TOPIC

/ location

Iraq

The latest news, analysis and opinion on Iraq. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Baghdad

Head of State

President Abdul Latif Rashid

Head of Government

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani

Vendors work at the Yiwu International Trade Market, a vast emporium for wholesale goods often dubbed the “world’s supermarket”, in Yiwu, Zhejiang province. The city has recorded strong growth in exports this year despite the US-China trade war. Photo: AFP

China trade

How the ‘world’s supermarket’ rode out Trump’s tariffs – and grew even stronger

Yiwu, one of China’s biggest export hubs, was expected to take a hit from US tariffs. Instead, it has seen trade surge.

1 Jan 2026 - 10:39PMvideocam

Donald Trump

Syria’s year of ‘epic’ transformation earns it Trump’s protection

13 Dec 2025 - 4:00PMvideocam

War and conflict

As I see it | Would the world be safer if the military were in charge of the US?

12 Dec 2025 - 8:30PM

Middle East

Iraq removes Hezbollah and Houthis from asset-freeze list after ‘mistake’

Iraqi PM orders accountability for the error over list meant for Islamic State/al-Qaeda only. Reversal is blow to US efforts curbing Iran.

5 Dec 2025 - 4:58AM

Houthi fighters participate in a rally marking the second anniversary of the attacks carried by Hamas against Israel, in Sana’a, Yemen in October. Photo: EPA

Thailand

Mexican model who was called ‘dumb’ by Thai host crowned Miss Universe

Bosch overcame insults to win the contest considered one of the ‘big four’ of global beauty pageants.

21 Nov 2025 - 4:08PMvideocam

Art

He asked taxi drivers in Iraq to choose their destination. These are his photos

The result of trips to unknown destinations, Thomas Chan’s photos in his Hong Kong exhibition are a study in trust, war and identity.

19 Nov 2025 - 4:15PM

Middle East

Iraq PM Sudani claims election win after early results show decisive lead

The incumbent prime minister’s candidate list is in the lead with more than 1.3 million votes, about 217,500 more than the next closest list.

13 Nov 2025 - 7:39AM

Supporters of incumbent Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani wave flags in front of a screen displaying his portrait as they celebrate in Baghdad on Wednesday. Photo: AFP

Middle East

Iraq voters turn out in numbers as region watches on

Over 12 million people took part despite influential Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr calling on his supporters to boycott the election.

12 Nov 2025 - 6:12AM

Energy

Opec agrees to output increase, moderates plans due to glut fears

Opec has raised output targets by more than 2.7 million bpd since April but slowed the pace in October and November amid predictions of oversupply.

2 Nov 2025 - 9:31PM

Italy

Pope Leo visits ship sailing the Mediterranean on peace mission

Young people of different faiths have been sailing the Mediterranean on the Bel Espoir schooner vessel to promote peace and dialogue.

18 Oct 2025 - 6:11PM

Pope Leo (centre) poses for a group photo during his visit to the Peace training ship “Med 25 – Bel Espoir”, in the port of Ostia near Rome, Italy, on Friday. Photo: EPA/Vatican Media

United States

US marks 24th anniversary of 9/11 terror attacks: ‘you have to remember’

Loved ones of the nearly 3,000 people killed will take part in ceremonies, volunteer work and other tributes honouring the victims.

11 Sep 2025 - 9:31PM

A firefighter stands in tribute in front of a FDNY memorial wall in the World Trade Centre area ahead of the 24th anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks ceremony, in New York on Thursday. Photo: AFP

Energy

Key Opec members send ‘big message’ with higher oil production

Opec has in recent years implemented several output cuts amounting to a total of almost six million barrels per day.

7 Sep 2025 - 11:42PMvideocam

My Take

My Take | Kim Jong-un in Beijing shows why it is good to have nuclear bombs

The essential difference between the North Korean leader and Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is that between the haves and the have-nots of the ultimate weapon.

7 Sep 2025 - 9:00PM

United States

US sanctions shipping network for smuggling Iran oil

The organisation is accused of covertly blending Iranian oil with Iraqi oil, then intentionally marketing it as solely of Iraqi origin.

3 Sep 2025 - 2:10AMvideocam

An Iranian oil facility is seeon on Khark Island in the Persian Gulf in March 2017. Photo: TNS

Hong Kong politics

New US Consul General Julie Eadeh arrives in Hong Kong after Beijing’s approval

Eadeh faced controversy in 2019 after photos of her meeting opposition activists were seen as evidence of ‘foreign forces’ at work in city.

