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In Iraq, the climate is desert in the center and the south, with mild winters and extremely hot summers, it's semi-desert in the north, with relatively cold winters, while in the northern mountains, the climate is cold and rainy (or snowy) in winter and hot and sunny in summer, but with cooler nights due to the high altitude. IndexMountainsIn the north-eastern part of Iraq (zone 1 on the map), occupied by the mountains of Iraqi Kurdistan (Zagros and Taurus), winters are cold and rainy, while summers are hot and dry, even scorching up to quite high altitudes. Annual precipitation ranges between 700 and 1,000 millimeters (27 and 40 inches), and occurs between October and April. This is the only area of Iraq which receives substantial rainfall. SulaymaniyahIn Sulaymaniyah, 850 meters (2,800 ft) above sea level, the average temperature ranges from 4 C (39 F) in January to 31 C (88 F) in July and August. So the summer is hot, as well as sunny, but the winter is cold, with possible snowfalls and frosts, when the area is reached by cold air masses from the north. Here are the average temperatures in Sulaymaniyah.Sulaymaniyah - Average temperaturesMonthMin (C)Max (C)Mean (C)Min (F)Max (F)Mean (F)January084324639.2February1105.5345041.9March51610.5416150.9April102115.5507059.9May152821.5598270.7June203527.5689581.5July243931.57510288.7August243931.57510288.7September203527.5689581.5October142821578269.8November81913.5466656.3December2116.5365243.7Year1224.21853.675.564.5In Sulaymaniyah, annual precipitation amounts to 745 mm (29.5 in), most of which occurring from November to April, while it never rains from June to September. Here is the average precipitation.Sulaymaniyah - Average precipitationMonthMillimetersInchesDaysJanuary1305.1February1455.7March1305.1April1003.9May401.6June00July00August00September00October150.6November753December1104.3Year74529.3In the northernmost mountainous area, winter is even colder, and in the valleys at high altitude, it is freezing. At the highest altitudes, heavy snowfalls occur. The highest peak of Iraq is Cheekha Dar, 3,611 meters (11,847 feet) high, on the border with Iran. Syrian desertNorth-west of Mesopotamia, in the hilly area towards Syria (zone 4), the climate is desert, quite cold with frequent frosts in winter and hot in summer, though a bit less hot than in the plains because of altitude. RutbahIn Rutbah, 600 meters (2,000 feet) above sea level, the average is between 6.5 C (43.5 F) in January and 30 C (86 F) in July. In summer, the temperature can sometimes reach 45/47 C (113/117 F). Ar Rutbah - Average temperaturesMonthMin (C)Max (C)Mean (C)Min (F)Max (F)Mean (F)January2116.5365243.7February51510415950March81813466455.4April132519557766.2May183024648675.2June223528.5729583.3July233730739986August233629.5739785.1September203326.5689179.7October162822618271.6November82014466857.2December5149.5415749.1Year13.625.219.456.577.467Throughout the year, only 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain fall, concentrated in the winter months. In winter, snow and frost are possible during cold spells. Here is the average precipitation.Ar Rutbah - Average precipitationMonthMillimetersInchesDaysJanuary150.66February150.66March2516April200.85May100.43June001July000August000September000October60.23November150.64December150.65Year1204.739In the rest of Iraq, which is occupied by plains or hills (zones 2 and 3), the climate is arid, mild in winter and scorchingly hot in summer. Summer goes from June to September, but the months of May and October are hot as well. Although the climate in Mesopotamia is desert, the landscape can change locally due to the rivers, both where they give rise to wetlands, and where they are exploited to irrigate the fields.NorthIn the northern belt (zone 2), the climate is arid, but in the cold half of the year, some depressions can affect this area for a few months, bringing moderate rainfall. MosulIn Mosul, located in the northernmost part of the plain, on the banks of the Tigris River, not far from the ancient Nineveh, winter is mild, but it's certainly not tropical: the January average is 7 C (44.5 F). From December to March, it rains for 7/10 days per month, and sunny days alternate with periods of bad weather. At night, it often gets cold, and the temperature can sometimes drop a few degrees below freezing (0 C or 32 F). Summer in Mosul is very hot, with a relentless sun, and with daytime temperatures of 43 C (109 F) in July and August, but with peaks of 47/48 C (117/118 F); fortunately, however, air humidity is low.Mosul - Average temperaturesMonthMin (C)Max (C)Mean (C)Min (F)Max (F)Mean (F)January2127365444.6February3159375948.2March71913456655.4April112518527764.4May163324.5619176.1June2139307010286July2543347710993.2August244333.57510992.3September193828.56610083.3October143122.5578872.5November72114457057.2December4149395748.2Year12.827.820.2555.182.168.5Throughout the year, in Mosul, 365 mm (14.5 in) of rain fall: they are not many, but they are concentrated between November and April, with very few rains in May and October, while it almost never rains between June and September. Here is the average precipitation.Mosul - Average precipitationMonthMillimetersInchesDaysJanuary602.411February652.611March652.612April451.89May150.66June100July000August000September000October100.45November451.87December602.410Year36514.471In Mosul, the sun shines regularly in summer, while it shines quite often in winter, when, however, there are also cloudy periods. Here are the average sunshine hours per day.Mosul - Sunshine hoursMonthAverageTotalJanuary5155February6170March7215April8240May10310June12360July12370August12370September11330October9280November7210December7215Year8.93230South-east of Mosul, Kirkuk has a similar climate because the more southern position is balanced out by the slightly higher altitude, around 350 meters (1,150 ft).

