sister says - AP NewsPrinceton doctoral student kidnapped in Iraq has been freed. 'We both started sobbing,' sister says  AP News

Uncertainty grows in Iraq over who will replace US troops - The New ArabUncertainty grows in Iraq over who will replace US troops  The New Arab

House passes defense policy bill with proposal to repeal Iraq war authorizations - The HillHouse passes defense policy bill with proposal to repeal Iraq war authorizations  The Hill

Iraq signs agreement with Chevron on oil exploration projects, prime minister says - ReutersIraq signs agreement with Chevron on oil exploration projects, prime minister says  Reuters

House votes to repeal Iraq war authorizations - Space War NewsHouse votes to repeal Iraq war authorizations  Space War News

US House nullifies legal reasons used to attack Iraq in 1991, 2003 - Iraqi NewsUS House nullifies legal reasons used to attack Iraq in 1991, 2003  Iraqi News

Princeton Doctoral Student Freed After Being Kidnapped in Iraq - The Wall Street JournalPrinceton Doctoral Student Freed After Being Kidnapped in Iraq  The Wall Street Journal

Princeton academic Elizabeth Tsurkov freed by Iraqi militia after 2 years in captivity - NBC NewsPrinceton academic Elizabeth Tsurkov freed by Iraqi militia after 2 years in captivity  NBC News

Kidnapped academic Tsurkov in Israel after release from Iraq - RFIKidnapped academic Tsurkov in Israel after release from Iraq  RFI

Princeton researcher Tsurkov released from militia captivity in Iraq - Arab NewsPrinceton researcher Tsurkov released from militia captivity in Iraq  Arab News

Iraq’s Electricity Shortage and the Paradox of Gas Flaring - bakerinstitute.orgIraq’s Electricity Shortage and the Paradox of Gas Flaring  bakerinstitute.org

The Trump card that could break Iraq - The Arab WeeklyThe Trump card that could break Iraq  The Arab Weekly

Iraq’s Kata’ib Hezbollah frees Israeli-Russian hostage | Win for Trump or major strategic setback? | Hindustan Times - Hindustan TimesIraq’s Kata’ib Hezbollah frees Israeli-Russian hostage | Win for Trump or major strategic setback? | Hindustan Times  Hindustan Times

US dollar exchange rate declines in Iraq - Iraqi NewsUS dollar exchange rate declines in Iraq  Iraqi News

Iraq reactivates Hamrin oil well to boost output and energy supply - Shafaq News - ??? ????Iraq reactivates Hamrin oil well to boost output and energy supply - Shafaq News  ??? ????

More than 600 Shia pilgrims hospitalised due to chlorine gas leak in Iraq - Al JazeeraMore than 600 Shia pilgrims hospitalised due to chlorine gas leak in Iraq  Al Jazeera

US warns of Daesh/ISIS, al-Qaeda expansion, commends partners in Iraq, Syria, Somalia - Anadolu AjansiUS warns of Daesh/ISIS, al-Qaeda expansion, commends partners in Iraq, Syria, Somalia  Anadolu Ajansi

Iraq’s population surges past 46M: Burden or opportunity? - Shafaq News - ??? ????Iraq’s population surges past 46M: Burden or opportunity? - Shafaq News  ??? ????

Two pro-Iran militants freed in prisoner swap that secured release of Elizabeth Tsurkov - thenationalnews.comTwo pro-Iran militants freed in prisoner swap that secured release of Elizabeth Tsurkov  thenationalnews.com

Elizabeth Tsurkov, held hostage in Iraq, lands in Israel - The Jerusalem PostElizabeth Tsurkov, held hostage in Iraq, lands in Israel  The Jerusalem Post

Kidnapped academic Elizabeth Tsurkov released in Iraq - The New ArabKidnapped academic Elizabeth Tsurkov released in Iraq  The New Arab

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

From oil to sun: Türkiye's role in Iraq's transition to renewable energy | Daily Sabah - Daily SabahFrom oil to sun: Türkiye's role in Iraq's transition to renewable energy | Daily Sabah  Daily Sabah

Family hails release of Israeli-Russian researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov in Iraq - Middle East EyeFamily hails release of Israeli-Russian researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov in Iraq  Middle East Eye

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

Iraq seeks to deport hundreds of detained women and children - The New ArabIraq seeks to deport hundreds of detained women and children  The New Arab

Iraq, Lebanon intel cooperation leads to destruction of Captagon factory - Al JazeeraIraq, Lebanon intel cooperation leads to destruction of Captagon factory  Al Jazeera

Why Did Iraq’s Militias Sit Out the Iran–Israel War and Why it Matters - Royal United Services InstituteWhy Did Iraq’s Militias Sit Out the Iran–Israel War and Why it Matters  Royal United Services Institute

Enslaved Africans, an uprising and an ancient farming system in Iraq: study sheds light on timelines - The ConversationEnslaved Africans, an uprising and an ancient farming system in Iraq: study sheds light on timelines  The Conversation

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)

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

Elizabeth Tsurkov freed after 903 days in Iraq militia captivity - The New ArabElizabeth Tsurkov freed after 903 days in Iraq militia captivity  The New Arab

‘I live for a chance to leave Iraq’: how I survived torture and slavery at the hands of Islamic State - The Guardian‘I live for a chance to leave Iraq’: how I survived torture and slavery at the hands of Islamic State  The Guardian

Iraq starts mass grave excavation from ISIL (ISIS) carnage south of Mosul - Al JazeeraIraq starts mass grave excavation from ISIL (ISIS) carnage south of Mosul  Al Jazeera

Kidnapped academic Tsurkov in Israel after release from Iraq - yahoo.comKidnapped academic Tsurkov in Israel after release from Iraq  yahoo.com

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

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

Israeli researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov freed, now at US Embassy in Iraq, Trump says - YnetnewsIsraeli researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov freed, now at US Embassy in Iraq, Trump says  Ynetnews

UK signs deal with Iraq to speed up migrant returns - BBCUK signs deal with Iraq to speed up migrant returns  BBC

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

US forces begin withdrawal from Ain al Asad airbase as US presence in Iraq transitions - Long War JournalUS forces begin withdrawal from Ain al Asad airbase as US presence in Iraq transitions  Long War Journal

Iraq plans oil pipeline to Oman to boost exports - Shafaq News - ??? ????Iraq plans oil pipeline to Oman to boost exports - Shafaq News  ??? ????

Princeton grad student kidnapped for over 900 days in Iraq has been released, Trump says - CBS NewsPrinceton grad student kidnapped for over 900 days in Iraq has been released, Trump says  CBS News

Narrative Intelligence: Decoding Iran’s Influence Campaigns in Iraq - Foreign Policy Research InstituteNarrative Intelligence: Decoding Iran’s Influence Campaigns in Iraq  Foreign Policy Research Institute

Israeli-Russian graduate student Elizabeth Tsurkov who was kidnapped in Iraq has been freed, Trump says - The Times of IsraelIsraeli-Russian graduate student Elizabeth Tsurkov who was kidnapped in Iraq has been freed, Trump says  The Times of Israel

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

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

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

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)

Princeton researcher Tsurkov released from militia captivity in Iraq - CNBCPrinceton researcher Tsurkov released from militia captivity in Iraq  CNBC

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