Source: Wikimedia Commons. The Iraqi district of Basra, apart from being extremely oil-rich, is the country's only gateway to the sea, and it borders three countries: Iran, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

R-Zero Water Treatment Plant, Basra, 2020. Photo: Azhar Al-Rubaie. In summer 2018 protests erupted in Basra amidst a water contamination crisis, with over 100,000 admitted to hospital by the end of ...

West Qurna 1, located about 50 kilometers northwest of Basra, is a major oilfield with the largest production potential in ...

Salwa fled Homs seven years ago with her six-year-old son, after her home and family life was destroyed by conflict. The journey to seek safety in Iraq has been fraught with challenges, particularly ...

Al-Monitor is an award-winning media outlet covering the Middle East, valued for its independence, diversity and analysis. It is read widely by US, international and Middle East decision makers at the ...

The US has said it will close its consulate in the southern Iraqi city of Basra, blaming increasing threats from Iran and Iranian-backed forces. In a statement, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo ...