Can Iraq reach dam agreement with Turkey to protect marshes? By Adnan Abu Zeed

BAGHDAD — Severe drought is affecting agricultural lands across Iraq because of the low levels of river water. Iraqi officials have raised the alarm on the negative impact of the Turkish Ilisu Dam on the Tigris River, which is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2016. Iraqi Minister of Water Resources Hassan al-Janabi and other politicians have been vocal on this matter.

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Why calls for independence are in decline in Iraqi Kurdistan. By Ali Taher*

ERBIL, Iraq — The salary crisis in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq has led to further economic, political and social interdependence with Baghdad, which began to melt the Kurdish dream of independence. The economic situation has affected even the most hard-line nationalist politicians in the Kurdistan Region. Massoud Barzani, the president of Iraqi Kurdistan, visited Baghdad on

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Trouble Brewing in Iraqi Kurdistan. By Bilal Wahab

Internal political bickering and public discontent over economic problems could complicate the upcoming Mosul campaign and the KRG's long-term unity. On September 29, President Masoud Barzani of the Kurdistan Regional Government led a delegation to Baghdad -- a rare visit that may help consolidate efforts to liberate Mosul and alleviate the KRG's economic and political woes.

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