In the nearby cities of Kerbala and Ramadi, the climate is similar to that of Baghdad. Further south, the temperatures rise a bit in winter: in Basra and Nasiriya, the average ranges from 11 C (52 F) in January to 35.5 C (96 F) in July. On the coast of the Persian Gulf, it reaches 12 C (53.5 F) in January. However, the south in winter may experience some slight frosts at night as well. Rainfall in the south amounts to only 100 mm (4 in) per year, a value typical of a desert climate.

The Persian Gulf is very cool for swimming in winter, while it becomes very warm in summer, exceeding 30 C (86 F) for a few months. Here is the sea temperature at Al-Faw.

In late winter and spring, Iraq can be affected by strong southerly winds, which may give rise to dust storms; these winds may occur even in autumn and winter, though more rarely. On the contrary, during the long summer months, the shamal blows, a moderate northwesterly wind, very hot and dry, which may cause rapid dehydration, and when it's more intense, it can raise dust or sand.

In summer: in the whole country at low altitude, from north to south, bring lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing; light and long shirts and pants of natural fibers (cotton, linen), a sun hat, and a desert turban; in the north and north-west (Mosul, Nineveh, Rutbah), you can bring a light sweatshirt for the night and early morning. In the mountains of Kurdistan, light clothes for the day, a sun hat or desert turban, a sweatshirt or sweater for the evening, a jacket for the highest peaks, and hiking shoes.

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Iraq climate: average weather, temperature, precipitation ...

LONDONBP PLC is working on a plan to spin off its operations in Iraq into a stand-alone company, according to people familiar with the matter, as the oil giant shuffles its assets and investment plans in its pivot toward lower-carbon energy.

The new company would hold BPs interest in Iraqs giant Rumaila oil fieldone of the worlds largestand be jointly owned by China National Petroleum Corp., one of the British companys partners at the site, the people said. The new entity would hold its own debt, separate from BP, and distribute profits via dividends, the people added.

The plan aims to give BP more flexibility to invest in low-carbon energy by enabling it to reduce its spending on oil and gas, the people said.

Such a move would underscore how some European oil companies are backing away from decades of pioneering exploration in sometimes challenging locations to refocus on where future energy demand is expected to grow: low-carbon fuels and electricity.

The potential shift would have particular significance for BP because of its history in Iraq, dating to the 1920s.In 2009, BP was the first international oil business to return to Iraq after the U.S.-led invasion.

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BP Considers Spinning Off Iraq Operations - The Wall Street Journal

Thirty-five years have passed since Iraq debuted at the FIFA World Cup. That team was spearheaded by the late Ahmed Radi, who beat none other than Belgiums Jean-Marie Pfaff to score the country's one and only goal at footballs premier event.

Now, three-and-a-half decades on, a new generation of Iraqis believe they can end the team's long hiatus. With two matchdays remaining in the second round of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup Qatar2022, the Lions of Mesopotamia lead the way in Group C.

Srecko Katanec's side face Hong Kong next Friday then IR Iran on Tuesday 15 June in a fascinating duel that will most likely determine who tops the group and qualifies directly for the third and decisive qualifying round.

As well as a potent attack headed by Mohanad Ali, the Slovenian coach will be counting on his formidable rearguard for the next two games. With only three goals conceded in six fixtures, Iraq unsurprisingly boast the meanest defence in the group.

