As Iran pushes for U.S. military withdrawal from West Asia, it received a big boost in neighbouring Iraq.12 years after returning to Iraq to fight ISIS, American troops finally left the country on Wednesday.&nbsp;The departure of U.S. forces and equipment from Erbil Airbase marked the end of America’s Operation 'Inherent Resolve' in Iraq.&nbsp;While this airbase, located in northern Iraq, served as the main operational hub of the counter-ISIS mission, its headquarters has now been shifted to Jordan.&nbsp;Following this, various units of Iraqi security forces held a parade in various parts of the country, including Baghdad, Najaf as well as Kirkuk.&nbsp;Scenes of jubilation were visible everywhere.&nbsp;Multiple Iraqis took to the streets to celebrate the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the country.&nbsp;Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi also hailed the withdrawal of American troops. He stressed that a new phase had begun, defined by Iraq’s sovereignty, the strength of its institutions, and balanced partnerships with its friends.&nbsp;But what’s behind this outpouring of emotion?&nbsp;Over two hundred thousand Iraqi civilians are estimated to have been killed since 2003, when U.S. forces invaded Iraq and toppled Saddam Hussein’s government.&nbsp;By the time the U.S. wrapped up its Operation 'Iraqi Freedom' in 2011, four thousand five hundred American troops were killed.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hero-indian-captain-stops-cockpit-attack-on-tel-aviv-bound-flydubai-jet-1790785514453">Hero Indian captain stops cockpit attack on Tel Aviv-bound Flydubai jet</a>&nbsp;However, U.S. forces returned to Baghdad three years later to fight ISIS, which captured Mosul and other regions across Iraq.&nbsp;The tables turned in 2017, when the then Iraqi PM declared victory over ISIS after recapturing the last areas under the terror group’s control, along with the border with Syria.&nbsp;In 2021, US agreed to terminate its combat operations, with remaining troops focusing on functions such as training, advising and intelligence-sharing.&nbsp;Two years later, both sides finalised the timeline for the withdrawal of U.S. troops.&nbsp;Meanwhile, US reaffirmed its commitment to counter-terrorism and said that it would continue working with allies to ensure that ISIS cannot regroup on Iraqi soil.&nbsp;The Pentagon’s chief spokesman said, and I am quoting him, "The Department of war will continue to provide targeted training and intelligence support to our Iraqi partners".&nbsp;Now, this development may have larger implications on West Asia, due to the ongoing war.&nbsp;Iranian parliamentary officials have already welcomed the U.S. military pullout, presenting it as a victory for what they call the 'axis of resistance'.&nbsp;It is worth noting that 7 of the 19 U.S. military personnel killed in the Iran war died in Iraq.&nbsp;The influence of Iran-backed Popular Mobilisation Forces or PMF cannot be understated.&nbsp;It is an umbrella organisation of armed Shia groups, which was formed in 2014 to fight ISIS.&nbsp;In 2016, the government formally integrated the PMF as a part of the Iraqi armed forces, but designated it as an independent military formation.&nbsp;As per estimates, PMF is believed to have close to 2,38,000 fighters with an annual budget of 3.6 billion U.S. dollars.&nbsp;During the course of the West Asia war, Iraq’s government formally granted PMF the right to defend itself.&nbsp;While the Iraqi government is seeking to disarm Iran-backed militias by June 2027, they said that they were not bound by any timeline or agreement to surrender their weapons to the state.&nbsp;Now, some Iraqi security officials also fear that the U.S. pullout may risk giving a fresh lease of life to ISIS, which retains a sleeper cell network.&nbsp;For instance, the last time the U.S. withdrew, the Iraqi army proved no match for this terror outfit.This is not all.&nbsp;Many Kurds have been vocal critics of the U.S. withdrawal.&nbsp;According to local officials, the Kurdish region faced more than a thousand drone and ballistic attacks during the Iran war.&nbsp;Without adequate air defence capabilities, doubts persist whether Iraq will be able to defend itself.The U.S. move is also perceived as a bid to make the bilateral partnership with Iraq more economic-centric.&nbsp;During his meeting with al-Zaidi in July, U.S. President Donald Trump described him as young and handsome, and hinted at a lot of deals with Iraq.&nbsp;On his part though, the Iraqi PM has sought to maintain a cordial relationship with Iran too.&nbsp;He visited Tehran following his U.S. visit and signed four MoUs with Iran, aimed at upgrading bilateral ties.&nbsp;Thus, the next few months will be crucial for Iraq.&nbsp;It remains to be seen whether it can contain Iran’s influence and stop an ISIS resurgence.

