Salam Zidane

Salam Zidane is an Iraqi journalist specializing in economics. He has written for several local and international media sources such as Al-Jazeera and The New Arab. On Twitter: @salamzaidaniraq

Iraq | Nov 12, 2022

Iraq expands refining capacity to reduce oil product imports

Many of the refineries in Iraq are outdated and operate below capacity.

An Iraqi worker adjusts a control valve at the Daura oil refinery, Baghdad, Iraq, Nov. 5, 2009.

Iraq | Nov 11, 2022

Will Iraq's new government reconsider dinar exchange rate?

A number of leaders of the Coordination Framework, the bloc leading the new Iraqi government, are pushing to increase the value of the dinar in an attempt to support the poor — yet some argue the measure could backfire.

The new Iraqi dinar banknotes are shown ready for distribution at the Bank of Baghdad, as the currency is introduced for the first time, Iraq, Oct. 15, 2003.

Iraq | Oct 21, 2022

How can Iraq help 3.5 million citizens living in urban slums?

The government and parliament in Iraq are working to address the slum housing crisis, facing obstacles and wide social and political opposition.

Iraq | Jun 1, 2022

Climate crisis worsens desertification in Iraq

The Iraqi authorities are warning of the high rate of desertification in the country amid other environmental and economic problems.

Iraq | Mar 29, 2022

Russian invasion of Ukraine has sharp impact on Iraq's economy

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has caused shortages of food in Iraq and forced the government to pay more in gasoline subsidies, but the high price of crude oil plus sanctions on Russia has opened new opportunities for Iraq.

Iraq | Nov 12, 2021

Iraq expands border crossings with Saudi Arabia to boost trade

In the context of strengthening economic relations, Iraq and Saudi Arabia are diversifying their trade outlets, intending to increase trade exchange to more than $3 billion annually.

Iraq | Oct 26, 2021

Iraq opts for clean energy in ambitious energy reform program

Iraq is signing contracts with international companies to produce clean energy in a bid to curb its rising pollution curve.

A municipal worker is lowered after adjusting a solar panel attached to the top of an electricity pylon along the central isle of a main road in Karada district, Baghdad, Iraq, May 24 2008.

Iraq | Jul 22, 2021

Chinese oil companies fill void in Iraq

As major Western oil companies reconsider their positions in Iraq, China is seizing the opportunities offered by their departure.

Iraqi workers walk at the Halfaya oil field near the southern city of Amara on Dec. 12, 2009.

Iraq | Jul 8, 2021

Iraq invests in clean energy

Iraq is investing in clean energy to produce electricity, especially solar energy, which is almost available throughout the year in various regions of the country.

An Iraqi man works at a generator subscription distribution room in Sadr City, east of the capital, Baghdad, on July 2, 2021.

Iraq | Jun 22, 2021

Iraq automates its customs service to reduce corruption at border crossings

The Iraqi government has taken several new initiatives to fight corruption, from automating border crossings, arresting corrupt figures and imposing restrictions on the economic interests of militias and political parties.