IRAQ IS BACK

The upcoming parliamentary elections in Iraq on November 11 have set the stage for intense political maneuvering as parties vie for influence and position. A key focus of this political landscape is the selection of the next prime minister, a decision that carries significant implications for the country's future.

The new prime minister will face a multitude of challenges, particularly in addressing Iraq's pressing economic issues. With a backdrop of fluctuating oil prices and ongoing security concerns, the next leader will need to implement strategic reforms to stabilize and grow the economy. This includes fostering an environment conducive to foreign investment and enhancing public services, which have been strained in recent years.

As political factions negotiate their alliances and strategies, the ability of the next prime minister to unite these diverse groups will be crucial. Effective leadership will not only be tested by internal party dynamics but also by the need to respond to the expectations of the Iraqi populace, who are eager for tangible improvements in their daily lives.

The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but it also presents an opportunity for transformative change. The decisions made in the coming weeks will shape Iraq's political and economic landscape for years to come, making the role of the next prime minister pivotal in steering the nation toward a more prosperous future.

In a significant development for regional relations, Iraq and Türkiye are moving towards a renewed partnership after years of strained interactions. This shift comes at a crucial time when both nations are navigating a complex landscape of political and economic challenges.

The rapprochement between Ankara and Baghdad is not merely a diplomatic nicety; it holds substantial implications for trade, security, and regional stability. As both countries work to address longstanding issues, the success of this renewed relationship will depend on their ability to effectively manage these challenges while fostering mutual interests.

Efforts to strengthen ties are essential, particularly in light of the broader geopolitical tensions that impact both nations. By focusing on collaboration, Iraq and Türkiye can enhance their economic prospects and contribute to a more stable environment in the region.

As this partnership evolves, it will be important for both sides to maintain the momentum that has begun to build. Continued dialogue and cooperation will be key to unlocking the potential benefits of a stronger Iraq-Türkiye alliance.

Barham Salih, the former President of Iraq, is reportedly set to take the helm of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). According to unconfirmed media reports, Salih is expected to begin a five-year term leading the Geneva-based agency starting in January.

He will succeed Filippo Grandi, the Italian diplomat who has held the position for two consecutive terms. Salih's extensive political background includes not only his presidency but also his role as Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), where he gained significant experience in governance and international relations.

This potential appointment comes at a critical time, as the UNHCR continues to address the growing global refugee crisis, including the challenges faced by displaced individuals in Iraq and the surrounding region. Salih's leadership could bring valuable insights and a unique perspective to the agency, particularly given his firsthand experience with the complexities of displacement and humanitarian needs in Iraq.

As the international community looks for effective solutions to support refugees, Salih's appointment could signify a renewed commitment to addressing these pressing issues on a global scale.

Al Aliaa for Travel and Tourism Company has secured a significant contract with the International Labour Organization (ILO). This partnership aims to facilitate the "Start and Improve Your Business" (SIYB) and Financial Education (FE) training programs for entrepreneurs across the Dohuk, Sulaymaniyah, Erbil, and Ninwa Governorates. The training sessions are scheduled to take place from September 14 to October 19, 2025.

While the financial details of the contract remain undisclosed, this collaboration highlights the ILO's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and enhancing financial literacy in the region. By equipping local entrepreneurs with essential skills and knowledge, the initiative is expected to contribute positively to the economic landscape of northern Iraq.

This development not only underscores Al Aliaa's growing influence in the travel and tourism sector but also reflects the increasing focus on capacity building and economic development in Iraq.

Iraq has officially launched its National Disability Inclusion Strategy for Children and Young People for the years 2026-2030, marking a significant milestone on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The event took place at the Al-Mansour Hotel in Baghdad, where key figures, including Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Ahmed Al-Asadi, representatives from the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, UNICEF, and the KfW Development Bank, gathered to advocate for the rights of children and young people with disabilities.

This comprehensive strategy aims to ensure that children and young people with disabilities have access to essential services such as health care, education, protection, and opportunities for community engagement. Minister Al-Asadi emphasized that the strategy will facilitate integrated health services, inclusive education, equitable social protection, accessible infrastructure, and digital access, all supported by a robust monitoring system to ensure effective implementation in collaboration with organizations representing persons with disabilities.

The initiative seeks to dismantle the structural barriers that hinder many children and young people with disabilities from fully participating in their communities. It also underscores Iraq's commitment to enhancing legislation, improving disability data, and promoting equal opportunities for both girls and boys with disabilities.