The US withdrawal from Iraq marks the end of its combat mission there while raising questions over Iran’s influence, the future of Iran-backed militias, ISIS resurgence and Iraq’s security.

As Iran pushes for U.S. military withdrawal from West Asia, it received a big boost in neighbouring Iraq. 12 years after returning to Iraq to fight ISIS, American troops finally left the country on Wednesday. The departure of U.S. forces and equipment from Erbil Airbase marked the end of America’s Operation 'Inherent Resolve' in Iraq. While this airbase, located in northern Iraq, served as the main operational hub of the counter-ISIS mission, its headquarters has now been shifted to Jordan. Following this, various units of Iraqi security forces held a parade in various parts of the country, including Baghdad, Najaf as well as Kirkuk. Scenes of jubilation were visible everywhere. Multiple Iraqis took to the streets to celebrate the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the country. Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi also hailed the withdrawal of American troops. He stressed that a new phase had begun, defined by Iraq’s sovereignty, the strength of its institutions, and balanced partnerships with its friends. But what’s behind this outpouring of emotion? Over two hundred thousand Iraqi civilians are estimated to have been killed since 2003, when U.S. forces invaded Iraq and toppled Saddam Hussein’s government. By the time the U.S. wrapped up its Operation 'Iraqi Freedom' in 2011, four thousand five hundred American troops were killed. Also Read: Hero Indian captain stops cockpit attack on Tel Aviv-bound Flydubai jet However, U.S. forces returned to Baghdad three years later to fight ISIS, which captured Mosul and other regions across Iraq. The tables turned in 2017, when the then Iraqi PM declared victory over ISIS after recapturing the last areas under the terror group’s control, along with the border with Syria. In 2021, US agreed to terminate its combat operations, with remaining troops focusing on functions such as training, advising and intelligence-sharing. Two years later, both sides finalised the timeline for the withdrawal of U.S. troops. Meanwhile, US reaffirmed its commitment to counter-terrorism and said that it would continue working with allies to ensure that ISIS cannot regroup on Iraqi soil. The Pentagon’s chief spokesman said, and I am quoting him, "The Department of war will continue to provide targeted training and intelligence support to our Iraqi partners". Now, this development may have larger implications on West Asia, due to the ongoing war. Iranian parliamentary officials have already welcomed the U.S. military pullout, presenting it as a victory for what they call the 'axis of resistance'. It is worth noting that 7 of the 19 U.S. military personnel killed in the Iran war died in Iraq. The influence of Iran-backed Popular Mobilisation Forces or PMF cannot be understated. It is an umbrella organisation of armed Shia groups, which was formed in 2014 to fight ISIS. In 2016, the government formally integrated the PMF as a part of the Iraqi armed forces, but designated it as an independent military formation. As per estimates, PMF is believed to have close to 2,38,000 fighters with an annual budget of 3.6 billion U.S. dollars. During the course of the West Asia war, Iraq’s government formally granted PMF the right to defend itself. While the Iraqi government is seeking to disarm Iran-backed militias by June 2027, they said that they were not bound by any timeline or agreement to surrender their weapons to the state. Now, some Iraqi security officials also fear that the U.S. pullout may risk giving a fresh lease of life to ISIS, which retains a sleeper cell network. For instance, the last time the U.S. withdrew, the Iraqi army proved no match for this terror outfit. This is not all. Many Kurds have been vocal critics of the U.S. withdrawal. According to local officials, the Kurdish region faced more than a thousand drone and ballistic attacks during the Iran war. Without adequate air defence capabilities, doubts persist whether Iraq will be able to defend itself. The U.S. move is also perceived as a bid to make the bilateral partnership with Iraq more economic-centric. During his meeting with al-Zaidi in July, U.S. President Donald Trump described him as young and handsome, and hinted at a lot of deals with Iraq. On his part though, the Iraqi PM has sought to maintain a cordial relationship with Iran too. He visited Tehran following his U.S. visit and signed four MoUs with Iran, aimed at upgrading bilateral ties. Thus, the next few months will be crucial for Iraq. It remains to be seen whether it can contain Iran’s influence and stop an ISIS resurgence.

