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

Biden Considers Lifting Ban on UK Missiles for Ukraine's Use in Russia

Biden Considers Lifting Ban on UK Missiles for Ukraine's Use in Russia

US President Joe Biden is contemplating policy changes to allow Ukraine to use British Storm Shadow missiles against Russia, prompted by Iran's supply of ballistic missiles to Moscow.

Politics • September 10 2024, 07:43 PM  •  205 views
Telegraph's 'Ukraine: The Latest' Podcast: Your Daily War Analysis Hub

Telegraph's 'Ukraine: The Latest' Podcast: Your Daily War Analysis Hub

The Telegraph's 'Ukraine: The Latest' podcast offers comprehensive daily updates on the war, featuring expert analysis and on-ground reporting. With over 70 million listens, it's a go-to source for war insights.

Society, Politics, Culture • September 10 2024, 04:12 PM  •  333 views
Tom Tugendhat: The Passionate Contender in Tory Leadership Race

Tom Tugendhat: The Passionate Contender in Tory Leadership Race

Tom Tugendhat, a key figure in the Conservative leadership contest, expresses strong views on party survival and national governance. His unique background and vision for Britain's future set him apart in the race.

Society, Politics • September 7 2024, 04:10 PM  •  309 views
Dick Cheney Breaks Party Lines, Endorses Kamala Harris for President

Dick Cheney Breaks Party Lines, Endorses Kamala Harris for President

Former Republican VP Dick Cheney endorses Democrat Kamala Harris for president, joining his daughter Liz in criticizing Trump. The move highlights growing divisions within the GOP ahead of the 2024 election.

Society, Politics • September 7 2024, 12:12 AM  •  1214 views
Top British General Dismissed After Drunken Misconduct in Japan

Top British General Dismissed After Drunken Misconduct in Japan

Major General James Roddis, once tipped for Army leadership, faces disgrace after inappropriate behavior towards a female RAF officer during a karaoke night in Japan. The incident led to his dismissal from a 30-year military career.

Society, Politics • September 5 2024, 07:35 PM  •  311 views
Blair's Legacy Debated as New Book Sparks Discussions on Leadership

Blair's Legacy Debated as New Book Sparks Discussions on Leadership

Former PM Tony Blair's new book ignites debates on his legacy, while discussions on flag terminology and a unique food product review round out the latest episode of the Daily T podcast.

Politics, Culture • September 5 2024, 04:07 PM  •  195 views
Conservative MPs Call for Fresh Leadership After Election Setback

Conservative MPs Call for Fresh Leadership After Election Setback

Three newly-elected Conservative MPs reflect on their party's recent electoral defeat and advocate for Tom Tugendhat as the new leader to revitalize the party and challenge Labour in the next election.

Society, Politics • September 5 2024, 08:40 AM  •  146 views
New Tory MPs Back Tugendhat in Leadership Race, Calling for Fresh Start

New Tory MPs Back Tugendhat in Leadership Race, Calling for Fresh Start

Three newly elected Conservative MPs endorse Tom Tugendhat for party leadership, emphasizing the need for renewal. The race highlights a divide between experienced politicians and a newer generation of Tories.

Society, Politics • September 4 2024, 08:28 PM  •  160 views
UK Suspends Arms Exports to Israel: A Controversial Decision

UK Suspends Arms Exports to Israel: A Controversial Decision

The UK government's suspension of arms export licenses to Israel sparks debate. Critics argue it undermines support for an ally, while officials cite legal obligations amid ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Society, Politics • September 3 2024, 06:10 PM  •  265 views
RAF's £1bn Helicopter Replacement Plan in Jeopardy as Bidders Withdraw

RAF's £1bn Helicopter Replacement Plan in Jeopardy as Bidders Withdraw

The UK's £1bn plan to replace aging RAF Puma helicopters faces uncertainty as two major bidders withdraw, leaving only Italy's Leonardo in contention. The situation raises concerns about the future of Britain's helicopter industry.

Business, Politics • September 3 2024, 02:11 PM  •  214 views
Tom Tugendhat: From Army Intelligence to Conservative Politics

Tom Tugendhat: From Army Intelligence to Conservative Politics

Tom Tugendhat transitioned from military service to politics, becoming a prominent Conservative MP. Known for his focus on security and foreign affairs, he has held key positions and advocated for various policy reforms.

Society, Politics • September 3 2024, 09:13 AM  •  210 views
Russia Attacks Vuhledar as Podcast Explores Ukraine War Developments

Russia Attacks Vuhledar as Podcast Explores Ukraine War Developments

Russia launches assault on Vuhledar town. "Ukraine: The Latest" podcast covers war developments, including Russian looting of Crimean archaeological sites, with insights from expert contributors.

Politics, Culture • September 2 2024, 03:40 PM  •  132 views
UK Urged to Prioritize Iranian Extremism in Counter-Terror Review

UK Urged to Prioritize Iranian Extremism in Counter-Terror Review

Experts call for stricter measures against Iranian influence in the UK, citing security threats and extremist activities. The government is urged to follow allies in addressing foreign interference more aggressively.

Society, Politics • August 31 2024, 03:52 PM  •  348 views
US-Iraqi Forces Eliminate 15 ISIS Operatives in Western Iraq Raid

US-Iraqi Forces Eliminate 15 ISIS Operatives in Western Iraq Raid

A joint US-Iraqi operation in western Iraq resulted in the elimination of 15 ISIS members. Seven US troops were injured during the mission, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by the terrorist group in the region.

Politics • August 31 2024, 05:57 AM  •  501 views
Telegraph's 'Ukraine: The Latest' Podcast: Your Daily War Update

Telegraph's 'Ukraine: The Latest' Podcast: Your Daily War Update

The Telegraph's podcast offers comprehensive analysis of the Ukraine war, featuring expert contributors and on-ground reporting. With over 70 million listens, it's a go-to source for war updates.

Society, Economics, Politics • August 28 2024, 03:32 PM  •  116 views
Hamas Leadership Shift Exposes Iran's Regional Destabilization Strategy

Hamas Leadership Shift Exposes Iran's Regional Destabilization Strategy

Hamas elevates extremist leader, revealing its role as Iran's proxy. Israel warns of Tehran's expanding influence across the Middle East, calling for global action against the IRGC and Iranian-backed terrorism.

Politics • August 21 2024, 01:38 PM  •  0 views
Climate Change Fuels Global Unrest: New Book and Podcast Explore Connections

Climate Change Fuels Global Unrest: New Book and Podcast Explore Connections

Peter Schwartzstein's upcoming book and The Telegraph's new podcast "Battle Lines" delve into climate change's role in global conflicts and the evolving geopolitical landscape, offering insights into 21st-century tensions.

Politics, Science • August 21 2024, 08:19 AM  •  0 views