28 Aug 2025 - 6:25AM

New US Consul General Julie Eadeh has arrived in Hong Kong. Photo: Getty Images

Middle East

Iraq starts work on IS mass grave thought to hold thousands of bodies

The project’s director said victims buried at the huge site, near Mosul, include executed soldiers, members of the Yazidi minority and city residents.

17 Aug 2025 - 10:51PMvideocam

Middle East

Iran security chief meets officials in Iraq before Lebanon visit

Ali Larijani’s first foreign trip since being appointed comes after a war with Israel and recent strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

12 Aug 2025 - 2:37PMvideocam

Middle East

Fire rips through Iraq shopping centre, killing at least 60

Interior ministry says many victims suffocated in bathrooms as fire gutted newly opened mall in Kut.

17 Jul 2025 - 6:57PM

The burned shopping centre in the city of Kut. Photo: AFP

United States

Trump announces new tariffs on Brazil, 6 smaller economies

‘Our relationship has been, unfortunately, far from reciprocal,’ letters say, adding alleged deficits are threats to US national security.

11 Jul 2025 - 1:55AMvideocam

Russia

Russia becomes first country to recognise Taliban government of Afghanistan

The Taliban government had seized power in August 2021 as US-led forces staged a chaotic withdrawal from the country after 20 years of war.

4 Jul 2025 - 2:47PMvideocam

China's military weapons

Video teases new Chinese blackout bomb that can knock out enemy power stations

Animation shared by state broadcaster shows what appears to be graphite bomb designed to disrupt command and control systems.

30 Jun 2025 - 2:35PMvideocam

A video posted by CCTV on Thursday shows a weapon ejecting cylinder-shaped submunitions. Photo: Handout

Israel-Iran conflict

How Israel-Iran war sent ripples of fear through the global maritime trade

The ghost of the 1980s ‘tanker war’ returned as Iran’s threats to close the Strait of Hormuz saw ships change course and freight rates soar.

30 Jun 2025 - 8:45AM

A tanker is seen ablaze in 1987 after being attacked by an Iranian warship as it approached the Strait of Hormuz. Photo: AFP

War and conflict

Opinion | US bombing of Iran risks a breakdown of nuclear governance

By using Iran’s nuclear programme as a pretext for war, American and Israeli leaders have eroded trust in the global nuclear domain.

27 Jun 2025 - 5:30AMvideocam

The Philippines

Will Philippines help US in another Middle East conflict?

With the US embroiled in the Israel-Iran war, there is speculation over whether Manila would help Washington, like it did in the Iraq War.

25 Jun 2025 - 6:11PMvideocam

War and conflict

Opinion | Why blocking the Strait of Hormuz is a recipe for disaster

With its ruinous consequences and difficulty in execution, a full blockade is unlikely. But the risks of miscalculation must not be ignored.

25 Jun 2025 - 8:54AMvideocam

Iran

Letters | Americans must speak up against Trump’s Iran strike

Readers discuss military action against Iran, who Australia needs to be protected against, and family-friendly policies.

24 Jun 2025 - 5:35PM

US President Donald Trump delivers an address to the nation alongside Vice-President J.D. Vance, State Secretary Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the White House on June 21, following US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Photo: Reuters

Israel-Iran conflict

Trump tries to salvage ceasefire after rebuking Israel and Iran over violations

US president says both sides have violated ceasefire meant to bring an end to what he has branded the ‘12 Day War’.

24 Jun 2025 - 11:58PM

403

War and conflict

Opinion | Has Trump started another forever war? Not if Americans can help it

As the US ramps up aggression against Iran, fears of another full-scale invasion in the Middle East abound. Thankfully, all hope is not lost.

23 Jun 2025 - 10:30PMvideocam

Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.

SUPPORT NOW

Iraq

How the ‘world’s supermarket’ rode out Trump’s tariffs – and grew even stronger

Yiwu, one of China’s biggest export hubs, was expected to take a hit from US tariffs. Instead, it has seen trade surge.

Syria’s year of ‘epic’ transformation earns it Trump’s protection

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}As I see it | Would the world be safer if the military were in charge of the US?

Iraq removes Hezbollah and Houthis from asset-freeze list after ‘mistake’

Iraqi PM orders accountability for the error over list meant for Islamic State/al-Qaeda only. Reversal is blow to US efforts curbing Iran.

