Iraq's water crisis represents one of the most pressing environmental and socioeconomic challenges facing the country today. This study examines the evolution of water resource problems in Iraq through a comprehensive historical comparison between the pre-2003 period under Saddam Hussein's regime and the post-2003 era following the U.S.-led invasion and subsequent political transformation. The research employs a mixed-method approach, analyzing quantitative data on water flow rates, infrastructure development, and qualitative assessments of policy impacts across both periods. Key findings reveal that while the pre-2003 period was characterized by deliberate environmental destruction, particularly the draining of the Mesopotamian Marshes, and limited upstream dam construction, the post-2003 era has witnessed unprecedented challenges including accelerated upstream damming by neighboring countries, climate change impacts, and institutional fragmentation. Iraq is facing a complex water crisis that is expected to persist. Intake from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers – Iraq's two main sources of water – is decreasing at an unprecedented rate, due to the construction of upstream dams and a prolonged drought. The study demonstrates that current water availability has decreased by approximately 60% compared to historical averages, with the Euphrates experiencing a 73% reduction and the Tigris a 29% reduction during recent drought periods. This research contributes to the understanding of how political transitions, regional geopolitics, and environmental factors interact to shape water security outcomes in post-conflict societies.
Abstract Objective: The underlying molecular basis of ischemic heart diseases (IHDs) has not yet been studied among Iraqi people. This study determined the frequency and types of some cardiovascular genetic risk factors among Iraqi patients with IHDs. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study recruiting 56 patients with acute IHD during a 2-month period excluding patients >50 years and patients with documented hyperlipidemia. Their ages ranged between 18 and 50 years; males were 54 and females were only 2. Peripheral blood samples were aspirated from all patients for troponin I and DNA testing. Molecular analysis to detect 12 common cardiovascular genetic risk factors using CVD StripAssay® (ViennaLab Diagnostics GmbH, Austria) was performed
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