The US withdrawal from Iraq marks the end of its combat mission there while raising questions over Iran’s influence, the future of Iran-backed militias, ISIS resurgence and Iraq’s security.

US withdraws troops from Iraq: What are implications for West Asia

Syria has opened a new fuel route to Iraq, with the first 32,800-ton cargo landing at Baniyas port. Syrian officials say 77 trucks have already left Baniyas, heading for the Iraqi border. We look at what this new route means for Syria's energy trade and its economic ties with Iraq. Watch the full breakdown, and tell us in the comments what you think this route could mean going forward.


Baniyas to Baghdad: Syria's new fuel corridor to Iraq

The conflict in Yemen has intensified after Houthi rebels launched a drone-and-missile attack on a military base in southern Saudi Arabia. The strike reportedly targeted a weapons depot, while Saudi Civil Defence said a mosque in Jazan was also hit. In response, Yemeni government forces carried out multiple air strikes against Houthi positions. The latest escalation underscores growing security concerns along the Saudi-Yemen border and raises fears of a wider regional confrontation.


Houthis launch cross-border strike on Saudi Arabia as Yemen war escalates 

Saudi Arabia has shut down its critical East-West oil pipeline after it came under repeated drone attacks launched from Iraq. The pipeline, which normally pumps up to 7 million barrels a day to the Red Sea coast, was built decades ago specifically to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, but now even that backup route isn't safe. Riyadh says it won't retaliate for now, following a request from Iraq's PM, but has vowed to protect its 'sovereignty, security and critical facilities.'


Houthis vs Saudi Arabia: Saudi pipeline closed after multiple drone attacks from Iraq 

Houthis vs Saudi Arabia: East-west oil pipeline shut after drone attacks from Iraq

Iraq has emerged as a crucial battleground in the broader U.S.-Iran economic confrontation. Despite its close ties with both Washington and Tehran, Baghdad remains heavily dependent on access to the U.S. dollar-based financial system. The United States has repeatedly used control over dollar flows, banking access and sanctions waivers as leverage to influence Iraqi policy, particularly regarding trade with Iran. As Washington expands pressure on Tehran, Iraq offers a glimpse into how America's dominance of the global financial system can shape the behavior of entire economies.


How Iraq became the ultimate test case for America's dollar power

Iran is seeking deeper strategic and security cooperation with Iraq as Tehran pushes for a regional security framework without outside powers. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf is in Baghdad for talks focused on security, economic cooperation and the future of the region.


Tehran seeks a regional order without foreign interference 

Two Iranian drones targeted the Iraqi Kurdistan prime minister's office and the home of the autonomous region's intelligence chief overnight, authorities said Monday.

"Following an investigation by the Kurdistan Counter-Terrorism Unit, my personal office and the home of the head of the Security and Intelligence Agency were targeted by Iranian drone attacks earlier today," Kurdistan Prime Minister Masrour Barzani said, in a post on X.

"This is a dangerous escalation and a direct threat to the security and stability of the Kurdistan region."

Iran strikes Iraq: Two drones hit the Kurdish PM Masrour Barzani's office

Iran strikes Iraq: Tehran accused of targeting Kurdish leadership in Erbil

Breaking: Iranian drones attack Kurdish Prime Minister's office in Erbil 

Iran is reportedly reshaping its regional network after suffering heavy losses across the Middle East. As Tehran looks to rebuild its influence, Iraqi militias and Yemen’s Houthis are emerging as key partners. The evolving 'Axis of Resistance' could reshape regional power dynamics, raising fresh questions over Iran’s strategy, its allies and the future of the Middle East conflict.


