Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Programs
The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad has announced the open application period for the Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Programs (IYLEP). The deadline to apply is December 1, 2015. IYLEP 2016 will provide 240 Iraqi high school and undergraduate students with a unique educational exchange experience in the summer of 2016. The IYLEP undergraduate and high school […]
Can Iraq meet US, Russia halfway?
By Mustafa al-Kadhimi for Al-Monitor. Any opinions expressed are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. The conflicts in Iraq and Syria are becoming increasingly convoluted by the day. Russia's engagement has been an additional complication to the overlapping battles. This international interference is undoubtedly a major challenge to the […]
Video: Eight of Ten Women Sexually Harassed in Iraq
From Al Jazeera. Any opinions expressed are those of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. A survey carried out in Iraq suggests around eight out of ten women have suffered some form of sexual harassment. And an increasing number of professional women are experiencing harassment in public spaces. […]
IMF may offer Major Loan to Iraq
By John Lee. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) may provide a large loan to Iraq to help stabilize the country's finances, a senior IMF official has told Reuters. Masood Ahmed (pictured), Director of the IMF's Middle East and Central Asia Department, said an IMF team will discuss with Iraqi officials early next month how to […]
Khudairi Group adds Hertz Equipment Franchise
Hertz Global Holdings has announced that Hertz Equipment Rental Corporation (HERC) has entered into a franchise agreement with the Khudairi Group for the exclusive license to provide rental equipment in Iraq using the "Hertz Equipment" brand and proprietary system. This move will significantly add to HERC's existing network in the Middle East, with HERC Iraq […]
KRG meets with New Zealand Business Council
KRG Minister for Foreign Relations, Falah Mustafa Bakir, this week discussed business and economic opportunities in the Kurdistan Region with senior members of the New Zealand Middle East Business Council. The Members of the Council included Vice Chairman of the Council, Michael Webb, Executive Committee Member, Deborah Schlichting, and Executive Advisor, Michelle Boag. Mr. Bakir […]
Canada to End Airstrikes in Syria and Iraq
By John Lee. In his first news conference following the Liberal victory in federal elections, Canada's new prime minister designate Justin Trudeau (pictured) has confirmed that Canada will withdraw its fighter jets from Iraq and Syria. He did not set out a timeline for the withdrawal. Canada currently has six CF-18 fighter jets taking part […]
IWPR's Jacky Sutton "Acted Alone"
At the request of the family of Jacqueline Sutton, the Institute for War & Peace Reporting and the family release the following joint statement: Jacqueline (Jacky) Sutton, IWPR’s acting Iraq country director, was found dead at Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport overnight on October 17-18. She had flown from London to take an onward flight to her base […]
Airstrikes Continue Against Terrorists in Syria, Iraq
U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported on Wednesday. Officials reported details of the latest strikes, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports. Airstrikes in Syria Attack and fighter […]
Cabinet Approves 2016 Budget of $91bn
By John Lee. Iraq's Cabinet has approved a budget of 106 trillion Iraqi dinars ($91 billion) for 2016. The figures are based on crude oil output of 3.6 million barrels per day (BPD) at a price of $45 a barrel. Spokesman Saad al-Hadithi told The Associated Press that Iraq will run with a deficit of […]
Trade Minister Wanted on Corruption Charges
By John Lee. An arrest warrant has been issued for the Iraqi Trade Minister, Malas Abdulkarim al-Kasnazani (pictured), and his brother, on charges of financial corruption. According to the report from AFP no details on the accusations have been issued, but local media said the Minister is suspected of awarding contracts without tenders to firms […]
Moody's Withdraws Credit Rating on Planned Iraqi Bonds
By John Lee. Moody's Investors Service has today withdrawn its provisional rating of (P)Caa1 for Government of Iraq's planned USD bond issuance. The issuance rating has been withdrawn following statements made by Iraq's Deputy Finance Minister that the issuance plans have been put on hold. The last rating action was in September 2015 when Moody's […]