Iraq

by Dario Salvi | IRAQ – VATICAN

The Chaldean Patriarch spoke to AsiaNews about the late pope on the eve of his departure for Rome to attend the pontiff's funeral and the conclave. Francis was a "prophetic" voice that spoke not only to Christians, but to all Iraqis. His historic trip in March 2021 and the message of peace and brotherhood are his legacy. He “was able to read and grasp the signs of the times better than anyone else.”

by Dario Salvi

The ‘Personal Status Law’ approved without a parliamentary vote alarms activists and civil society. The fear of a ‘disintegration’ of the family and a step backwards in the role (and rights) of women. Iraqi scholar Saad Salloum: ‘Barter’ between the three main political forces Shiite, Sunni and Kurdish and linked to the interests of each'. Card. Sako: ‘Shocking’ norm that violates ‘freedom’.

| 28/01/2025
| GATEWAY TO THE EAST
by Dario Salvi

Card. Sako speakes of Iraqi Christians' preparations for the festivities as they watch events unfold across teh border with trepidation. The threat of a new Isis, and teh need to be ‘prudent’ and evaluating ‘facts’ not speeches. they need for a Syrian state based ‘on citizenship’ and fight against ‘all sectarianism’. The Christmas wish for a document between the Pope and the Shiite leaders of Iran and Iraq on the example of ‘human brotherhood’.

| 23/12/2024
| IRAQ
by Dario Salvi

​In an exclusive sit down with AsiaNews, Prof. Saad Salloum draws a parallel between the overthrow of the Rais in Iraq and the flight of the Syrian dictator. In both cases it took 13 years for their ouster to ‘drain’ the resources around the leader. Baghdad must ‘take tangible measures to ensure the recovery of the new Syria’ starting with the fight against drugs. Limit the role of Turkey and Iran, set up a reconstruction fund.

| 17/12/2024
| GATEWAY TO THE EAST

The population survey, a crucial appointment to establish relations between the different communities, is scheduled for today and tomorrow. It had not been held since 1997 because of the wars. In launching the appeal, the cardinal recalls the hundreds of thousands of Iraqis ‘who live in neighbouring countries’ and that ‘diversity is a strength’. Fears among the Kurds of a ‘politicisation’ of the process.

| 20/11/2024
| IRAQ

An area of 23 dunams barely researched is at the heart of a dispute. Scores of artefacts have been found. Complaints filed to block the sale have been of no use so far. Kirkuk Governor Rebwar Taha says he will protect the site, but there is strong concern among the locals.

| 07/11/2024
| IRAQ

The deadly attack against an aerospace firm near the capital followed reports that Öcalan might address Turkey’s parliament, and that dialogue with the Kurdish movement might resume. Turkish authorities blame rebels, but no official claim has been made. Turkish warplanes retaliated targeting scores of sites across the border in Syria and Iraq, causing many deaths, including civilians.

| 25/10/2024
| TURKEY – SYRIA – IRAQ
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