Iraq

Iraq, officially the Republic of Iraq, is a country in West Asia and in the geopolitical region known as the Middle East. With a population of over 46 million, it is the 30th-most populous country. It is a federal parliamentary republic that consists of 18 governorates. Iraq is bordered by Turkey to the north, Saudi Arabia to the south, Iran to the east, the Persian Gulf and Kuwait to the southeast, Jordan to the southwest, and Syria to the west. The capital and largest city is Baghdad. Iraqi people are diverse; mostly Arabs, as well as Kurds, Turkmen, Yazidis, Assyrians, Armenians, Mandaeans, Persians and Shabakis with similarly diverse geography and wildlife. Most Iraqis are Muslims – minority faiths include Christianity, Yazidism, Zoroastrianism, Mandaeism, Yarsanism and Judaism. The official languages of Iraq are Arabic and Kurdish; others also recognized in specific regions are Turkish, Suret, and Armenian.
iraq

Some of the key events about Iraq

  • 762 AD
    The city of Baghdad was founded, becoming a major center of learning and culture
  • 813 AD
    The House of Wisdom was established in Baghdad, serving as a major intellectual center
  • 1258
    The Mustansiriya Madrasah, one of the oldest universities in the world, was founded in Baghdad
  • 1792 BC
    The Code of Hammurabi, one of the earliest known legal codes, was created in Babylon
  • 1921
    Iraq gained independence from British mandate
  • 1958
    Iraq transitioned from a monarchy to a republic
  • 1980
    The Iran-Iraq War began, resulting in hundreds of thousands of casualties
  • 1988
    Chemical weapons were used against Kurdish civilians in Halabja
  • 1990
    Iraq invaded Kuwait, leading to international condemnation and conflict
  • 1991
    The Gulf War resulted in widespread destruction of Iraqi infrastructure
  • 1991
    A Shiite uprising in southern Iraq was violently suppressed
  • 1991
    UN sanctions were imposed on Iraq, causing severe economic hardship
  • 2003
    The US-led invasion of Iraq began, toppling the government
  • 2005
    Iraq held its first free parliamentary elections in half a century
  • 2006
    The bombing of the al-Askari Mosque sparked increased sectarian violence
  • 2014
    The Islamic State (ISIS) seized control of large parts of northern Iraq
  • 2017
    Iraq declared victory over ISIS, reclaiming all territory previously held by the group
  • 2017
    A devastating earthquake struck near the Iran-Iraq border, killing hundreds
  • 2350 BC
    The world's first empire, the Akkadian Empire, was established in Mesopotamia
  • 3000 BC
    The world's first writing system, cuneiform, was developed in ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq)

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.

Iraq Latest news

Israeli Soldiers Killed in Northern Attack, Iraq-Based Group Claims Responsibility

Israeli Soldiers Killed in Northern Attack, Iraq-Based Group Claims Responsibility

October 4 2024, 03:16 PM  •  291 views
US Lawmakers Urge Action on Azerbaijan's Human Rights Ahead of COP29

US Lawmakers Urge Action on Azerbaijan's Human Rights Ahead of COP29

October 3 2024, 05:59 PM  •  519 views
British Man Jailed for FGM Conspiracy in Landmark Case

British Man Jailed for FGM Conspiracy in Landmark Case

October 3 2024, 02:11 PM  •  668 views
Yazidi Woman Rescued from Gaza After Decade-Long Captivity

Yazidi Woman Rescued from Gaza After Decade-Long Captivity

October 3 2024, 01:15 PM  •  561 views
IS Ambush Claims Four Iraqi Troops Near Kirkuk Amid Rising Attacks

IS Ambush Claims Four Iraqi Troops Near Kirkuk Amid Rising Attacks

October 2 2024, 05:35 PM  •  506 views
Iraqi Soldiers Ambushed Near Kirkuk: IS Militants Suspected

Iraqi Soldiers Ambushed Near Kirkuk: IS Militants Suspected

October 2 2024, 12:46 PM  •  843 views
Israel's Air Defense Triumphs: Thwarting Iran's Missile Barrage

Israel's Air Defense Triumphs: Thwarting Iran's Missile Barrage

October 2 2024, 11:26 AM  •  875 views
Trump Downplays US Troops' Brain Injuries from 2020 Iranian Strike

Trump Downplays US Troops' Brain Injuries from 2020 Iranian Strike

October 2 2024, 09:55 AM  •  28 views
Trump Downplays U.S. Troops' Brain Injuries from 2020 Iran Strike

Trump Downplays U.S. Troops' Brain Injuries from 2020 Iran Strike

October 2 2024, 09:53 AM  •  44 views
Iran Launches Massive Missile Attack on Israel, Escalating Regional Tensions

