The World from PRX

A dry, barren field with several tall palm trees and sparse patches of grass under a blue sky with a few clouds.

Iraq sees worst drought in nearly a century

Full Episode
50:35

Water sources dry out near Salah Fareeq Al-Feroun’s farm in Al-Meshkhab, Najaf Province, Iraq, Aug. 30, 2023.

Sara Hassan/The World

In Iraq, 2025 has been the driest year on record since 1933, with water storage levels dropping dramatically. Politicians blame climate change, but there are also other factors at play. And, even as the US slaps hefty tariffs on Chinese goods, the country’s trade surplus is on the rise. Also, after US President Donald Trump shut the door to asylum seekers, many previously hoping for protection in the US have started looking to Mexico, but the country’s asylum system has challenges of its own. Plus, Buenos Aires may have set a new record for the largest-ever gathering of golden retrievers.

In This Episode

For almost 100 years, Iraq has not seen a drought like this one
6:06
China’s trade surplus exceeds $1 trillion
6:30
Fluffy dog overload
0:50
Activist claims victory over use of Blackface in Dutch Christmas tradition
8:17
Asylum seekers turning to Mexico confront an over-burdened system
5:02
Clinical trial of HIV drug brings hope to Uganda
11:35
Ex-president of Honduras is out of prison, but he’s still a wanted man
0:33
The musical journey of Cuban-born pianist
7:44