Iraqi militias & Houthis emerge as key Iranian allies as Iran rebuilds axis of resistance

The United States military has begun withdrawing its final remaining forces from the base near Erbil International Airport in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. This pullout follows an agreement between Washington and Baghdad to complete a full withdrawal of all remaining U.S. forces from Iraq by September 30, 2026.


US nears full withdrawl from bases in Iraq 

The US and Saudi Arabia have jointly struck Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq. Will this expand the conflict? What have Iran and Iraq said? Who are Iraq's Iran-backed armed groups?


Saudi Arabia joins US-Israel war, strikes Iran's proxies in Iraq: What will Pak do?

Saudi Arabia's air defenses successfully intercepted and destroyed multiple explosive drones targeting critical oil infrastructure in the Eastern Province and the capital, Riyadh. The Saudi Ministry of Defense blamed Iran-backed militias operating from Iraqi territory for the aggressive action, marking the second time Riyadh has faced such a drone assault from the north.


Riyadh intercepts drones launched from Iraq for the second time

Saudi Arabia said its air defenses intercepted and destroyed several drones that attempted to target oil facilities in the Eastern Province and Riyadh, blaming Iran-backed militias operating from Iraq for the attacks.

Ministry of Defense spokesman Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki said on Monday the attempted attacks took place over the past several hours and described them as terrorist acts launched from Iraqi territory.

Saudi-Iraq row intensifies: Yemen governemnt warns of escalation with Houthis 

Saudi-Iraq row escalates: Yemen governemnt warns of escalation with Houthis

Global tensions remain high as Iran says it has halted retaliatory attacks after the United States paused its airstrikes for two consecutive nights, raising hopes of a possible diplomatic breakthrough. At the same time, Yemen's Houthi rebels claim they have downed a Saudi drone and intensified attacks on Saudi targets, keeping pressure on regional security.

Meanwhile, the Russia-Ukraine war continues to widen, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accusing Moscow of providing satellite intelligence to Iran for attacks on U.S. military bases and Gulf facilities. Romania has summoned Russia's ambassador after another drone incident near its border with Ukraine, while India has issued a fresh advisory urging its citizens to carefully evaluate security risks before accepting jobs on commercial vessels operating in or passing through the Black Sea.

Elsewhere, rescue teams continue searching for missing crew members after a Vietnamese vessel carrying 62 people sank in the South China Sea. In Europe, Spain is battling rapidly spreading wildfires fueled by extreme heat and strong winds, forcing emergency firefighting operations. Iraq has also approved a memorandum with Syria to build a new oil pipeline linking Iraqi oil fields to Mediterranean export terminals, aiming to diversify export routes and reduce dependence on the Strait of Hormuz.

Stay tuned for comprehensive coverage of the latest developments in global conflicts, diplomacy, energy security, maritime safety, climate disasters, and international affairs.

Iran-US Conflict Update | Houthis Target Saudi Arabia | Ukraine Accuses Russia | Spain Wildfires

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is on his first official visit to Iran since taking office in May. During meetings in Tehran, al-Zaidi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian oversaw the signing of multiple agreements and MoUs covering foreign affairs, finance, economic cooperation and energy.

Baghdad, Tehran deepen ties as region faces uncertainty 

Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani has made his first official visit to Iran since taking office, signaling efforts to strengthen ties between the two neighboring countries amid rising tensions in West Asia. During his visit to Tehran, Al Sudani met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian for talks focused on expanding political, economic, trade, transport, and security cooperation. The two nations signed four agreements aimed at improving bilateral coordination and strengthening relations. The Iraqi Prime Minister also stated that Iraq would not allow its territory to be used for actions threatening Iran, while emphasizing Baghdad’s commitment to regional stability and respect for neighboring countries’ sovereignty.

