Conflict and drought ravage prized date palms across Iraq

BASRA, Iraq - Sweet Iraqi dates adorn tables in homes across the country, but the fruit tree and national symbol has come under threat from conflict and crippling drought.

Shopping in the southern city of Basra, Leila only buys "the queen of dates" - those produced in the surrounding province.

Her husband Mehdi, 68, said the couple have the sweet fruit "every lunchtime, and also for snacks between meals".