Defender Saad Natiq, who played the first five group games before missing the last one against Cambodia due to suspension, returns to the side. He found time to chat with FIFA.com about Iraq's dreams of reaching the next World Cup in Qatar.

"Were top of the group so have a good chance of securing qualification [for the next round] in the next two matches," he says of his teams chances.

"We had a good period of preparation with the squad all together and contesting two friendlies. Right now, the team are in top form, so I hope we can perform to a good level in these two fixtures to make the Iraqi fans happy.

"The role of the coach has been key, because hes worked a lot on how we set up at the back, giving us the best defensive record in the group. This motivates us to continue pushing ourselves to maintain that level," added the 27-year-old.

Saad Natiq shone brightly in 2013 when, along with many of his current team-mates, he led Iraq to the semi-finals of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey. There they came up short against Uruguay and subsequently lost to Ghana in the third-place match.

Three years later, the commanding defender represented his country at the Men's Olympic Football Tournament at Rio 2016, playing two games. As well as acquiring invaluable experience, Natiq had the distinction of helping his side earn a deserved draw with Neymars Brazil during the group phase.

"Getting fourth place with the U-20s at a World Cup was a magnificent experience that we got to enjoy with our coach Hakeem Shakir. We also performed well at the Olympics but weren't lucky enough to get past the group stage," he recalls.

"It was a great adventure that taught us a lot. Taking part in those two tournaments gave us a lot of experience, so were hoping we can reach another World Cup. Well be doing all we can to achieve this goal," the player adds.

Natiq insists that Iraqs fine results in recent years are mainly due to the great understanding that exists between team members who have been playing together since U-20 level.

"Most of us have been playing together for a long time, as far back as 2013. We started with the U-20s, then we moved on to the Olympic team for Rio de Janeiro, and now were in the senior side. The end result is that theres now a great rapport between the players, which has had a positive effect on the team," he says.

"We hope to appear again at a major international tournament, such as the World Cup," concluded Natiq, who would love to return to Qatar having played there for Al Arabi. "However, reaching Qatar 2022 will require complete solidarity and support for the current generation. Only then will we achieve our goal and be able to face the best teams on the planet."

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Natiq: Iraq need complete solidarity to reach the World Cup - FIFA.com

Baghdad, 9 June 2021 The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq, Ms. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, briefed today in Baghdad representatives of the diplomatic missions accredited to Iraq, on the latest Security Council resolution concerning Iraq and the correspondingly enhanced mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).

In its resolution 2576 (2021) adopted on 27 May, the Security Council commended the Government of Iraqs efforts to plan and execute genuinely free and fair early elections that are credible, participatory and inclusive, with the full, equal and meaningful participation of women. The resolution also welcomed the governments request for further UN electoral advice, support, and technical assistance in this regard.

UNAMI already provides comprehensive technical assistance and advice to IHEC on election management, legal and regulatory frameworks, training and procedures, Covid preparedness, procurement, logistics, information and communication technology, field-level coordination, communications and outreach, gender policies, and election security planning at the HQ and governorate levels. With more than 70 UN electoral staff currently deployed throughout the country, the aim is to strengthen Iraqs electoral capacities and promote transparency, thereby rebuilding trust in Iraqs electoral institutions and processes, SRSG Hennis-Plasschaert clarified.

Pursuant to the recently adopted Security Council resolution, UNAMI is now in the process of preparing for the phased deployment of additional UN teams on the ground in the lead up to, and on election day. The SRSG invited the international community to support this initiative so as to ensure that sufficient UN electoral staff can indeed be deployed.

Positively responding to the request of the Government of Iraq, the Security Council decided to endorse a strengthened, robust and visible UN team, with additional staff, in advance of Iraqs forthcoming election, to monitor Iraqs election day with as broad a geographic coverage as possible, and to continue to assist with the election, in a manner that respects Iraqi sovereignty, SRSG Hennis-Plasschaert stated.

The SRSG emphasized the importance of all Iraqis using their democratic right by casting their votes in high numbers, thus making these elections a true democratic milestone in the history of Iraq. The people of Iraq have spoken loudly and clearly to demand these elections: now is the time to make these voices heard through the ballot box. This is your country, and your vote can shape the future of Iraq.

