Around the World: Iraq

Railroad builders sought

The Iraqi Transport Ministry said yeserday it will invite foreign companies to build a $3 billion rail network around Baghdad, improving freight and passenger connections not just with the rest of the country but also the region.

Iraq's infrastructure, including its railways, are dilapidated after decades of war, sanctions and economic decline but the country hopes its rich oil reserves will enable it to prosper now that the sectarian warfare triggered by the 2003 US invasion is beginning to recede.