Iran Launches Massive Missile Attack on Israel, Escalating Regional Tensions

October 1 2024, 11:46 PM  •  805 views
Jimmy Carter at 100: Reassessing a Presidency and a Lifetime of Service

Jimmy Carter at 100: Reassessing a Presidency and a Lifetime of Service

October 1 2024, 08:27 AM  •  492 views
Israeli Forces Launch Limited Ground Operation in Southern Lebanon

Israeli Forces Launch Limited Ground Operation in Southern Lebanon

October 1 2024, 07:12 AM  •  532 views
Julian Assange to Break Silence at Council of Europe Hearing

Julian Assange to Break Silence at Council of Europe Hearing

October 1 2024, 04:34 AM  •  5703 views
Israel Initiates Ground Operations in Lebanon, Targeting Hezbollah

Israel Initiates Ground Operations in Lebanon, Targeting Hezbollah

September 30 2024, 11:48 PM  •  297 views
Pentagon Bolsters Middle East Forces Amid Israel-Hezbollah Tensions

Pentagon Bolsters Middle East Forces Amid Israel-Hezbollah Tensions

September 30 2024, 10:35 PM  •  4804 views
Rocket Attack on U.S. Base Near Baghdad Airport Thwarted by Air Defenses

Rocket Attack on U.S. Base Near Baghdad Airport Thwarted by Air Defenses

September 30 2024, 10:24 PM  •  494 views
Israel Prepares for Limited Ground Operation in Southern Lebanon

Israel Prepares for Limited Ground Operation in Southern Lebanon

September 30 2024, 10:16 PM  •  75 views
Israel Conducts Limited Operations Against Hezbollah, US Confirms

Israel Conducts Limited Operations Against Hezbollah, US Confirms

September 30 2024, 10:09 PM  •  94 views
Ex-UK Lawyer Admits Fraud in Iraqi Civilian Case Funding

Ex-UK Lawyer Admits Fraud in Iraqi Civilian Case Funding

September 30 2024, 10:08 PM  •  75 views
Iraq Ordered to Pay $5.7 Million to Former U.S. Lawyer in Contract Breach

Iraq Ordered to Pay $5.7 Million to Former U.S. Lawyer in Contract Breach

September 30 2024, 09:54 PM  •  109 views
Israel's Strikes on Iran's Allies Reshape Middle East Power Dynamics

Israel's Strikes on Iran's Allies Reshape Middle East Power Dynamics

Israeli military actions against Iran-backed groups spark debate on U. S. involvement and regional stability. Experts warn of potential unintended consequences, drawing parallels to the 2003 Iraq invasion.

Society, Politics • October 8 2024, 04:25 AM  •  689 views
Iranian Commander Qaani Missing After Beirut Strikes, Officials Report

Iranian Commander Qaani Missing After Beirut Strikes, Officials Report

Iran's Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani has gone missing following recent strikes in Beirut. Officials report loss of contact after airstrikes targeting Hezbollah leadership in Lebanon's capital.

Society, Politics • October 6 2024, 06:30 PM  •  666 views
Gaza's Rubble Crisis: A Year of Conflict Leaves Massive Debris Challenge

Gaza's Rubble Crisis: A Year of Conflict Leaves Massive Debris Challenge

Gaza faces unprecedented 42 million tonnes of debris after a year of conflict. UN-led efforts begin clearing, but challenges include health risks, equipment shortages, and concerns about rebuilding without political solutions.

Society, Politics, Science • October 6 2024, 06:46 AM  •  3699 views
Gaza's Rubble Crisis: A Year of Conflict Leaves Massive Debris Challenge

Gaza's Rubble Crisis: A Year of Conflict Leaves Massive Debris Challenge

Gaza faces 42 million tonnes of debris after a year of conflict, with UN estimating $1. 2 billion for clearance. Hazards include unexploded bombs and toxins, posing significant health and environmental risks.

Society, Politics • October 6 2024, 06:12 AM  •  3197 views
Global Protests Erupt as Gaza Conflict Nears One-Year Mark

Global Protests Erupt as Gaza Conflict Nears One-Year Mark

Massive demonstrations in major cities worldwide demand end to Gaza conflict as it approaches its first anniversary. Protesters express concerns over regional escalation and ongoing violence.

Society, Politics • October 5 2024, 04:58 PM  •  1301 views
Emirates Bans Pagers and Walkie-Talkies, Adjusts Regional Flights

Emirates Bans Pagers and Walkie-Talkies, Adjusts Regional Flights

Emirates Airlines prohibits pagers and walkie-talkies on flights following recent security incidents. The carrier also updates its flight schedules to various Middle Eastern destinations amid regional tensions.

Business, Politics • October 5 2024, 12:22 PM  •  3151 views
Roadside Bomb Injures Four in Kirkuk Amid Ongoing Security Concerns

Roadside Bomb Injures Four in Kirkuk Amid Ongoing Security Concerns

A roadside bomb wounded four people in Kirkuk's commercial district. The attack follows a recent Islamic State ambush on an army convoy, highlighting persistent security challenges in the region.

