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Iraqi News
2 days ago
- Health
- Iraqi News
Iraqis protest at Egyptian Embassy in Baghdad, demand Rafah crossing opening
Baghdad ( – Hundreds of Iraqis gathered last night, Saturday (July 26, 2025), in front of the Egyptian Embassy in Baghdad, protesting to demand that the Egyptian government open the Rafah crossing to allow humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. Among the demonstrators was Iraqi-British doctor Mohammed Taher, known for his humanitarian work in Gaza last year. Several other Iraqi activists involved in aiding the Palestinian people also participated in the protest, underscoring widespread public concern over the humanitarian situation in the besieged enclave. Ahmed Ali Al-Yasiri, one of the protestors interviewed by IraqiNews, expressed strong condemnation of the situation. 'We condemn the Egyptian government's actions of preventing aid from passing through the Rafah border entrance, and we call on our Egyptian brothers to act swiftly and let the aid into Gaza,' Al-Yasiri stated. These protests in Baghdad are not isolated. They reflect a global outcry, with demonstrations frequently taking place in numerous cities across the world, from London and New York to Amman and Jakarta. Activists and citizens worldwide are consistently urging their governments and international bodies to pressure for increased humanitarian access and an end to the crisis in Gaza, making the opening of border crossings like Rafah a central demand.


Iraqi News
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Iraqi News
Iraqi car market sees massive surge in Chinese vehicle sales in H1 2025
Baghdad ( – The Iraqi car market is witnessing a dramatic shift, with Chinese vehicle sales soaring by an impressive 80% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year. Over 18,000 cars from China have been imported into the country during this period, significantly up from approximately 10,000 units sold in the first half of 2024. This remarkable surge signals a burgeoning demand among Iraqi consumers for Chinese automobiles, a trend extensively analyzed by the Iraq Future Foundation for Economic Studies and Consultations. According to the foundation, the increase is primarily driven by the attractive combination of competitive pricing and robust features offered by Chinese models. Amir Al-Janabi, a leading expert in the Iraqi car market, highlighted in an exclusive interview with IraqiNews that consumer confidence has been significantly bolstered by the after-sales services. Official Chinese brand dealerships are providing a critical two-year average warranty, which covers repairs and malfunctions directly and free of charge. This comprehensive warranty is proving to be one of the most influential factors shaping purchasing decisions in the Iraqi market. Given these compelling advantages, Al-Janabi anticipates continued and even greater growth in Chinese car sales throughout the second half of this year. 'Chinese cars are no longer viewed as lower quality; they are shaping the future of the automobile industry.' Al-Janabi to IraqiNews. Major Chinese brands actively establishing their presence and driving this market shift in Iraq include MG, Changan, and Jetour. Their diverse offerings are catering to a growing segment of Iraqi buyers. A broader regional trend supports this local boom. The Iraq Future Foundation's report also indicates that Chinese car exports to Middle Eastern countries collectively experienced substantial growth in the first half of 2025. The total number of vehicles exported to the region increased by 65%, reaching over 584,000 units, up from 353,000 in the corresponding period of 2024. The overall value of these regional exports climbed to approximately $7.7 billion, a significant jump from $4.5 billion in the first half of 2024. This data underscores China's expanding footprint and rising demand for its vehicles across regional markets.


Iraqi News
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
Pope Francis, who made historic visit to Iraq, dies at 88
Baghdad ( – On April 21, 2025, Pope Francis, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church died at the age of 88. After a protracted illness, the Vatican confirmed his death. His historic trip to Iraq in March 2021—the first by a sitting pontiff to visit the nation, was one of the highlights of his pontificate. Pope Francis visited Baghdad, Najaf, Ur, Mosul, Qaraqosh, and Erbil over the course of four days, delivering a message of peace, reconciliation, and hope to a country that has been devastated by years of sectarian bloodshed and war. During his tour, the Pope had a rare historic interfaith meeting with Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani, one of the most powerful leaders of Shiite Islam. Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani with Pope Francis in Iraq in 2021 Additionally, he spoke to displaced Christian communities in Qaraqosh and offered prayers amidst the rubble of churches in Mosul. In a startling revelation years later, Pope Francis disclosed in his autobiography that he had survived two assassination attempts during his visit to Mosul. According to a report by Iraqi News, British intelligence uncovered planned suicide bombings targeting the Pope, but Iraqi security forces managed to thwart the attacks before they could be carried out. Pope Francis's visit to Iraq inspired initiatives to promote national cohesion and solidarity, leaving a lasting impression. In recognition of his meeting with Al-Sistani, the Iraqi government subsequently declared March 6 to be the Day of Tolerance and Coexistence.


Iraqi News
01-04-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
PM congratulates on Akitu Day: Diversity and brotherhood are a source of strength
PM Muhammed S. Al-Sudani congratulated on Tuesday the Iraqi people, especially the Assyrians, Chaldeans, and Syriacs on the occasion of the Babylonian New Year (Akitu), stressing that diversity and brotherhood are a source of strength. "As we celebrate the Babylonian New Year (Akitu), we extend our best wishes to all members of our beloved people—especially to our Assyrian, Chaldean, and Syriac communities—who celebrate this ancient holiday that embodies the depth of our civilization and the richness of our heritage," according to a post by PM Al-Sudani on X - followed up by the Iraqi News agency - INA. He noted that "as this historic celebration coincides this year with the blessed Eid al-Fitr, we take this opportunity to reaffirm the values of diversity and brotherhood, which serve as a source of strength for our beloved homeland." "We emphasize the importance of promoting peaceful coexistence among all components of our society and of deepening the spirit of citizenship that unites us all under the banner of a united Iraq, with hopes for a brighter and more stable future for our nation and its great people. Wishing Iraq continued prosperity, unity, and stability each year," he included.