Mesopotamia/Iraq : Land Between Rivers Up For Grabs

 Nadene Goldfoot           Ancient Mesopotamia                                        

Geographical distribution of the Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians would primarily show the region of ancient Mesopotamia, specifically modern-day Iraq, and parts of neighboring countries like Syria and Iran. The map would typically highlight the areas where each civilization flourished and/or exerted influence. 

Mesopotamia's history saw rule by various groups and empires, including the Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, Assyrians, and later, foreign powers like the Persians, Greeks, and Parthians. The region was also ruled by individual dynasties and city-states. 

Some of the important historical Mesopotamian leaders were Ur-Nammu (king of Ur), Sargon of Akkad (who established the Akkadian Empire), Hammurabi (who established the Old Babylonian state), Ashur-uballit I and Tiglath-Pileser I (who established the Assyrian Empire).

A map showing modern-day Iraq and parts of neighboring countries like Syria and Iran would display the political boundaries and geographical features of these areas. Iraq, located in West Asia, is bordered by Turkey to the north, Iran to the east, Syria and Jordan to the west, and Kuwait and Saudi Arabia to the south. The map would also likely include major cities like Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, as well as other key urban centers.                         

Babylon was a significant ancient city in southern Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq), serving as a major cultural and political center. It was located on the Euphrates River, near the modern town of Hillah, about 50 miles south of Baghdad. Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon (604-561 BCE) inherited the Assyrian Empire and thentook over the land of Judah in 597 and 586 BCE and exiled many Jews to Babylon. 

They were joined there by many of the other exiled Jews during the exile pulled byAssyria who rounded up the Jews of the northern 10 Tribes of Jacob who also woundup in Babylon.  Many remained in Babylon when all were freed anyway by Cyrus whosuggested they return to Jerusalem after this 50 year hiatus.  

During the Roman Occupation of Jerusalem, the Babylonian Jews rose against the emperor Trajan but it was supressed by Lucius Quietus in 116 BCE.  The Jews had been under Persian and Parthian rule but allowed a man chosen by the king ofDavid's descent to rule over them. 

Girsu, one of the earliest known cities in the history of humankind, was built by the ancient Sumerians, who between 3,500 and 2,000 BCE invented writing, built the first cities and created the first codes of law. The ancient city was first discovered 140 years ago, but the site has been the target of looting and illegal excavations.

• Iraq's economy is largely dependent on oil revenues, and the country faces challenges in diversifying its economy and improving its infrastructure.
• Infrastructural issues, such as gas explosions, continue to impact the country. 

3. Security Concerns:

• Iraq continues to face security challenges, including the threat of terrorist attacks and armed conflict. 
• The country is working to address the ongoing threat of ISIS and other terrorist groups. 
• There are also reports of attacks on US military bases and other installations in Iraq. 

4. Environmental Degradation and Climate Change:

• Iraq is highly vulnerable to climate change, facing issues like desertification, drought, and sandstorms.
• Environmental pollution and industrial emissions are also a concern. 

5. Social and Human Rights Issues:

• Iraq faces challenges related to human rights, including discrimination against women, LGBT individuals, and religious minorities.
• There are reports of government repression of protesters and arrests of journalists. 
• While the Iraqi government itself is not directly engaged in a state of war or attack against Israel, various Iran-backed militias within Iraq, collectively referred to as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, have launched attacks against Israel. 
  
         Iran was blamed for Iraq's acquisition of arms, missiles and drones.  
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• After October 7, 2023, we see: By November 2023, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq began military operations against Israel, targeting Eilat, the Dead Sea coastline, the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, the Karish gas field, Haifa, Ashdod, Kiryat Shmona, Tel Aviv and in Elifelet with drones and missiles.
• Resource:
• https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/05/14/iraq-new-government-new-legislative-agenda?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=16363698676&gbraid=0AAAAADrFXcj9m_BN9c_4dSZIHSMT7Rk0p&gclid=CjwKCAjwl_XBBhAUEiwAWK2hzq2PvjbAVjITa7zNvW6nCpIZIxZBcAUT-Ypjb3U7D3QHfn7sQ4lG8xoC2FYQAvD_BwE