Christian Skoog, UNICEF Representative in Iraq, highlighted the importance of inclusion, stating, "Every child has the right to grow, learn, and thrive, including the thousands of boys and girls living with disabilities." He commended the Iraqi government for this pivotal step, asserting that children with disabilities are not a separate entity but rather an integral part of the community. True inclusion, he noted, means ensuring that every classroom, playground, and opportunity is accessible to all children.

UNICEF has played a crucial role in the development of this strategy, collaborating closely with the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to provide technical support, evidence, and capacity building. The Government of Germany, through the KfW Development Bank, has also been instrumental in promoting disability inclusion in Iraq, supporting national efforts to enhance inclusive services for children and young people with disabilities.

As Iraq embarks on the implementation of this strategy, UNICEF is committed to continuing its support for national partners, ensuring that every child and young person with a disability can access their rights and achieve their full potential.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has outlined a comprehensive set of recommendations aimed at combating corruption in Iraqi Kurdistan. These insights are part of a report that evaluates the second phase of the Trial Monitoring Programme focused on high-profile corruption cases within the region.

One of the key recommendations is to expand judicial specialization by replicating the successful model of the Fourth Erbil Criminal Court across other governorates. This initiative aims to bolster expertise in adjudicating corruption cases, ensuring that judicial processes are both effective and efficient.

To enhance judicial performance, the UNDP suggests implementing measures to reduce trial durations and backlogs. This can be achieved through improved case management practices, digital tracking systems, and better coordination among courts, prosecutors, and investigative bodies.

Strengthening investigative capacities is also crucial. The report advocates for standardizing case preparation to minimize the need for retrials and reinvestigations. This approach would ensure the integrity of evidence, maintain legal coherence, and foster collaboration among various agencies involved in the judicial process.

Promoting women's representation in the legal and judicial sectors is another vital recommendation. Increasing the participation of women in leadership roles and major cases can be facilitated by expanding their opportunities for appointments and promotions within these fields.

Furthermore, enhancing asset recovery mechanisms is essential. The UNDP emphasizes the importance of consistently employing freezing and confiscation orders during both the investigation and trial phases to secure the retrieval of stolen assets.

Improving the quality of legal representation is also highlighted. The report calls for strengthening the capabilities of court-appointed lawyers through targeted training, effective supervision, and equitable allocation systems to ensure fair legal support for all defendants.

Lastly, advancing transparency and digital transformation is critical for fostering public trust and oversight. The UNDP recommends expanding electronic financial disclosures, case-tracking tools, and online reporting mechanisms to enhance inter-agency coordination and public engagement.

These recommendations represent a significant step towards addressing corruption in Iraqi Kurdistan, aiming to create a more transparent and accountable judicial system that can effectively combat corruption and promote economic stability in the region.

The recent electoral landscape in Iraq has revealed a troubling trend for reform-minded candidates, particularly those linked to the Tishreen protest movement. As the nation approaches the 2025 elections, it has become increasingly clear that the existing political system is resistant to change, effectively sidelining those who advocate for reform.

The disappointing electoral outcomes for these candidates highlight the challenges they face in a political environment that appears to prioritize the status quo over progressive change. The Tishreen movement, which emerged from widespread protests demanding governmental reform and accountability, has struggled to translate its grassroots support into electoral success.

This situation raises significant concerns about the future of Iraq's political and economic landscape. The inability of reform candidates to gain traction suggests that the current system may continue to hinder necessary changes that could lead to improved governance and economic stability. As Iraq navigates its path forward, the implications of this electoral setback could resonate throughout the nation, impacting both political dynamics and economic prospects.

With the 2025 elections on the horizon, the question remains: can Iraq's political framework adapt to the demands of its citizens, or will reformers continue to be marginalized in their quest for a more accountable and transparent government?

Abeer Alshimal Company for General Contracting has secured a significant contract with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) aimed at enhancing infrastructure in Sinjar. The project involves the restoration of four boreholes located in Gohbal village and Hay Al-Moudafeen.

The total value of the contract is set at IQD 664,481,000, which is approximately equivalent to $500,000. This initiative not only underscores the commitment of UNOPS to improve essential services in the region but also highlights the growing role of local contractors in executing vital projects that contribute to community development in Iraq.

The restoration of these boreholes is expected to have a positive impact on the local population by improving access to clean water, thereby enhancing overall living conditions in Sinjar.