Iraq and Iran sign new cooperation agreements

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has arrived in the United States for talks with President Donald Trump, marking his first official foreign visit since taking office in May. The visit is expected to focus on strengthening bilateral ties, with agreements on energy, trade, and increased investment by U.S. companies high on the agenda.

Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq oppose Al-Zaidi's US visit 

In a major geopolitical shift, the United States, Iraq, and Syria are reportedly finalizing a deal to restore the historic 800-kilometer Kirkuk-Baniyas oil pipeline. The project, dormant for decades and severely damaged since the 2003 Iraq war, is expected to be unveiled next week during Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s White House meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.  


Reports: US, Iraq & Syria move to revive historic Kirkuk-Baniyas pipeline to bypass Hormuz

Thousands of mourners gathered in Iraq's holy city of Karbala to pay their final respects to Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The procession marks the sixth and final day of his funeral journey before his body returns to Mashhad, Iran, for burial.

Khamenei funeral: Thousands flood Iraq's Najaf & Karbala for slain Supreme Leader's funeral

In the heart of old Baghdad, legendary movie theatres stand abandoned and shrouded in dust, bearing witness to Iraq's once-vibrant cultural scene.&nbsp;A few kilometres away, director Ali al-Bayati oversees his camera operators as they adjust their lenses for a scene in his upcoming horror film, which he hopes to showcase internationally as a new generation of Iraqi filmmakers drives an industry comeback.&nbsp;Momentum is building, bolstered by recent international recognition for the Iraqi film "The President's Cake", which captures life under crippling sanctions during Saddam Hussein's rule.&nbsp;"Reviving the cinema sector in Iraq is not easy, but it is not impossible either," Bayati told AFP.&nbsp;For decades, Iraq's cultural and cinematic scenes flourished.&nbsp;Film production in Iraq began in the 1940s -- notably with titles co-produced with Egypt -- reaching its peak in the 1950s.&nbsp;Among the most celebrated productions of that era was Kameran Hosni's film "Said Effendi" (1956), a work recently restored as part of the Iraqi Cinematheque project supported by France, and screened at the Cannes Film Festival in 2025.&nbsp;But then everything changed.&nbsp;With Saddam Hussein's rise to power in the 1970s, cinema became a propaganda tool.&nbsp;This was followed by decades of war, sectarian strife and jihadist insurgency after the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled Hussein, ultimately snuffing out the golden age of Iraqi cinema.&nbsp;Baghdad's old movie theatres that once drew film enthusiasts are now barely standing, with their faded walls, old doors and broken signs.&nbsp;Dilapidated shops crowd the entrance to the Granada Cinema, with clothes hanging directly on the street. Other theatres have been repurposed as warehouses, with a few old movie posters still clinging to their walls.<h2>The old and the new&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;In recent years, a fragile stability has begun to revive Iraqis' appetite for entertainment and returned focus to Baghdad's cultural scene.&nbsp;Authorities seized the opportunity last year, launching an initiative to support 58 film projects.&nbsp;But the funding pool is just four million dollars, an amount that would fund only a single project in other countries, said Wareth Kwaish of the government-led initiative.&nbsp;Authorities are also working to recover Iraq's historic cinema archive in the country and abroad.&nbsp;And Baghdad has signed cinematic cooperation agreements with France to support its film industry.&nbsp;Still, the industry remains short on funding and support, making every production a gamble.&nbsp;Filmmakers rely on small grants, said Bayati, who hopes to market his movie in the US and European countries and is among those who benefited from government funding.&nbsp;The key for him is gaining the trust of Iraqi audiences to "generate revenues that would lead to sustainability in work and production", he said.&nbsp;Most Iraqi moviegoers today frequent multi-screen theatres in shopping malls where Hollywood and Egyptian movies dominate the screens, rather than the classic venues.&nbsp;Syrian filmmaker Abdulhadi al-Rakeb, who made a documentary about Iraq's old movie theatres, said their closure has led to "the disappearance of a culture of watching films in theatres and, as a result, a decline in the very idea of filmmaking".<h2>‘Cautiously optimistic’</h2>&nbsp;Recently, "The President's Cake", the Iraqi film that won a prize at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival last year, finally started screening in Iraq.&nbsp;The movie follows the story of a young girl selected to bake a cake for Saddam's birthday at a time when sanctions made it almost impossible to find the ingredients.&nbsp;Although the movie was shot in Iraq, the production faced many challenges.&nbsp;Director Hasan Hadi said a shortage of experienced Iraqi film crews forced him to bring in European professionals.&nbsp;"The local crew were not aware of international standards," and the foreign crew were unfamiliar with the local cultural context, which created "more problems for us", he said.&nbsp;According to Hadi, the lack of local crews is one of several reasons Iraqi filmmakers have been unable to work in their own country.&nbsp;He believes the sector needs workshops to develop local talent, increased funding and better overall organisation.&nbsp;"I am cautiously optimistic," Hadi said.&nbsp;“There are more people who want to tell their stories and make films, but not enough resources.”

