Iraq Country Report
Iraq, situated in the Middle East, has grappled with profound political, social, and economic challenges in recent decades. Following the US-led invasion in 2003 and subsequent regime change, Iraq experienced a period of instability marked by sectarian violence and insurgency. The country has struggled with rebuilding its infrastructure, fostering political stability, and addressing issues of corruption and sectarian tensions. Moreover, Iraq faces significant security threats from various militant groups, including ISIS. Despite possessing vast oil reserves, the Iraqi economy has been hindered by corruption, mismanagement, and dependence on oil revenues. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has added strain to its healthcare system and economy. Efforts towards democratization and reconstruction remain ongoing, but Iraq continues to navigate a complex path towards stability and prosperity.
Last updated: January 17, 2023
Security
Security in Iraq remains a complex challenge, shaped by the aftermath of the US-led invasion, the rise and fall of ISIS, and enduring sectarian and ethnic tensions. Despite significant progress in reclaiming territory from ISIS, Iraq continues to face threats from residual cells conducting insurgent attacks, alongside internal divisions. These tensions are exacerbated by political instability, corruption, and external influences, including regional power struggles. Efforts to bolster security are ongoing, involving national forces and international partnerships, but the path to lasting peace requires addressing the underlying socio-political and economic disparities that fuel conflict.
Last updated: August 11, 2023
Infrastructure
Iraq’s infrastructure has faced significant challenges due to decades of conflict, sanctions, and underinvestment. The 2003 invasion and subsequent conflicts severely damaged the country’s infrastructure, including roads, bridges, power plants, and water treatment facilities. Despite the abundance of oil reserves, which could potentially finance reconstruction, Iraq struggles with chronic electricity shortages, inadequate water supply, and deteriorating public services. Efforts to rebuild and modernize are underway, with international support and investment aimed at enhancing the energy sector, transportation networks, and urban development. However, corruption, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and ongoing security concerns hinder rapid progress. The government has prioritized infrastructure development as essential for economic recovery and improving the quality of life, but the path to comprehensive rehabilitation remains steep and requires sustained commitment and resources.
Last updated: April 26, 2022
Environment
Iraq’s environment faces significant challenges stemming from decades of conflict, mismanagement, and climate change impacts. The country is home to the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, but it struggles with water scarcity, pollution, and declining water quality due to upstream damming, overuse, and inadequate infrastructure. Desertification, soil salinity, and land degradation threaten agriculture, a vital sector for Iraq’s economy and food security. Additionally, Iraq experiences severe dust storms, further exacerbated by environmental degradation and climate change, impacting air quality and public health. Efforts to address these environmental issues are complicated by political instability and economic constraints, highlighting the need for comprehensive policies that balance development with environmental sustainability and international cooperation for regional water management and climate action.
Last updated: March 15, 2022
Health and Medical
The health and medical sector in Iraq faces numerous challenges that have been exacerbated by decades of conflict, economic sanctions, and political instability. These factors have significantly strained the country’s healthcare system, leading to shortages in medical supplies, inadequate healthcare facilities, and a brain drain of medical professionals seeking better opportunities abroad. Despite Iraq’s wealth in natural resources, the allocation of funds to the health sector has been insufficient, contributing to disparities in access to quality healthcare across different regions.
The invasion in 2003 and subsequent unrest further degraded healthcare infrastructure, and the emergence of groups like ISIS displaced millions of people, putting additional pressure on the health system. Diseases such as cholera have had outbreaks due to poor water and sanitation conditions. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the system’s vulnerabilities, with hospitals overwhelmed and facing critical shortages of equipment and staff.
Efforts are being made to rebuild and improve healthcare in Iraq, focusing on reconstructing damaged facilities, upgrading equipment, and training medical staff. International aid and partnerships are crucial in supporting these initiatives. However, the road to a fully recovered and efficient healthcare system is long and requires sustained investment, better management, and a focus on public health initiatives to prevent disease and improve overall health outcomes for the Iraqi population.
Last updated: August 3, 2023
Political
Iraq’s political landscape is complex, characterized by its multi-ethnic and multi-sectarian composition, which includes Shia Arabs, Sunni Arabs, Kurds, Turkmen, and others. The overthrow of Saddam Hussein’s regime in 2003 led to the establishment of a federal parliamentary democratic system. However, the country has grappled with political instability, marked by frequent government changes, corruption, and difficulty in forming coalitions among its diverse political parties and factions. Sectarian politics have often influenced governance and policy-making, contributing to tensions and sometimes violence. The Kurdistan Regional Government in northern Iraq administers the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region, adding another layer to the nation’s political dynamics. Despite these challenges, Iraq has made efforts toward democratization, holding regular elections and engaging in dialogue to address political disputes and aim for a more inclusive and effective governance model.
Last updated: June 19, 2023
