The Republic of Iraq, known in Arabic as جُمْهُورِيَّة ٱلْعِرَاق (Jumhūriīyah al-ʿIrāq) and in Kurdish as کۆماری عێراق (Komarî Êraq), is a pivotal country situated in Western Asia. Its strategic geographical position places it at the crossroads of diverse cultures and historical trade routes. The nation shares its borders with Turkey to the north, Iran to the east, the vital waters of the Persian Gulf and Kuwait to the southeast, Saudi Arabia to the south, Jordan to the southwest, and Syria to the west. Baghdad, the capital and largest city, serves as its political, economic, and cultural heart.

Iraq is characterized by its remarkable diversity, boasting a population of approximately 44 million citizens. This vibrant tapestry includes a multitude of ethnic groups such as Arabs, Kurds, Turkmens, Assyrians, Armenians, Yazidis, Persians, Shabakis, Sabian-Mandaeans, Circassians, and Kawliya. This rich human mosaic is complemented by similarly varied geography, ranging from vast desert landscapes to fertile river plains, which in turn supports diverse wildlife. While the majority of the population adheres to Islam, Iraq is also home to a range of other officially recognized religions, including Christianity, Yarsanism, Yezidism, Zoroastrianism, and Mandaeism. The country’s linguistic landscape is equally rich, with Arabic and Kurdish serving as the official languages. Furthermore, other regional languages such as English, Neo-Aramaic, Turkish, and Armenian are formally recognized, reflecting the nation's multicultural heritage.

Ancient Roots: The Cradle of Civilisation

The lands that today form Iraq are historically renowned as Mesopotamia, a Greek term meaning “Land Between the Rivers”—referring to the Tigris and Euphrates. This region's exceptionally fertile alluvial plains provided the ideal conditions for the emergence of some of the world's earliest and most influential civilizations and empires. Dating back to the 6th millennium BC, these include the Sumerians, often credited as the earliest known civilization, followed by the Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians. Mesopotamia is widely celebrated as the "Cradle of Civilisation" due to its foundational contributions to human development. It was here that humanity first developed many valuable inventions and discoveries that profoundly shaped subsequent societies. Key innovations include the development of the world's first writing systems, foundational principles of mathematics, the concept of standardized time, the creation of calendars, early advancements in astrology, and the codification of law. Notably, it was in cities like Uruk that mankind began to read, write, create comprehensive legal frameworks, and live under organized governmental structures, laying the groundwork for complex urban societies.

Baghdad's Golden Age and Subsequent Decline

Following the significant Muslim conquest of Mesopotamia, Baghdad ascended to prominence, becoming the illustrious capital and largest city of the Abbasid Caliphate. During the peak of the Islamic Golden Age (roughly 8th to 13th centuries), Baghdad transformed into an unparalleled global cultural and intellectual center. Its renowned academic institutions, most notably the House of Wisdom (Bayt al-Hikma), attracted scholars from across the known world, fostering advancements in science, philosophy, medicine, and mathematics. This period cemented Baghdad’s worldwide reputation as a beacon of knowledge and innovation.

However, this era of unparalleled prosperity was tragically interrupted in 1258 when the Mongol Empire, under Hulagu Khan, unleashed a devastating siege upon Baghdad. The city suffered extensive destruction, with countless libraries, including the House of Wisdom, razed and their invaluable contents lost. This catastrophic event marked a profound decline for Baghdad and the wider region, a downturn that would tragically linger for many centuries, exacerbated by frequent plagues and the successive rule of various empires that failed to restore its former glory.

Modern Iraq: From Mandate to Republic

The contemporary state of Iraq traces its origins to 1920, a period following the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire after World War I. Under the authority of the League of Nations, the British Mandate of Mesopotamia was established, controversially amalgamating three former Ottoman vilayets (provinces): Baghdad, Basra, and Mosul. This administrative consolidation laid the groundwork for modern Iraq's territorial boundaries. A British-backed monarchy was subsequently established in 1921, with Faisal I, a Hashemite prince, ascending to the throne. The Hashemite Kingdom of Iraq gained its full independence from the United Kingdom in 1932, joining the League of Nations as a sovereign state.

