Flag of Iraq

Transforming Lives

Council of Representative members analyze reports submitted to the Ministry of Finance in the auditing module of the fiscal mana

Recognizing the need for improved governance, several members of Iraq’s Council of Representatives (COR) volunteered to take a comprehensive fiscal management course to prepare for the country’s new government, which was approved by Parliament in late 2010. The class, presented by USAID’s Legislative Strenghtening Program, used international standards to teach lawmakeers good governance skills in four crucial areas: oversight, auditing, accounting, and budgeting. Each module used texts and toolkits to present internationally recognized best practices so the concepts could be adapted for Iraq and be put into action.

Fresh Date Exports End 20-Year Lull

 The first shipment of Iraqi dates in two decades was flown to London in September 2010 under the auspices of USAID/Iraq’s agribusiness program.  The project promises renewed export prospects for Iraq’s fresh and processed foo

Kirkuk beekeeper Mostafa Arouan Medhat

Finding that first job always is difficult for young adults.  It’s especially difficult in Iraq where adults face 13 to 30 percent unemployment depending upon the community.

Reber Najat Taha, founder and president of the Green Company based in northern Iraq

Reber Najat Taha was a medical school student well on his way to becoming a physician when he had an epiphany.

Gypsies Unite to Prioritize Their Needs

The 1,300 gypsies of Al-Zuhoor Village are among the most vulnerable minorities in Iraq’s southern Diwanyah Province.  They have faced discrimination since arriving in the 1920s.  In 2004, their village was razed by the Jaysh al-Mahdi militia, who bulldozed their mud-brick homes and the leveled the school.

Pages