AI Regulation in Iraq: Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission opened public consultation on a draft regulatory framework for AI services, covering data protection, security, transparency, and support for innovation (comments due within 30 days from Sept. 23). Higher Education Governance: Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government reached a preliminary deal to establish Khanaqin University under federal authority, with the university president required to be from Khanaqin and current admissions continuing until formal steps finish. Energy & Industry Tech: Basra’s 4th International Exhibition for Oil, Gas, Energy and Petrochemicals wrapped up with about 300 companies from 18 countries, highlighting AI-driven exploration tools, asset integrity services, and third-party engineering certification (TÜV Rheinland). Smart City Waste Tech: Iraq rolled out its first smart pneumatic waste collection system with Spanish backing, aiming to modernize municipal services. Archaeology Under Pressure: A new study says Syrian archaeologists rescued about 30,000 artifacts from the Deir ez-Zor Museum during ISIS threats, stressing how wartime heritage protection depends on fast decisions and institutional resilience. Regional Mobility Hit by Sanctions: US sanctions targeting Iran’s aviation sector are disrupting flights, pushing travelers toward overland routes and raising risks for Iraqi-Iran air links. KRI Tech & Transport: KRI launched a biometric traffic system, moving toward more automated identity checks in road management.