Political upheaval marked the mid-20th century; in 1958, a military coup d'état, known as the 14 July Revolution, overthrew the monarchy, leading to the establishment of the Iraqi Republic. The nation then experienced a period of significant political instability before the Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party seized power in 1968, maintaining control until 2003.

Major Conflicts and Challenges

A defining conflict of modern Iraqi history was the protracted Iran-Iraq War, which began in 1980 with Iraq's invasion of Iran. This devastating conflict lasted for nearly eight years, concluding in a costly stalemate with immense human and economic losses for both countries. The 1990s saw further international isolation following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, which ultimately led to the Gulf War in 1991.

In 2003, a multinational coalition led by the United States launched an invasion, leading to the swift removal of Saddam Hussein's Ba'ath Party from power. Following this, Iraq transitioned towards a democratic framework, with multi-party parliamentary elections held in 2005. While the primary United States military presence in Iraq officially ended in 2011, the country continued to grapple with an ongoing insurgency. This challenge intensified as fighters from the Syrian civil war spilled into Iraq, contributing to the rise of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). On December 9, 2017, then-Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared a significant victory over ISIL, announcing the full liberation of Iraq's borders with Syria from the militant group. Despite this declared victory, remnants of ISIL continue to conduct an ongoing insurgency, posing persistent security challenges for the nation.

Government and International Role

Iraq operates as a federal parliamentary republic, structured with a clear separation of powers. The President serves as the head of state, symbolizing national unity, while the Prime Minister functions as the head of government, holding executive authority. The constitution establishes a bicameral legislative system, comprising two deliberative bodies: the Council of Representatives, which is the primary legislative assembly, and the Council of Union. An independent judiciary ensures the rule of law, operating free from the influence of the executive and legislative branches.

Internationally, Iraq is recognized as an emerging middle power, bolstered by its strategic location and significant natural resources, particularly its vast oil reserves. It is a founding member of several prominent international and regional organizations, underscoring its commitment to global and regional cooperation. These include the United Nations (UN), the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), the League of Arab States (Arab League), the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Since gaining independence, Iraq's political history has been a complex narrative, marked by periods of substantial economic and military growth, often juxtaposed with eras of profound political and economic instability stemming from internal divisions and regional conflicts.

The Geneva Peace Conference (January 9, 1991)

A critical diplomatic effort to avert a major conflict, the Geneva Peace Conference, was convened on January 9, 1991. The primary objective of this high-stakes meeting was to find a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to Iraq's occupation of Kuwait, thereby preventing a full-scale war between Ba'athist Iraq and the United States-backed international coalition. Representing Iraq was the then-Foreign Minister Tariq Aziz, while the United States delegation was led by Secretary of State James Baker. The discussions, lasting for nearly seven intensive hours, ultimately proved fruitless. Both parties remained entrenched in their initial positions: Iraq staunchly refused to withdraw its forces from Kuwait, while the United States and its allies continued to demand Iraq's immediate and unconditional withdrawal. This pivotal meeting represented the final diplomatic initiative before the outbreak of the Gulf War, underscoring the irreconcilable differences that propelled the region into conflict.

Frequently Asked Questions about Iraq

What is the official name of Iraq?

Officially, it is known as the Republic of Iraq (جُمْهُورِيَّة ٱلْعِرَاق in Arabic and کۆماری عێراق in Kurdish).

What ancient civilizations originated in Mesopotamia?

Mesopotamia, the historical region encompassing modern Iraq, was home to some of the world's earliest civilizations, including Sumer, Akkad, Babylon, and Assyria.

What are Iraq's official languages?

The official languages of Iraq are Arabic and Kurdish.

What is the House of Wisdom and its significance?

The House of Wisdom (Bayt al-Hikma) was a major intellectual center and library in Baghdad during the Islamic Golden Age, crucial for the preservation and advancement of knowledge across various scientific and philosophical disciplines.

When did Iraq gain independence?

The Hashemite Kingdom of Iraq gained full independence from the United Kingdom in 1932.

What major international organizations is Iraq a member of?

Iraq is a founding member of the United Nations (UN), the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).