Baghdad: Today’s newspapers highlighted the significant developments in Iraq, focusing on the launch of the National Strategy to Combat Drugs (2025-2030) and the collection of signatures to dismiss the House Speaker, Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Ministry of Interior has officially announced the launch of the National Strategy to Combat Drugs for the years 2025 to 2030. During a press conference held on Monday evening, Colonel Abbas Al-Bahadli, the Ministry’s official spokesperson, presented the major security achievements of the first half of the current year. Al-Bahadli noted a 13% decline in crime rates compared to the same period in 2024, with Anbar Governorate experiencing the most significant drop at 53%.

Al-Bahadli further explained that the Ministry has initiated the “regional file” as part of the government program. This initiative involves transferring security responsibilities within the governorates exclusively to the Ministry of Interior through police stat
ions. To ensure a smooth transition, 16 central committees are actively preparing evaluation reports and recommendations. The Minister of Interior is closely overseeing the progress of this initiative.

During the conference, Al-Bahadli also highlighted Iraq’s participation in a recent tripartite security summit with Iran and Pakistan. The summit addressed issues such as regulating visitor entry from these countries, border security, and combating drug smuggling. Al-Bahadli confirmed the improved condition of the Iraqi border, particularly with Syria, where a concrete wall and an advanced electronic surveillance system with over 1,000 thermal cameras have been installed.

In a separate development, Al-Zawraa newspaper reported that a movement is underway to collect parliamentary signatures for the dismissal of Parliament Speaker Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani. This follows Al-Mashhadani’s controversial comments on a television channel, where he described the Iraqi identity as “ridiculous” and criticized the political
process and elections.

In response to the remarks, several MPs, including Mohammed Nouri Aziz, have called for Al-Mashhadani’s dismissal and urged for his evaluation by a medical committee, questioning his mental health. An informal meeting among MPs took place in the parliament cafeteria to discuss the steps needed to proceed with the dismissal.

Meanwhile, Al-Zaman newspaper reported on the severe heat wave affecting Baghdad and other governorates, with temperatures soaring above 50 degrees Celsius. The heat is exacerbated by a worsening water and electricity crisis and limited green spaces, intensifying the challenges faced by citizens during the summer.

Residents have expressed frustration over the lack of green spaces, calling for immediate actions to establish green belts around Baghdad and curtail urban expansions that contribute to climate change. Environmental experts have urged the government to reconsider urban policies, halt investment licenses in green areas, and rejuvenate neglected parks to c
ombat the environmental crisis.

These developments underscore the complex challenges Iraq faces as it addresses security, political, and environmental issues simultaneously.