Baghdad: Today’s newspapers highlight the Iraqi Cabinet’s recent decision to activate the water framework agreement with Turkey and the ongoing call to combat violence against women. According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Cabinet, in its regular session chaired by Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaidi, voted to activate the Iraqi-Turkish water framework agreement. This decision includes initiating the financing mechanism for related projects, set to begin on September 1.
The session, attended by members of the Cabinet, also addressed the country’s overall situation, reviewing agenda topics and issuing necessary directives. The Cabinet decided to suspend official working hours on August 3-4, 2026, to facilitate pilgrims’ return for the Arba’een commemoration of Imam Hussein.
In a move to diversify Iraq’s oil export routes, the Cabinet authorized the CEO of Basra Oil Company to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Syrian Ministry of Energy to establish a pipeline project linking Iraqi oil production to Mediterranean export markets. Additionally, the Minister of Oil was empowered to engage with a consortium of companies for exploring and developing potential in the Akaz/Western Iraq field.
The Council also voted to address allowances for gifted students abroad, coordinating with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research to determine tuition fees based on the country of study. Meanwhile, the Iraqi Journalists Syndicate’s Al-Zawraa newspaper reported that the four presidencies are advocating for women’s empowerment and representation in the government cabinet, urging the eradication of violence against women.
President Nizar Amidi, during the 18th Islamic Day for Combating Violence Against Women conference in Baghdad, emphasized Iraq’s strength through unity and prioritizing national interests. Prime Minister al-Zaidi announced plans to restructure and reactivate the Supreme Council for Women, aiming to prevent attacks on women through legislation and enhance their leadership roles.
The independent newspaper Sawt Al-Qalam highlighted the commitment of Iraqi leadership to protect women’s rights and ensure their representation in the cabinet. Speaker of Parliament Haibat al-Halbousi and Chief Justice Faiq Zaidan echoed these sentiments, advocating for legislative and judicial measures to support women’s rights and dignity.
In a related economic update, Al-Zaman newspaper reported a surge in non-oil revenues in Iraq, reaching 16 percent of the country’s total financial revenues during May and June. This increase, noted by the Eco-Iraq Observatory, marks a significant rise from previous years, highlighting Iraq’s efforts to diversify its revenue sources beyond oil.
The observatory detailed that non-oil revenues stem from various sources including taxes, fees, and production charges, with Kurdistan contributing a notable share. This financial shift underscores Iraq’s strategic focus on strengthening its economic framework amid regional developments.