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

A major political development in Iraq as Ali Al-Zaidi has been nominated as the country’s new prime minister-designate.

Known for his background in business, Al-Zaidi’s nomination marks a notable shift in Iraq’s political landscape, potentially signaling a move toward technocratic or outsider leadership.

The decision comes at a critical time as Iraq navigates economic challenges, governance issues, and regional pressures.

Iraq's Shi'ite Political Blocs Name Al-Zaidi As PM Candidate 

Iraq’s President Nizar Amedi has named Ali al-Zaidi as prime minister-designate and tasked him with forming a government, Al Jazeera’s correspondent in Iraq has reported.

Al-Zaidi was named earlier on Monday as the candidate of the Coordination Framework, a coalition of Shia parties that has a majority in parliament. His nomination sees him promoted over a pro-Iranian rival.

Iraq: Businessman Ali Al-Zaidi Nominated as PM-Designate After US Opposition To Nouri Al-Maliki

Iraq is facing a deepening political crisis as Shia parties remain divided over the appointment of a new Prime Minister. The deadlock reflects broader tensions, with Baghdad trying to balance its ties between the United States and Iran. Disagreements among key lawmakers have stalled the process, raising concerns about governance and stability in the country. As the impasse continues, Iraq’s fragile political landscape faces renewed uncertainty at a critical time.


Iraq's Shia Political Groups Delay Appointment of Prime Minister 

Iraq has reopened a key border crossing with Syria after a decade, aiming to boost fuel oil exports and strengthen regional trade routes. The move is expected to improve energy flow and economic cooperation between the two countries, marking a significant step in restoring cross-border connectivity amid shifting Middle East trade dynamics.


Iraq-Syria Border Crossing Reopens For First Time In Over A Decade 

Iraq Reopens Crossing to Boost Fuel Oil Exports Via Syria; Crossing Reopens After a Decade

Parts of the Kuwait Consulate building in Basra were vandalised by a mob following deadly rocket strikes in southern Iraq, triggering unrest in the region. Protesters stormed the diplomatic compound after several people were killed in the nearby Khor al-Zubair area, escalating tensions and drawing strong condemnation from Kuwait over violations of diplomatic norms.


Protesters Storm Kuwaiti Consulate in Iraq After Deadly Basra Rocket Attack

Breaking: Mob Vandalises Parts of Consulate Building After Strikes in Basra 

Iraq has suspended trade and passenger movement through the Shalamcheh border crossing, a key transit route connecting Iraq and Iran, amid rising regional security concerns linked to the ongoing US-Iran conflict. The crossing is vital for commerce, pilgrims, and cross-border travel, and the suspension signals growing caution along critical frontier routes.


Iraq Suspends Trade & Passenger Movement Through Shalamcheh Crossing

An Iraqi armed group calling itself the Islamic Resistance in Iraq says its fighters have carried out 19 operations targeting US bases in Iraq and the wider region over the past few days, using drones and missiles in the strikes.


Iraqi Resistance Fighter Carry 19 Anti-US Ops Across Iraq

A drone strike has targeted oil storage facilities in Basra, Iraq, raising concerns over disruptions in the country’s key energy infrastructure. Authorities reported damage to storage tanks, though no casualties have been confirmed so far. The strike comes amid rising tensions in the region, highlighting vulnerabilities in Iraq’s oil sector and the potential impact on global energy markets. Security forces are investigating the source and scale of the attack. 


Firefighters Contain Blaze at Drone-Hit Foreign Oil Storage Facilities in Basra

Breaking: Drone Strike Targets Oil Storage in Iraq’s Basra

American journalist Shelly Kittleson has reportedly been kidnapped in Baghdad, sparking international concern amid rising tensions in the region. Iraqi authorities confirmed the abduction and launched a major search operation to locate the journalist.


CCTV Footage Appears to Show Kidnapping of US Journalist Shelly Kittleson in Baghdad 

Double strikes have reportedly targeted positions linked to Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) amid escalating tensions connected to the wider West Asia conflict. The attacks mark another sign of the conflict’s spillover beyond primary theatres, raising concerns about the involvement of regional armed groups and the risk of further escalation across Iraq.


West Asia War: Double Strikes Target Popular Mobilisation Forces in Iraq

Thousands of Kurds celebrate the new year festival of Nowruz in the hub city of Akra in Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region. They wear traditional Kurdish clothes, climb a mountain holding torches, launch fireworks and play music.


Iraq: Kurds Celebrate Nowruz in Kurdistan Region Despite Security Concerns In West Asia

A drone attack has struck a U.S. diplomatic facility in Baghdad, Iraq, in what officials suspect may be a retaliatory move by pro-Tehran militias amid the escalating regional conflict. The incident comes as tensions between Iran and the United States continue to rise.

Sources say the strike targeted a diplomatic support site linked to U.S. operations in Iraq. Security agencies are investigating the attack, while authorities have increased alert levels around American installations in the region.

US-Iran War: Drone Strike Targets US Embassy in Baghdad; Iraqi Security Confirms Attack

The war between the United States and Iran is growing more complex as Donald Trump delivers mixed signals on the conflict’s trajectory. While declaring that Iran is “paying a big price,” the U.S. president has also hinted at both escalation and possible endgame scenarios. Meanwhile, the United States Department of the Treasury signaled that no cost is considered “unaffordable,” even as the United States Department of Defense reportedly spent over $11.3 billion in the first week of operations. The situation intensified further after the crash of a KC‑135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft in Iraq, marking the fourth American aircraft loss since the war began.


US-Iran War: US Loses KC-135 Refueling Aircraft In Iraq

A dramatic rescue operation saved 51 crew members after tankers were attacked off the coast of Iraq. According to officials, the vessels came under attack in waters near the Persian Gulf, triggering an emergency response. Rescue teams and nearby ships rushed to evacuate the sailors and bring them to safety. 


Israel-Iran War: 51 Crew Rescued After Tanker Attack Near Iraq Coast 

The United Arab Emirates has strongly condemned a drone attack near its consulate in Erbil, the capital of Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, calling it a “cowardly terrorist” act that violated international norms and threatened regional security. Officials said the strike caused material damage but no injuries and urged Iraqi authorities to identify those responsible. 


UAE Slams Drone Attack Near Erbil Consulate | Erbil A Key Target Amid Iran Conflict 

Israel says it has launched a broad wave of strikes on government targets in Tehran as the war with Iran continues to escalate. The Israeli military said the attacks targeted sites linked to Iranian authorities in the capital.


US-Iran War: 4 Iranian Drones Shot Down Over Erbil, Iraq

Iraq’s participation in the FIFA World Cup 2026 playoff in Mexico has become uncertain amid administrative and logistical challenges within the country’s football federation. With qualifiers looming and preparations disrupted, Iraqi officials are scrambling to resolve issues that could determine whether the national team travels to compete for a spot in the global tournament.


FIFA World Cup 2026: Iraq's World Cup Playoff Participation in Mexico is Uncertain

A coalition of Iraq-based Iranian Kurdish parties has renewed calls for the overthrow of Iran’s ruling establishment. The alliance says it seeks political change in Tehran, citing long-standing grievances and regional tensions.
The development adds a new dimension to already strained Iran-Iraq border dynamics and raises questions about regional stability, Kurdish political movements, and Tehran’s response.

Iraq-Based Iranian Kurdish Coalition Calls for Overthrow of Tehran Regime

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