The United Nations fully supports the Iraqi peoples desire for a political system that truly represents them and meets their needs. The October early elections can help realize that desire, hopefully strengthening the foundations of a strong, stable and sustainable Iraq, SRSG Hennis-Plasschaert said.

In line with the Security Council resolution, she also made it clear that the elections are at all times Iraqi-led and Iraqi-owned: it is first and foremost the responsibility of the Iraqi institutions and political leadership to ensure transparency and accountability in the electoral process. The elections must be conducted in a conducive environment where candidates conduct their campaigns, and voters cast their ballots, freely and safely.

UNAMI publishes regular reports on Iraqs electoral preparations and processes, which can be accessed here: https://bit.ly/3g1fClb

*****

For more information, please contact UNAMI Public Information Office at unami-information@un.org

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UNAMI Press Release: SRSG for Iraq briefs diplomatic representatives on the new mandate; UNAMI aims to strengthen Iraq's electoral capacities and...

OTTAWA - The federal Liberal government is facing calls for an independent inquiry following allegations the military failed to respond to a complaint three years ago that Iraqi forces being trained by Canadian troops had committed war crimes.

NDP defence critic Randall Garrison suggests the complaint and concerns about the vetting of other Iraqi forces working with Canada are part of a disturbing pattern going back at least a decade, which is why he believes an independent probe is needed.

What Ive seen over time is that rank and file Canadian troops and lower levels of the officer corps have brought these issues to the attention of senior leaders, and senior leaders appear to have a pattern of telling people just not to pay attention, he said.

Why is that happening? I think there needs to be an independent inquiry. Is this the fault of certain senior leaders? Or is there something systemic here that causes us not to uphold international (law) and even our own national law?

Military police are currently investigating the handling of an incident in September 2018, where Canadian soldiers were helping with the enrolment of 270 Iraqi troops for a U.S.-led training mission near the northern city of Mosul.

An internal report obtained by The Canadian Press and first reported on by Postmedia says the Canadians were shown videos of war crimes and human rights violations being perpetrated by the Iraqi troops they were there to train.

Yet when the Canadians raised the issue with their commanders, according to the report, they were told the matter would be dealt with and that they were to ignore the videos and carry on.

One of the soldiers involved said he tried to raise the issue with his commanders on three different occasions, but that he and other members of his unit remain uncertain whether appropriate action was effectively taken.

A separate, secret memo obtained by The Canadian Press shows then-defence chief general Jonathan Vance was warned in January 2020 that the vetting of Iraqi security forces with whom Canadian troops might have interacted lacked sufficient depth.

Garrison says the recent concerns are a continuation of issues first raised in Afghanistan more than a decade ago, when the military was accused of having transferred detainees to local authorities despite knowing they might be tortured.

That is why he believes the inquiry should also include a fresh look at what happened then. Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, who previously served in Afghanistan, rebuffed NDP calls in 2016 for such an inquiry into the Afghan detainee affair.

Things that were war crimes came to the attention of Canadians, were referred up the chain of command, and nothing happened, Garrison told The Canadian Press.

Conservative defence critic James Bezan in the House of Commons on Thursday questioned the governments decision to extend Canadas mission in Iraq given concerns about the Iraqi forces working with Canadian troops.

Canada is contributing to greater peace and security in the world and remains a strong partner in the fight against (the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant), Sajjans parliamentary secretary Anita Vandenbeld told Bezan.

We are committed to meeting our obligations under international and domestic law. The Canadian Armed Forces is no longer operating with the Iraqi security forces related to these allegations.

Experts say it is not surprising that Canadian troops found themselves interacting with Iraqi soldiers who may have committed atrocities given the countrys recent history, and that part of their mission is to prevent such behaviour in the future.

This sounds kind of maybe counterintuitive, but it just reinforces how much were needed there, said Bessma Momani, an expert on Middle Eastern politics at the University of Waterloo.

Yet both Momani and fellow Middle East expert Thomas Juneau from the University of Ottawa said the reports underscore the need for better transparency and accountability when operating in such environments and with such partners.

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The government should be more transparent with Canadians about the challenges involved in the mission in Iraq, and about what we are trying to accomplish, Juneau said in an email.

The government should also specifically be more transparent about what it is doing to make sure that Canadian troops deployed in Iraq, or in other comparable missions, comply with international law on these matters (and also on what happens if or when troops fail to comply with international law).

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 11, 2021.

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Feds face calls for inquiry into military's handling of Iraq war crime reports - Toronto Star