Amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, Arab nations are in the spotlight for various reasons. A small nation like Qatar is putting efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. Recently, because of Qatar’s interference, Hamas released two American hostages. In recent years, Qatar has emerged significantly in the Middle East region, earning its wealth from oil and gas. Because of its oil and gas deposits, Qatar has become one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. Once, a similar position in the region was held by Iraq, but today, the Middle East country struggles for relevance.
The Golden Era Of Iraq
It is noteworthy to note that Iraq was once the centre of the Abbasid Caliphate. Not only was the country a hub of knowledge till the 15 century, flourishing in culture, trade and innovation. Its capital city Bagdad was considered as the most powerful and wealthy city in the Middle East region.
Iraq’s economic performance, as measured by GDP and per capita income, surpassed that of other Middle Eastern countries, while religious extremism was relatively insignificant.
The Rise And Fall Of The Ottoman Empire
From 1534 to 1918, Iraq was under Ottoman rule for centuries. After World War I and the British victory over the Ottomans, the country’s independence was a gradual process marked by British influence. Faisal I’s installation as king in 1921 ushered in an era of instability and resistance. While officially independent in 1932 Iraq faced further economic challenges due to British reoccupation during World War II.
Saddam Hussein’s Ascension To Power
When the British left Iraq, the political instability in the country continued for years. In 1962, a military coup led by Brigadier Abdul Karim Qasim ended Iraq’s monarchy, yet the country continued to experience internal conflicts. Amid all this, Saddam Hussein emerged as a key figure in the country and became president in 1979. Under Hussain’s rule, Iraq witnessed some stability.
The U.S. Invasion and Iraq’s Fall
Iraq, already fragile from previous conflicts, experienced a further devastating blow with the 2003 US invasion, justified by allegations of weapons of mass destruction. The swift US victory resulted in the occupation of major Iraqi cities within three weeks. Saddam Hussein’s execution in 2006 concluded this period, leaving Iraq significantly weakened and struggling with the long-term consequences of sustained conflict and widespread damage.
Strongest Muslim Country
Last year, Turkey was considered the most influential Islamic nation. It holds a weighted average rank of 5.2 across several indicators in the world. Turkey has also emerged as a major player in the defence export. Between the years 2014 to 2023, the defence exports of the country almost tripled, resulting in an eleventh-place global ranking. Furthermore, Turkey’s economy showed strong growth, with a 5.7percent year-over-year increase in GDP during the first quarter of 2024.
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