Washington D.C. - May 2, 2009- Press Office - Embassy of Iraq to the United States of America

EMBASSY OF IRAQ PARTICIPATES IN PASSPORT DC

On Saturday, May 2, the Embassy of Iraq was one of thirty embassies that opened its doors to the public as part of Passport DC.

 The Embassy treated guests to a variety of activities and cultural experiences. Throughout the building different rooms were dedicated to teaching visitors about Iraq’s rich history and culture. In the antiquities room guests learned about Iraqi art and history while getting a firsthand look at some ancient Sumerian artifacts over 3,000 years old. Downstairs visitors could learn more about the Assyrian and Kurdish communities while sampling Iraqi food, listening to an Iraqi singer, and even learning a few dance steps.

 The event was a success. Over the course of the day over 1,500 people visited the Embassy. The feedback the Embassy received from those who visited was overwhelmingly positive; guests appreciated getting a firsthand look inside the Embassy.  

 The event provided an excellent opportunity for members of the public to learn more about Iraq and meet the Embassy’s staff, including the Ambassador who was there to greet guests and share his knowledge. This is the second year that the Embassy of Iraq has participated in the event and the embassy looks forward to participating again next year.

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Washington D.C. - March 10, 2009- Press Office - Embassy of Iraq to the United States of America

THE EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF IRAQ CELEBRATES IRAQI WOMEN'S DAY

On Monday, March 9, the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq hosted a reception in observance of International Women’s Day. The Embassy celebrated the achievements of women from Iraq and around the world with food, music and cultural activities, including a fashion show of traditional women’s dress from the various regions of Iraq.

Ambassador Sumaida’ie welcomed attendees to the event with a speech acknowledging the importance of women in society and paying tribute to the recent recipients of the International Women of Courage Award. This year an Iraqi woman was among the awardees who hailed from Yemen, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Guatemala, Malaysia, Russia and Niger.

Iraqi Women’s Day was an excellent opportunity to pay tribute to the vital role of women in Iraqi society. Women have long played an important role in Iraq’s history and public life. They have participated in the workforce as doctors, lawyers, teachers, laborers and police officers. They have been activists, participating in a long legacy of campaigning for the rights of women. Historically, women in Iraq enjoyed increased rights long before their neighbors in the region. 

Iraqi women are constantly emerging as an important and dynamic political force. But despite the great progress they have made in recent years they still face obstacles to achieving full equality. In today’s Iraq, women are too often silent victims, bearing the brunt of conflict. Women’s Day was an opportunity to honor these unsung heroes who have long been the backbone of Iraqi society, and who will play a crucial role in Iraq’s future still to come.  

Washington D.C. - February 07, 2009- Press Office - Embassy of Iraq to the United States of America

THE PROMISE IN IRAQ'S REBIRTH, ARTICLE BY H.E. AMBASSADOR SAMIR SUMAIDAIA'E

WASHINGTON- When the United States went into Iraq in 2003, Americans had a very limited understanding of the country. Political pundits tended to reduce Iraq to neat categories: an oppressed Shiite majority; a Sunni minority linked to Saddam Hussein's regime; and the Kurds, who had no interest in remaining in Iraq. The strife between these supposedly monolithic communities was often portrayed as permanent and violent....(full Article...)

Washington D.C. - February 04, 2009 - Press Office - Embassy of Iraq to the United States of America

IRAQI EMBASSY HOSTS CULTURAL NIGHT FOR THINGS TO DO DC

Washington, DC—On February 4, 2009 the Embassy of Iraq hosted Things To Do DC at the Embassy’s Consular building on P Street for an evening of Iraqi culture. The event was an excellent opportunity for members of the public to learn more about Iraq and the Iraqi Embassy. Guests at the event enjoyed traditional Iraqi food, drinks, music, artwork and a presentation on Iraqi history and culture. About 150 people attended the event. Ambassador Sumaidaie welcomed the attendees to the embassy and gave a brief speech on some of the contemporary topics concerning Iraq today.Things to Do DC  is the premiere organization for socializing and networking in DC, producing a host of social and cultural events for the area’s young professionals.

Washington D.C. - November 04, 2007- Press Office - Embassy of Iraq to the United States of America

 IRAQ AMBASSADOR TALKS OF NATION'S PAST, FUTURE

 WILLIAMSBURG — - Growing up in Baghdad, Samir Shakir Mahmood Sumaida'ie watched his country go from progressive to oppressive. Who better to explain the plight of the most talked about country than from a man who was born there and who now serves as the first Iraqi ambassador to the United States. ( details...)