Driven by a fragile stability, a new generation of Iraqi filmmakers is working to revive the country’s once-flourishing cinema sector, which peaked in the 1950s but was devastated by decades of propaganda, war, and political unrest.

In the heart of old Baghdad, legendary movie theatres stand abandoned and shrouded in dust, bearing witness to Iraq's once-vibrant cultural scene. A few kilometres away, director Ali al-Bayati oversees his camera operators as they adjust their lenses for a scene in his upcoming horror film, which he hopes to showcase internationally as a new generation of Iraqi filmmakers drives an industry comeback. Momentum is building, bolstered by recent international recognition for the Iraqi film "The President's Cake", which captures life under crippling sanctions during Saddam Hussein's rule. "Reviving the cinema sector in Iraq is not easy, but it is not impossible either," Bayati told AFP. For decades, Iraq's cultural and cinematic scenes flourished. Film production in Iraq began in the 1940s -- notably with titles co-produced with Egypt -- reaching its peak in the 1950s. Among the most celebrated productions of that era was Kameran Hosni's film "Said Effendi" (1956), a work recently restored as part of the Iraqi Cinematheque project supported by France, and screened at the Cannes Film Festival in 2025. But then everything changed. With Saddam Hussein's rise to power in the 1970s, cinema became a propaganda tool. This was followed by decades of war, sectarian strife and jihadist insurgency after the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled Hussein, ultimately snuffing out the golden age of Iraqi cinema. Baghdad's old movie theatres that once drew film enthusiasts are now barely standing, with their faded walls, old doors and broken signs. Dilapidated shops crowd the entrance to the Granada Cinema, with clothes hanging directly on the street. Other theatres have been repurposed as warehouses, with a few old movie posters still clinging to their walls. The old and the new In recent years, a fragile stability has begun to revive Iraqis' appetite for entertainment and returned focus to Baghdad's cultural scene. Authorities seized the opportunity last year, launching an initiative to support 58 film projects. But the funding pool is just four million dollars, an amount that would fund only a single project in other countries, said Wareth Kwaish of the government-led initiative. Authorities are also working to recover Iraq's historic cinema archive in the country and abroad. And Baghdad has signed cinematic cooperation agreements with France to support its film industry. Still, the industry remains short on funding and support, making every production a gamble. Filmmakers rely on small grants, said Bayati, who hopes to market his movie in the US and European countries and is among those who benefited from government funding. The key for him is gaining the trust of Iraqi audiences to "generate revenues that would lead to sustainability in work and production", he said. Most Iraqi moviegoers today frequent multi-screen theatres in shopping malls where Hollywood and Egyptian movies dominate the screens, rather than the classic venues. Syrian filmmaker Abdulhadi al-Rakeb, who made a documentary about Iraq's old movie theatres, said their closure has led to "the disappearance of a culture of watching films in theatres and, as a result, a decline in the very idea of filmmaking". ‘Cautiously optimistic’ Recently, "The President's Cake", the Iraqi film that won a prize at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival last year, finally started screening in Iraq. The movie follows the story of a young girl selected to bake a cake for Saddam's birthday at a time when sanctions made it almost impossible to find the ingredients. Although the movie was shot in Iraq, the production faced many challenges. Director Hasan Hadi said a shortage of experienced Iraqi film crews forced him to bring in European professionals. "The local crew were not aware of international standards," and the foreign crew were unfamiliar with the local cultural context, which created "more problems for us", he said. According to Hadi, the lack of local crews is one of several reasons Iraqi filmmakers have been unable to work in their own country. He believes the sector needs workshops to develop local talent, increased funding and better overall organisation. "I am cautiously optimistic," Hadi said. “There are more people who want to tell their stories and make films, but not enough resources.”

