BABYLON, Iraq — As Iraqi children witness the war plaguing their country, they are affected by the transformation of civilian life into a military camp full of war such as weapons, fighters and banners of armed factions. The militarization of society is not new for Iraqis. Saddam Hussein imposed military control on Iraqi communities in 1998. This time around, the aggressor is
Read MoreKingdom also expected to drive demand in the Middle East. Oil production from Saudi Arabia reaches new high, but demand from the de facto head of OPEC also expected to surge. VIENNA, July 13 (UPI) -- With oil demand from the Middle East expected to surge, Saudi Arabia reported to OPEC its crude oil production was at its highest levels in more than 30 years. Saudi Arabia repo
Read MoreThe oil-sales pact agreed in December is crumbling, undermining the fight against Islamic State BAGHDAD—An oil-sales deal between Iraq and the semiautonomous Kurdistan Regional Government is close to collapse about six months after it was signed, undermining the country’s unity as it struggles to fight Islamic State and contain an escalating financial crisis. Months of acrimo
Read MoreA Note on Global Oil Prices and Exports from Iraq *. By Dr. Falah Alamri ** Ladies and Gentleman, I would like first to thank the organizers of this conference for giving me the opportunity to speak in such an important gathering. I will focus in my brief speech mainly on two points. First, factors behind the declining and volatility of oil prices, and second, the potential inc
Read MoreIraq's one too many holidays Given the many official and unofficial holidays in Iraq, the country seems to be almost on permanent vacation throughout the year. Schools find themselves unable to complete their curricula, while economists warn against a recession due to the excessive number of holidays. Iraq recognizes 150 official vacation days, which is equivalent to one-
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