Mexican model who was called ‘dumb’ by Thai host crowned Miss Universe

Bosch overcame insults to win the contest considered one of the ‘big four’ of global beauty pageants.

He asked taxi drivers in Iraq to choose their destination. These are his photos

The result of trips to unknown destinations, Thomas Chan’s photos in his Hong Kong exhibition are a study in trust, war and identity.

Iraq PM Sudani claims election win after early results show decisive lead

The incumbent prime minister’s candidate list is in the lead with more than 1.3 million votes, about 217,500 more than the next closest list.

Iraq voters turn out in numbers as region watches on

Over 12 million people took part despite influential Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr calling on his supporters to boycott the election.

Opec agrees to output increase, moderates plans due to glut fears

Opec has raised output targets by more than 2.7 million bpd since April but slowed the pace in October and November amid predictions of oversupply.

Pope Leo visits ship sailing the Mediterranean on peace mission

Young people of different faiths have been sailing the Mediterranean on the Bel Espoir schooner vessel to promote peace and dialogue.

US marks 24th anniversary of 9/11 terror attacks: ‘you have to remember’

Loved ones of the nearly 3,000 people killed will take part in ceremonies, volunteer work and other tributes honouring the victims.

Key Opec members send ‘big message’ with higher oil production

Opec has in recent years implemented several output cuts amounting to a total of almost six million barrels per day.

My Take | Kim Jong-un in Beijing shows why it is good to have nuclear bombs

The essential difference between the North Korean leader and Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is that between the haves and the have-nots of the ultimate weapon.

US sanctions shipping network for smuggling Iran oil

The organisation is accused of covertly blending Iranian oil with Iraqi oil, then intentionally marketing it as solely of Iraqi origin.

New US Consul General Julie Eadeh arrives in Hong Kong after Beijing’s approval

Eadeh faced controversy in 2019 after photos of her meeting opposition activists were seen as evidence of ‘foreign forces’ at work in city.

Iraq starts work on IS mass grave thought to hold thousands of bodies

The project’s director said victims buried at the huge site, near Mosul, include executed soldiers, members of the Yazidi minority and city residents.

Iran security chief meets officials in Iraq before Lebanon visit

Ali Larijani’s first foreign trip since being appointed comes after a war with Israel and recent strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Fire rips through Iraq shopping centre, killing at least 60

Interior ministry says many victims suffocated in bathrooms as fire gutted newly opened mall in Kut.

Trump announces new tariffs on Brazil, 6 smaller economies

‘Our relationship has been, unfortunately, far from reciprocal,’ letters say, adding alleged deficits are threats to US national security.

Russia becomes first country to recognise Taliban government of Afghanistan

The Taliban government had seized power in August 2021 as US-led forces staged a chaotic withdrawal from the country after 20 years of war.

Video teases new Chinese blackout bomb that can knock out enemy power stations

Animation shared by state broadcaster shows what appears to be graphite bomb designed to disrupt command and control systems.

How Israel-Iran war sent ripples of fear through the global maritime trade

The ghost of the 1980s ‘tanker war’ returned as Iran’s threats to close the Strait of Hormuz saw ships change course and freight rates soar.

Opinion | US bombing of Iran risks a breakdown of nuclear governance

By using Iran’s nuclear programme as a pretext for war, American and Israeli leaders have eroded trust in the global nuclear domain.

Will Philippines help US in another Middle East conflict?

With the US embroiled in the Israel-Iran war, there is speculation over whether Manila would help Washington, like it did in the Iraq War.

Opinion | Why blocking the Strait of Hormuz is a recipe for disaster

With its ruinous consequences and difficulty in execution, a full blockade is unlikely. But the risks of miscalculation must not be ignored.

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Letters | Americans must speak up against Trump’s Iran strike

Readers discuss military action against Iran, who Australia needs to be protected against, and family-friendly policies.

Trump tries to salvage ceasefire after rebuking Israel and Iran over violations

US president says both sides have violated ceasefire meant to bring an end to what he has branded the ‘12 Day War’.

Opinion | Has Trump started another forever war? Not if Americans can help it

As the US ramps up aggression against Iran, fears of another full-scale invasion in the Middle East abound. Thankfully, all hope is not lost.

As I see it | Would the world be safer if the military were in charge of the US?

Letters | Americans must speak up against Trump’s Iran strike