Iraq is an Arab country in Western Asia, historically known as Mesopotamia, with a complex political landscape. This section explores its history, geopolitical significance, and its relationship with Israel and the Jewish world.
A large-scale anti-corruption operation is ongoing in Iraq. Security forces are conducting arrests in Baghdad and other regions as part of the…
Iraq, officially the Republic of Iraq, is a country in Western Asia bordered by Turkey to the north, Iran to the east, Kuwait to the southeast, Saudi Arabia to the south, Jordan to the southwest, and Syria to the west. It is historically known as Mesopotamia, the "land between the rivers" Tigris and Euphrates, and is often called the cradle of civilization, with a rich history spanning millennia. The region has been home to various ancient civilizations, including the Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians. Modern Iraq was established after World War I from the Ottoman Empire's remnants.
The country holds significant geopolitical importance due to its vast oil reserves and strategic location. Its recent history has been marked by periods of conflict, including the Iran-Iraq War, the Gulf War, and the Iraq War in the early 21st century, which have profoundly shaped its internal politics and regional relations. The relationship between Iraq and Israel has been characterized by deep-seated animosity, with Iraq historically being a staunch opponent of Israel and participating in various Arab-Israeli conflicts. Despite recent regional shifts, official recognition or normalization of ties between the two nations remains elusive.
While the ancient Jewish community in Iraq (Babylonian Jewry) was one of the oldest and most significant in the world, dating back to the Babylonian exile, most of its members emigrated, primarily to Israel, following the establishment of the State of Israel and subsequent tensions. Today, only a minimal Jewish presence remains. In this section of jnews.az, readers can find comprehensive coverage of current events in Iraq, analyses of its geopolitical role, and insights into its historical and contemporary connections with the wider Jewish world and the dynamics of the Middle East.
