By Yasir Kuoti, for the Yale Journal of International Affairs. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. China in Iraq after the War: From Underdog to Unassailable Under President Xi Jinping, China has considerably expanded its footprint across the Middle East, transforming from […]
By John Lee. The US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has designated Iraq's Deputy Minister of Oil, Ali Maarij Al-Bahadly, along with several other individuals and businesses, as part of a sanctions action targeting what it describes as the exploitation of Iraq's oil sector to benefit Iran and Iran-aligned militias. The Treasury said […]
By John Lee. The Iraqi Commission of Integrity has published statistics showing that its directorates and investigation offices conducted 181 operations across Iraq in February 2026, resulting in the apprehension of 168 suspects. The figures, broken down by governorate, are as follows: Kirkuk: 20 total operations, 9 apprehension operations, 9 suspects detained, 11 priority operations […]
By John Lee. Iraq has fallen in the World Press Freedom Index for 2026, ranking 162nd out of 180 countries, down seven places on last year. The result puts Iraq behind countries such as Cuba and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), but ahead of Iran, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye. First place went to Norway, with […]
From Amwaj Media. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Parliamentary push to bring back conscription ignites debate in Iraq Iraq's parliament has completed its first reading of a bill that would reintroduce mandatory conscription for men. Backed by Parliament Speaker Haibat Al-Halbousi, […]
By John Lee. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has imposed a travel ban on its nationals travelling to Iran, Lebanon and Iraq, citing current regional developments. UAE nationals already in those countries have been urged to return home immediately. Full statement from UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs: In light of current regional developments, the Ministry […]
From Mercy Path for Women's Affairs. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Iraq's Protection Pathway - A Guide to Service Providers and Protection Capacity for Victims of Human Trafficking Behind Iraq's bi-governance lies 2 different systems for victim protection. This report presents […]
By Winthrop M. Rodgers, Chatham House. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Political Deadlock has Left Iraq's Kurdistan Region Dangerously Exposed amid Iran War The stalemate over government formation is affecting the semi-autonomous region's ability to deal with the fallout of the […]
By John Lee. The U.S. Justice Department has filed a civil forfeiture complaint seeking to seize a Beverly Hills mansion allegedly purchased with the proceeds from a scheme to defraud the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). The complaint alleges that a defence contractor obtained more than $700 million from DLA for fuel deliveries to U.S. forces […]
By John Lee. American journalist Shelly Kittleson has expressed her gratitude to those who worked for her release, after she was taken hostage by an armed faction in Baghdad earlier this month. Ms Kittleson was released on 7th April. Full statement from Shelly Kittleson: I am and will always be incredibly grateful to those who […]
By Mustafa Saadoon, for Al Hurra. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Exclusive: U.S. Moves Against Iran-Aligned Factions in Iraq Two government sources working in the Iraqi Council of Ministers confirmed to Alhurra that "the United States has halted dollar shipments to […]
By John Lee. The Rabia border crossing between Iraq and Syria has reopened after 13 years, restoring a key trade route between the two countries. The reopening follows the completion of rehabilitation and reconstruction works covering infrastructure and service facilities, reflecting improved security conditions in border areas and a broader push to strengthen regional trade […]
