Iraq
Air pollution hits hazardous levels as officials advise citizens to get used to dust
Tehran's air quality has plunged to a critical "very unhealthy" and "hazardous" state on July 7, with the city's Air Pollution Index (API) soaring past 300 in the last 24 hours.
Smog chokes Middle East as Iraq faces “hazardous” conditions
Dust storms originating from Iraq are forecast to impact air quality across multiple Middle Eastern countries including Iran, Syria and Kuwait over the next five days, with Iran's Meteorological Organisation warning of severe conditions.
UPDATE: Kurdish PKK announces plans to surrender fighters' weapons in northern Iraq
The Kurdistan Workers' Party announced on July 3 that its fighters in northern Iraq will begin surrendering weapons in the first concrete step toward disarmament as part of peace efforts
US denies closing Baghdad embassy amid evacuation videos
US Embassy in Baghdad denied closing its compound on June 20, reaffirming its commitment to advancing American policy priorities in Iraq.
Gas flowing from Iran to Turkey without interruption, says minister
Fifth of Turkey's oil imports pass Strait of Hormuz. Ankara confident it could replace these shipments if passage was disrupted amid conflict.
BEYOND THE BOSPORUS: US told Turkey war was imminent. There’s more to Ankara’s stance on conflict than meets the eye
Israeli jets entered Turkish airspace. Erdogan hardly blinked.
Pakistan evacuation speaks volumes as diplomats’ families, non-essential staff depart Iran
Pakistan has begun evacuating the families of its diplomatic personnel and some non-essential staff from Iran, a senior official from the Foreign Ministry confirmed on June 17.
Airlines scrap week’s worth of Turkey flights to Iran, Iraq and Jordan as Israel keeps up its bombing of Iranians
To avoid danger zone, aircraft diverted to airports in locations including Istanbul, Baku and Cyprus.
Airlines clear Middle East airspace following Israeli strikes on Iran
Commercial aircraft evacuated from airspace above Israel, Iran, Iraq and Jordan on June 13 after Israeli forces launched attacks targeting Iranian facilities.
How Turkey freed Islamic State suspects after G7 terrorist money watchdog took country off grey list
Fact that trial of 19 alleged terror finance individuals was being pursued was factor in FATF’s decision to end listing.
Iraq and Kuwait launch joint project to combat dust storms
Iraq's Ministry of Agriculture has announced a joint project with Kuwait aimed at reducing dust and sand storms that have increased in frequency and intensity over the past two years.
CITIES IN PERIL: Cities confront the rising tide of climate change
Fast and chaotic urban population growth combined with climate challenges on multiple fronts are putting cities at risk around the world.
Iraq secures return of three rare ancient artefacts from New York
The Embassy of Iraq in Washington announced the recovery of three rare artefacts from New York, marking another step in the country's efforts to protect its cultural heritage.
Heat crisis intensifies as military student dies in Iraq's scorching temperatures
At least one military student has died and eight others were hospitalised after suffering heat stroke due to historically high temperatures in the region.
UK treasury chief says closer to signing trade deal with Gulf Arab states
The UK is closer to finalising a trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council, which includes Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said on May 20.
Iraq rediscovers its forgotten Somalian refinery after 45 years
An Iraqi oil refinery built in Somalia in the 1970s has remained abandoned for nearly 45 years, before re-emerging into public awareness during recent diplomatic talks.
Arab League leaders call for Gaza ceasefire at Baghdad summit amid regional crises
Gaza and Lebanon dominated the 34th Arab League Summit as some top brass skipped attendance.
In Kurdish peace moves, expect ailing founder Ocalan to get Turkish Riviera house arrest and “Real PKK” splinter to emerge, says analyst
Ankara thinks it can “mop up” those who continue fighting, adds Soner Cagaptay.
BEYOND THE BOSPORUS: Who's to say PKK guns won't be used under a different name?
And anyway, despite what you are reading, the militants' so-called name has not been in use since 2002.