Baghdad: Tuesday’s newspapers highlighted Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s visit to Mosul, emphasizing Iraq’s ongoing reconstruction efforts and the looming threat of water scarcity exacerbated by climate change and reduced water quotas from upstream countries.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the semi-official Al-Sabah newspaper reported that Nineveh Governorate is entering an important phase of urban reconstruction and renewal. During his official visit to Mosul, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani inaugurated the rehabilitated Great Mosque of al-Nuri and its leaning minaret, alongside Al-Sa’a Church for the Dominican Fathers and Al-Tahira Church for the Syriac Catholics, both restored after their destruction by ISIS. These projects are part of a comprehensive strategy to revive Mosul’s cultural and religious heritage, reflecting the government’s commitment to national unity and peaceful coexistence.

The newspaper noted Al-Sudani’s remarks on the historical significance of the Great Mos
que of al-Nuri and Al-Hadba Minaret as symbols of Islamic civilization, resilience, and the preservation of cultural heritage. The reconstruction extends beyond buildings, aiming to restore community spirit and cultural identity while boosting tourism and cultural dimensions.

Al-Sudani praised the efforts of all entities involved in the “Revive the Spirit of Mosul” project, including the United Arab Emirates, UNESCO, the Ministry of Culture, and the Sunni Endowment Office, along with Iraqi and international experts, for their contributions to restoring the buildings with high architectural and artistic standards, maintaining the city’s original character.

According to Al-Zaman (Iraq edition), Iraq is facing a severe water crisis due to climate change and reduced water shares from upstream countries. Prime Minister Al-Sudani has initiated diplomatic and technical efforts with Iran and Turkey to secure increased water releases to meet Iraq’s agricultural, environmental, and social needs.

During a regular mee
ting of the Supreme Water Council, attended by ministers and senior officials, Minister of Water Resources Aoun Thiab presented an assessment of the current water situation. The council explored strategies to safeguard Iraq’s water quota, including modern irrigation technologies, water-conserving agricultural systems, and emergency programs to support farmers.

Meanwhile, Al-Zawraa, published by the Iraqi Journalists Syndicate, reported on a regional workshop titled ‘Parallel Financial Investigation in Corruption Crimes,’ organized by the Federal Commission of Integrity (CoI). Mohammed Ali Al-Lami, head of the CoI, stressed the importance of international cooperation in combating corruption, highlighting successful Arab experiences in prosecuting suspects and the role of academic approaches in prevention and education.