Baghdad: The newspapers published in Baghdad on Monday, September 8, focused on key developments in the Iraqi scene, most notably the upcoming conclusion of the international coalition’s mission in the country this month, along with Iraq’s plans to increase its production and export quota within OPEC, in addition to various political, economic, and security issues.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Zawraa newspaper, issued by the Iraqi Journalists Syndicate, reported on the latest updates regarding the coalition’s mission. It quoted the Prime Minister’s advisor, Hussein Alawi, as saying: ‘The government is working to end the coalition’s mission and transform it into direct bilateral relations, whether with the United States or with other coalition countries, including NATO.’
Alawi added that this transition is being implemented according to a timeline agreed upon in a joint statement issued in September 2024, published on both the Iraqi and U.S. Foreign Ministry websites. He explained that the coa
lition’s mission in Baghdad and Anbar will conclude this month, shifting into bilateral cooperation. This direction, he noted, was clearly affirmed during a meeting between the Prime Minister and the Commander of the U.S. Central Command.
He further pointed out that the presence of coalition advisors in the Kurdistan Region will continue until 2026, with their roles to be gradually transferred in line with the agreed plan. Alawi emphasized that the Iraqi Armed Forces have made significant progress in enhancing their capabilities, stressing the commitment of the Commander-in-Chief, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, to continue strengthening the army, improving its performance, and advancing its weapons systems and military branches.
Meanwhile, Al-Sabah newspaper, issued by the Iraqi Media Network, highlighted the plans of the State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO) to increase Iraq’s production and export capacity. SOMO’s Director General, Ali Nizar, told Al-Sabah: ‘Iraq seeks to raise its production a
nd export levels in line with global market needs and balance, as the second-largest producer in OPEC.’
Nizar noted that Iraq offers exceptional investment opportunities in the oil and gas sector, making it an attractive market for reputable international companies. He emphasized that the government and the Ministry of Oil are highly open to cooperation with investors to boost production and end the practice of gas flaring. He explained that SOMO’s plans focus on consolidating Iraq’s position as a central energy hub by diversifying export outlets, forging partnerships with global refineries, providing strategic storage facilities, and expanding the pipeline network-steps that would cement Iraq’s natural place as a stable and leading energy supplier worldwide.
For his part, Iraq’s national representative to OPEC, Mohammed Adnan Al-Najjar, stated that Iraq could submit a request to the organization to increase its oil output, provided that global market conditions and their capacity to absorb additional crude
are carefully considered. Al-Najjar added: ‘The matter must be thoroughly studied before moving toward increasing production, including a review of our export capacities to determine the optimal level. An ill-timed or uncalculated increase may prove counterproductive.’
Al-Zaman newspaper followed up on the ongoing controversy surrounding the involvement of Iraqi nationals in the Russia-Ukraine war through illegal channels, a development that has raised serious concern at both official and parliamentary levels. The paper reported that the Parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee announced steps to investigate the matter and put an end to this dangerous phenomenon, following reports of Iraqis being lured to the frontlines with financial incentives and offers of citizenship.
Committee member MP Mokhtar Al-Moussawi told the newspaper: ‘Some Iraqis are leaving the country to participate in the Russian war either through smuggling or under the guise of tourism, medical treatment, or other pretexts. Some travel d
irectly to Russia or via other countries before heading to the frontlines, while others reside in Moscow, including Yazidi refugees, some of whom have also joined the fighting.’
Al-Moussawi added that the recruitment process relies on material incentives such as lucrative salaries, land grants, and Russian citizenship-offers that exploit the high unemployment rates among Iraqi youth, pushing some to take this perilous path. He stressed the need for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to closely monitor the situation, particularly through the Iraqi Embassy in Moscow, noting that parliament will take steps to review the details of the file and work toward halting the practice.