Driven by a fragile stability, a new generation of Iraqi filmmakers is working to revive the country’s once-flourishing cinema sector, which peaked in the 1950s but was devastated by decades of propaganda, war, and political unrest.

'Not easy, but not impossible': Iraq's film industry sees slow revival

Iraqi authorities have carried out major raids in Baghdad’s heavily secured Green Zone as part of an ongoing anti-corruption crackdown, uncovering large stashes of cash and gold. Officials say the operations are part of daily enforcement efforts aimed at exposing hidden wealth and dismantling illegal financial networks operating within high-security areas


Iraq anti-corruption drive: Baghdad green zone raids expose hidden cash and gold

For millions of Iranians, the holy day of Ashura (June 25–26, 2026) has transcended its traditional religious significance, becoming a profound display of collective grief and national mourning. This year’s commemorations, marking the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS) in the Battle of Karbala, were held against the sobering backdrop of a nation reeling from the devastating war sparked by massive U.S.-Israeli strikes earlier this year.  

Iranian Pilgrims Mourn Their War Dead During Ashura

World Cup 2026 witnessed its first weather-related disruption after lightning and heavy rain forced a lengthy suspension of France's match against Iraq in Philadelphia.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Lighting Stops World Cup Clash Between France And Iraq

Fifteen-year-old Iraqi girl Kawthar Bashar Al-Husayjawi was murdered in Nahrawan, east of Baghdad, in an alleged "honor killing" after she refused to marry her older cousin. The tragedy ignited widespread outrage and protests from women's rights groups across Iraq.


Iraqi Teenage Girl Refused Marriage to Cousin & Got Killed for It

Restoration work began in May 2026 on Iraq's 4,000-year-old Ziggurat of Ur to combat severe erosion caused by climate change, including strong winds, sandstorms, and fluctuating humidity, as reported by Reuters and Al Jazeera. The iconic mud-brick structure faces increased exposure as environmental barriers disappear, with experts aiming to complete repairs using traditional techniques by early July 2026.


Iraq's Ziggurat Of Ur Shows Signs of Damage as Loss of Storm Barriers Leaves Site Exposed

Drought conditions are beginning to threaten wetlands as reduced rainfall and rising temperatures shrink water levels in marshes and floodplains.
These ecosystems are losing moisture faster than they can recover, putting biodiversity and migratory bird habitats at risk.

Iraq Wetlands: Drought Threat Looms Over Wetlands In Iraq

Long-awaited rains have revived parts of Iraq’s ancient Mesopotamian Marshes, bringing water back to areas hit by years of drought. The return of water is restoring biodiversity and traditional livelihoods like fishing and buffalo herding

Iraq Wetlands Come Back To Life After Years Of Drought 

A rare environmental comeback story from the heart of West Asia.

After years of devastating drought, water is finally flowing back into Iraq’s historic marshlands. The revival of Hawr al Huwayzah—part of the ancient wetlands between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers—is bringing new life to a region once on the brink of collapse.

Wildlife is returning, vegetation is regrowing, and local communities are slowly reclaiming their traditional way of life.

Can this fragile ecosystem sustain its recovery—and what does it mean for climate resilience in the region?

Rains Revive Hawr Al Huwayzah Marsh in Southern Iraq

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