In a recent media report, Iraqi government officials say they want to build a new rail connection to neighboring Turkey. That effort appears to coincide with Iraq’s rebuilding effort in the wake of ISIS destruction in recent years.
The Daily Sabah reports that the Iraq’s transport minister made the announcement about the Iraqi Republic Railways’ expansion plan on television.
The media outlet says that an existing connection with Turkey passes through a corner of Syria and is controlled by a group deemed a terrorist organization by Turkey.
A new rail connection would bypass that portion of Syria and is a high priority infrastructure project for the two countries, according to the Daily Sabah.
Meanwhile, officials in the semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan, in Iraq, are planning on extending rail lines as part of their effort to rebuild.
Media outlet Rudaw.net reports that railroads are a priority for the region and its plans for the next four years. Details on the extent of development or costs were not published.
MARK V – I agree with both your points about Mark Hemphill. I never understood why Mark Hemphill left TRAINS-MAG. TRAINS-MAG is the only publication where anyone notices who is editor. He was good.
What ever became of Mark Hemphill’s effort with the Iraqi railroads? I thought he was the best Trains editor since DPM.
One of the saddest stories of the rail world is the state of railroading in the poorer countries. Passenger in particular. Places like Guatemala and Mexico and Tanzania whose once terrible passenger rail lines have gotten worse or have been abandoned. Is rail (passenger especially) only for the more comfortable countires like Germany or Poland or Italy? You think we have it bad here, try getting around Tanzania …. I heard that story about my friend’s wedding which took place in both Dar es Salaam and Kilamanjaro.
As for the Iraq War(s) I can’t even think about that fiasco. Obama got elected because of his opposition to that war. He promised to bring the troops home. After eight years of Obama and two more of the current guy, the troops are still fighting there and no one has even the slightest idea why. To say nothing of all the other wars Obama started in places like Libya and Niger and central Africa. Fifty years ago, we were horrified to find Richard Nixon had sent troops in Cambodia on the sly. But no one seems to care that Obama (in my mind the reincarnation of Nixon) sent troops to the middle of nowhere in African countries most Americans never heard of.
Is Turkey an ally? Is Iran an enemy? Some countries in the world have come to the realization that their own country is their first priority. Russia and China came to this realization a long time ago. The US and the EU are self destructing, so all other countries have to do is stay out of the way of the collapse. If any wars are to be started, it will be by the US.
If I remember correctly, the Ottoman Turks started many of the Rail lines in the Middle East. With German backing. Standard gauge was 56 1/2″.
You got the makings of a decent rail network in Middle East if talk of connecting Turkey & Iraq with rail connections happens in connection with Iraq and Iran’s plan to rebuild & reconnect their rail network. Not sure if gauges are compatible between the three countries but you do got three countries with the resources & means, size, population to prosper. Strong rail & infrastructure would help in that matter
Iraq’s desire to avoid that part of Syria is probably a good idea, as for the US never starting any wars I believe we started the last war in Iraq. We also invaded Grenada and Nicaragua in the 80’s. Not to mention the numerous involvements in central America as well as the Spanish American war in the late 1890’s
The US has never started any war. We just get involved with good intentions. That is were we fail.