Society, Politics • October 5 2024, 08:22 AM  •  609 views
Migrant Van Crash in Croatia: 2 Dead, 25 Injured in Police Chase Incident

Migrant Van Crash in Croatia: 2 Dead, 25 Injured in Police Chase Incident

A van carrying migrants overturned in central Croatia, resulting in two fatalities and 25 injuries. The accident occurred during a police pursuit, highlighting the risks faced by migrants in their journeys.

Society, Politics • October 5 2024, 08:13 AM  •  667 views
Veteran Journalist Steven R. Hurst, Witness to History, Dies at 77

Veteran Journalist Steven R. Hurst, Witness to History, Dies at 77

Steven R. Hurst, a seasoned journalist who covered major world events for AP, NBC, and CNN, has passed away at 77. His career spanned decades, including reporting on the fall of the Soviet Union and the Iraq War.

Society, Politics • October 5 2024, 01:08 AM  •  1200 views
Hamas Refutes Israel's Claim of Rescuing Yazidi Woman from Gaza

Hamas Refutes Israel's Claim of Rescuing Yazidi Woman from Gaza

Hamas denies Israel's account of rescuing a Yazidi woman from Gaza, offering a different narrative of her presence there. The conflicting stories highlight ongoing tensions in the region.

Society, Politics • October 4 2024, 08:35 PM  •  517 views
Israeli Soldiers Killed in Northern Attack, Iraq-Based Group Claims Responsibility

Israeli Soldiers Killed in Northern Attack, Iraq-Based Group Claims Responsibility

Two Israeli soldiers were killed and two severely wounded in northern Israel. An Iran-backed Iraqi group claimed responsibility for attacks on the Golan Heights and Tiberias, with a drone strike suspected.

Society, Politics • October 4 2024, 03:16 PM  •  291 views
US Lawmakers Urge Action on Azerbaijan's Human Rights Ahead of COP29

US Lawmakers Urge Action on Azerbaijan's Human Rights Ahead of COP29

Nearly 60 US legislators call on Secretary Blinken to address Azerbaijan's human rights issues before COP29 in Baku. Concerns raised over political prisoners and Armenia tensions.

Society, Politics • October 3 2024, 05:59 PM  •  519 views
British Man Jailed for FGM Conspiracy in Landmark Case

British Man Jailed for FGM Conspiracy in Landmark Case

A 47-year-old man received a 4. 5-year prison sentence for conspiring to subject a young girl to female genital mutilation in Iraq. This marks the first conviction of its kind in England and Wales.

Society, Politics • October 3 2024, 02:11 PM  •  668 views
Yazidi Woman Rescued from Gaza After Decade-Long Captivity

Yazidi Woman Rescued from Gaza After Decade-Long Captivity

A 21-year-old Yazidi woman, kidnapped by ISIS in 2014, has been freed from Gaza in a US-led operation. The rescue highlights the ongoing plight of Yazidis, with thousands still missing.

Society, Culture • October 3 2024, 01:15 PM  •  561 views
IS Ambush Claims Four Iraqi Troops Near Kirkuk Amid Rising Attacks

IS Ambush Claims Four Iraqi Troops Near Kirkuk Amid Rising Attacks

Four Iraqi soldiers killed in IS ambush near Kirkuk. US plans Iraq withdrawal by 2025, maintaining Syria presence until 2026. IS attacks nearly double in 2024, challenging regional security.

Society, Politics • October 2 2024, 05:35 PM  •  506 views
Iraqi Soldiers Ambushed Near Kirkuk: IS Militants Suspected

Iraqi Soldiers Ambushed Near Kirkuk: IS Militants Suspected

Four Iraqi soldiers killed, three injured in an ambush near Kirkuk. Islamic State militants suspected in the attack, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the region.

Society, Politics • October 2 2024, 12:46 PM  •  843 views
Israel's Air Defense Triumphs: Thwarting Iran's Missile Barrage

Israel's Air Defense Triumphs: Thwarting Iran's Missile Barrage

Israel's sophisticated air defense system successfully intercepted a massive Iranian missile attack, showcasing its effectiveness. The multi-layered defense, including Arrow and Iron Dome, minimized damage and injuries.

Politics, Science • October 2 2024, 11:26 AM  •  875 views
Trump Downplays US Troops' Brain Injuries from 2020 Iranian Strike

Trump Downplays US Troops' Brain Injuries from 2020 Iranian Strike

Former President Trump dismisses traumatic brain injuries suffered by US soldiers in a 2020 Iranian missile attack as "headaches. " His comments spark criticism and highlight the ongoing debate about military health concerns.

