Abstract
<jats:p>The article attempts to analyze some aspects of Iraqi hydropower policy, examine major projects and institutional approaches, and outline challenges and ways to overcome them. It is noted that the period from 1970 to 1990 was the best period for the development of Iraqi water systems. As a result, Iraq's total electricity in 1987 was 8,538 MW. However, the 1990 Gulf War and subsequent events, especially the occupation of Iraq in 2003, interrupted this process. Three main regions of the country are indicated, where Iraq's hydropower projects are mainly concentrated. An analysis of their history allows us to conclude that they are not just engineering projects, but represent a strategic basis for the survival and development of the state, whose fate depends on the availability of water. It is noted that Iraq at this stage of development is faced with the need to reconsider its water priorities. In our opinion, the transition to more flexible water management will have a positive effect on the situation and will facilitate the efforts of the Iraqi authorities to reconstruct and modernize existing facilities. At the same time, the key importance of the foreign policy vector is emphasized, which implies reaching a comprehensive agreement with Turkey and Iran in the area of distribution of water resources in the Euphrates–Tigris river basin.</jats:p>