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| anniversary stamp from 2010 of IRR |
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| steam train on a bridge stamp (with a DC3 about to crash?) from 1949 |
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| Baghdad photo taken from an American helicopter on 20 June 2003 |
The Iraqi Republic Railways or IRR system today comprises 1,905 km (1,184 miles) in standard gauge with one international interchange, with the Chemins de Fer Syriens (CFS) at Rabiya. The first railway in what is now Iraq opened in 1914, shortly before the beginning of WW1 which involved the British versus the then Ottoman Empire.
Lines in 2'6" (760 mm) and metre gauge have also been built there (when were they removed?)
Since 1980 there have been wars - the Iraq versus Iran war, two Gulf Wars and the Al Qaeda led Muslim insurgency over the past 10 years - which won't have helped transport infrastructure there generally. However, a high speed line between Baghdad and Basra is contemplated.
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