Category: Updates

A Goal 40 Years in the Making

For Iraqis around the world, it was a moment 40 years in the making. In Iraq’s opening match of the 2026 World Cup, Aymen Hussein rose to meet a cross from Amir Al-Ammari and headed the ball into the net against Norway. Iraq ultimately lost the match 4–1, but for Iraqis watching around the world, […]

Ten Key Stories to Watch in Iraq in 2026

As Iraq enters 2026, the country stands at a crossroads marked by political uncertainty, economic fragility, environmental stress, and regional shifts—but also moments of genuine hope. Drawing from our year-end Iraq Briefing (video), here are ten developments that will shape Iraq and the Kurdistan Region in the year ahead, and why they matter. 1. Government […]

Your Impact Across Iraq and Around the World in 2025

As we enter this season of reflection and giving, we are reminded of the unique community—individuals like you—that makes our work possible. From policy professionals and Iraqi Americans to veterans and humanitarians, you are the reason EPIC can stand for peace, government accountability, and climate action in Iraq. The challenges we collectively face are stark. […]

Confronting Iraq’s Water Crisis: Awareness, Action, and the Fight for Every River

A severe water crisis is affecting Iraq. The country faces two interconnected challenges: the decline of its rivers and the growing pollution of the water that remains. EPIC’s response to this complex challenge is twofold: supporting public awareness to strengthen environmental stewardship and supporting practical, locally driven solutions. That is why EPIC is proud to […]

SIX YEARS AFTER TISHREEN: NEW REPORT ON IRAQ’S POPULAR MOVEMENT FOR REFORM

Six years after the Tishreen uprising shook Iraq’s political establishment, the popular struggle for reform continues. In October 2021, EPIC published The Long Game, a groundbreaking study on the birth of this movement. Today, as Iraqis prepare to head to the polls on November 11th, we are proud to release our latest report, which answers […]

Mid-Year Impact: Your Support in Action Across Iraq

In recent days, temperatures in Baghdad have soared to 118°F (47.8°C) as the power grid fails, Basra’s water crisis has left two million people facing toxic salinity, and militias are brazenly trying to undermine government authority. Yet amidst these trials, hope persists. In Sulaymaniyah, 27 orphaned and conflict-affected children are discovering creativity and confidence through […]

The Summer of Hope is fully funded—thanks to YOU!

We are thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of our fundraising campaign to support the Summer of Hope program, providing educational enrichment for 25 conflict-affected children in Sulaymaniyah. Partnering with the Iraqi Children Foundation (ICF), we had a goal of raising $20,000 in order to make this dream a reality. In a time where U.S. […]

Create a Summer of Hope for 25 Orphaned Girls in Sulaymaniyah

In two weeks, twenty-five orphaned and vulnerable girls—ages six to eighteen—are set to begin Artful Mind, an eight-week summer program at the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS). But their summer of healing and growth depends on us. Led by AUIS librarian Halbast Khan and a team of faculty, staff, and student volunteers, Artful Mind transforms empty classrooms into a […]