Archive | 2016

Spurring Private Sector Growth in Iraq

By John Lee. The Iraq Mission Chief for the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said that the staff-monitored program that started in November 2015 is designed with a focus on four key elements: reducing budget spending and restoring public finances to a healthy state and stabilize debt; protecting spending on the social front to ease […]

Iraq receives first $634m Payment from IMF

By John Lee. The Iraqi government has reportedly received the first installment of the $5.3-billion dollar loan recently approved by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). A senior Iraqi official told Anadolu Agency: "The Iraqi government received Tuesday the first $634 million installment. "The first installment will be allocated to the ... relief of the displaced, […]

Is Kirkuk on Verge of becoming an Independent Region?

By Omar Sattar for Al-Monitor. Any opinions expressed are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. The status of Kirkuk province, which is disputed by Arabs, Turkmens and Kurds, returned to the forefront after the Iraqi presidency announced a proposal June 18 to make Kirkuk an independent region. The plan […]

Iraqi Pre-Islamic Landmark threatening to Collapse

By Adnan Abu Zeed for Al-Monitor. Any opinions expressed are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Taq Kasra, some 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of Baghdad, is different from many other sites and monuments that date to the pre-Islamic era in Iraq. Unlike them, Taq Kasra has a place […]

Japan gives $7m to UNICEF for Humanitarian Aid in Iraq

The crisis in Iraq has continued for over two years, and with no end in sight and over 3.3 million people internally displaced, humanitarian assistance to Iraqi children is more crucial than ever. In this environment of increased need and reduced resources, the Government of Japan has offered critical assistance to UNICEF in the form […]

In Iraq, Teenagers who Dress Differently have Much to Fear

This article was originally published by Niqash. Any opinions expressed are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Several years ago, Iraq’s so-called “emos” – young men who dressed differently – were attacked openly for looking strange in a conservative culture. Now that their attackers are otherwise occupied, […]

Baghdad Bombing ignites Demand for Better Security

By Ali Mamouri for Al-Monitor. Any opinions expressed are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Baghdad's residents are demanding beefed-up security measures and an international investigation into the gruesome July 3 bombing that rocked Baghdad's busy Karrada district, killing almost 300 people and injuring 200 more. The death toll […]

IMF: No Dinar Devaluation, Committed to Dollar Peg

By John Lee. The Iraq Mission Chief for the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said that he sees no reason to devalue the Iraqi dinar "under current circumstances", and says the authorities are "committed to maintaining the Iraqi Dinar’s peg to the U.S. dollar". Christian Josz told IMF News: "Iraq has maintained a peg to […]

France to send Troops, Aircraft Carrier to Fight IS

By John Lee. France is to send more military advisors to Iraq, in addition to sending a aircraft carrier to the region, as it steps up its fight against the Islamic State group (IS, ISIS, ISIL, Daesh). President Francois Hollande (pictured) said: "We will intensify the army's efforts to support the Iraqis as they try […]

Military Strikes Continue Against ISIL in Syria, Iraq

U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq on Wednesday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported on Thursday. Officials reported details of the latest strikes, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports. Strikes in Syria Attack, bomber, […]

Video: IS leader Omar al-Shishani Killed in Iraq

From Al Jazeera. Any opinions expressed are those of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Omar al-Shishani, a top commander of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, ISIS, Daesh), has been killed in Iraq, a website affiliated with the armed group said. The Pentagon announced […]