Society, Politics • October 2 2024, 09:55 AM  •  28 views
Trump Downplays U.S. Troops' Brain Injuries from 2020 Iran Strike

Trump Downplays U.S. Troops' Brain Injuries from 2020 Iran Strike

Former President Trump minimizes traumatic brain injuries suffered by U. S. soldiers in a 2020 Iranian missile attack, sparking criticism. The incident highlights ongoing debates about military health and foreign policy.

Society, Politics • October 2 2024, 09:53 AM  •  44 views
Iran Launches Massive Missile Attack on Israel, Escalating Regional Tensions

Iran Launches Massive Missile Attack on Israel, Escalating Regional Tensions

Iran fired approximately 180 missiles at Israel in retaliation for recent assassinations. Israel's defense systems intercepted many projectiles, with no reported casualties within its recognized borders. The attack raises concerns about further escalation.

Society, Politics • October 1 2024, 11:46 PM  •  805 views
Jimmy Carter at 100: Reassessing a Presidency and a Lifetime of Service

Jimmy Carter at 100: Reassessing a Presidency and a Lifetime of Service

As Jimmy Carter turns 100, a reevaluation of his presidency reveals significant foreign policy achievements and a post-presidential legacy of humanitarian work that outshines his successors.

Society, Politics • October 1 2024, 08:27 AM  •  492 views
Israeli Forces Launch Limited Ground Operation in Southern Lebanon

Israeli Forces Launch Limited Ground Operation in Southern Lebanon

Israeli troops enter southern Lebanon to target Hezbollah's border infrastructure. The operation, described as limited and targeted, follows weeks of escalating tensions and increased military actions in the region.

Society, Politics • October 1 2024, 07:12 AM  •  532 views
Julian Assange to Break Silence at Council of Europe Hearing

Julian Assange to Break Silence at Council of Europe Hearing

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is set to address the Council of Europe, marking his first public statement since his release. The hearing will examine the impact of his detention on human rights.

Society, Politics • October 1 2024, 04:34 AM  •  5703 views
Israel Initiates Ground Operations in Lebanon, Targeting Hezbollah

Israel Initiates Ground Operations in Lebanon, Targeting Hezbollah

Israel launches limited ground raids against Hezbollah in Lebanon, escalating tensions. The operation follows the killing of Hezbollah's leader and intensive airstrikes, raising concerns of a wider regional conflict.

Society, Politics • September 30 2024, 11:48 PM  •  297 views
Pentagon Bolsters Middle East Forces Amid Israel-Hezbollah Tensions

Pentagon Bolsters Middle East Forces Amid Israel-Hezbollah Tensions

The U. S. is deploying additional troops and fighter jets to the Middle East in response to escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. This move aims to prevent a wider regional conflict following recent events.

Society, Politics • September 30 2024, 10:35 PM  •  4804 views
Rocket Attack on U.S. Base Near Baghdad Airport Thwarted by Air Defenses

Rocket Attack on U.S. Base Near Baghdad Airport Thwarted by Air Defenses

U. S. forces in Iraq targeted by rockets near Baghdad airport. Air defenses intercept attack, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the region amidst U.S.-Iran tensions.

Society, Politics • September 30 2024, 10:24 PM  •  494 views
Israel Prepares for Limited Ground Operation in Southern Lebanon

Israel Prepares for Limited Ground Operation in Southern Lebanon

Israel plans a targeted invasion of southern Lebanon to neutralize Hezbollah infrastructure. The operation, supported by the U.S., aims to destroy weapons and allow displaced Israelis to return home.

Society, Politics • September 30 2024, 10:16 PM  •  75 views
Israel Conducts Limited Operations Against Hezbollah, US Confirms

Israel Conducts Limited Operations Against Hezbollah, US Confirms

Israel informs US of targeted actions against Hezbollah infrastructure near Lebanese border. Concerns rise over potential ground incursion as regional tensions escalate.

Society, Politics • September 30 2024, 10:09 PM  •  94 views
Ex-UK Lawyer Admits Fraud in Iraqi Civilian Case Funding

Ex-UK Lawyer Admits Fraud in Iraqi Civilian Case Funding

Former British lawyer Phil Shiner pleads guilty to fraud charges related to Iraqi civilian lawsuits against UK soldiers. National Crime Agency calls conviction a milestone in complex investigation.

Society, Politics • September 30 2024, 10:08 PM  •  75 views
Iraq Ordered to Pay $5.7 Million to Former U.S. Lawyer in Contract Breach

Iraq Ordered to Pay $5.7 Million to Former U.S. Lawyer in Contract Breach

A federal judge ruled that Iraq breached its contract with Timothy Mills' law firm, ordering payment of $5. 7 million in unpaid legal fees. The case highlights Iraq's pattern of benefiting from U.S. services without compensation.

Economics, Politics • September 30 2024, 09:54 PM  •  109 views