Tag Archives | United Kingdom

Coalition Forces Suspend anti-ISIS Ops

By John Lee. The US-led coalition fighting the so-called Islamic State (IS, ISIS, ISIL, Daesh) has announced the suspension of operations. In a statement, Operation Inherent Resolve said: "Our first priority is protecting all Coalition personnel committed to the defeat of Daesh. Repeated rocket attacks over the last two months by elements of Kata'ib Hezbollah […]

New Evidence of Corruption in Iraq

By John Lee. Court filings in the United States have reportedly shed new light on corruption in Iraq. Louis Auge, of EU Reporter, writes that two members of Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission (CMC) recieved houses in London in return for their role in the expropriation of over $800 million from French telecom firm Orange […]

Iraq discusses Joining European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

By John Lee. The Ambassador of Iraq in London, Mr. Mohammad Jaafar Al-Sadr, has met Mr. Enzo Quattrociocche, the Secretary-General of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). During the meeting, they discussed the possibility of Iraq joining the bank. The Ambassador stressed the importance of moving forward with the implementation of Iraq’s economic […]

Governor of Anbar visits UK

The Governor of Anbar, Mr Ali Farhan Hameed, visited the UK this week as a guest of the Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC) . While here, he attended various meetings at Chatham House, UKEF, at roundtables with IBBC members and dinner in the House of Lords with Baroness Nicholson ( President of IBBC and PM […]

Protecting Yazidi Music

By John Lee. The AMAR Foundation is working to record, protect and teach the unique music of the Yazidi people in northern Iraq. Part of the British Council’s Cultural Protection Fund, the project is helping to preserve and sustain this endangered music for future generations of Yazidis. Developing over a long and complex history, Yazidi […]

Iraq Britain Business Council hosts meeting with Ambassador

By John Lee. Mr. Mohammad Jaafar Al-Sadr, the Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq in London, has participated in a round-table meeting hosted by the Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC) . The Ambassador said Iraq welcomes the contribution of British companies to the reconstruction of the country, reviving the Iraqi economy, and providing job opportunities, […]

IBBC Conference attracts Deep Engagement and Discussion

IBBC Autumn conference in Dubai attracts deep engagement and discussion of the Protests Over 100 attendees of largely Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC) members engaged in deep discussions and conversational at the Autumn Conference in Dubai this weekend. As a backdrop to the protest and conflict in Iraq, speakers and delegates articulated the causes, solutions […]

Public Payroll Expansion in Iraq: Causes and Consequences

By Ali Al-Mawlawi. Public Payroll Expansion in Iraq: Causes and Consequences The public payroll in Iraq has grown unchecked since 2003, commensurate with the country’s vastly expanding oil wealth. With few alternative sources of government income, the state budget’s growth poses worrying questions about whether this ongoing trend can be sustained without risking economic ruin. […]

KCA Deutag Wins Contract Extension in Iraq

By John Lee. ​Scottish-based KCA Deutag has announces that its land drilling operation has won new contracts in the Middle East, Africa and Europe. In Iraq, two of the company's rigs have had their contracts extended by one year. KCA Deutag currently has three rigs in Iraq. (Source: KCA Deutag)