Rawah District (Arabic: قضاء راوة) is a district located in the [[Anbar Governorate]], [[Iraq]]. It is situated along the [[Euphrates River]] in the western part of the country. Its administrative center is the city of [[Rawah (city)|Rawah]].
Geography
Rawah District occupies a strategic position on the northern bank of the Euphrates River, approximately 280 kilometers (174 miles) northwest of [[Baghdad]]. The district's landscape is predominantly desert, characterized by arid plains and wadis, with the fertile riverbanks providing a crucial agricultural zone. It is bordered by [[Haditha District]] to the east and [[Al-Qa'im District]] to the west. The Euphrates River is the primary water source, supporting irrigation and limited agricultural activities in the region.Demographics
The population of Rawah District is primarily composed of [[Sunni Islam|Sunni]] [[Arabs]]. Specific population figures fluctuate due to internal displacement and regional conflicts, but the district historically has a modest population concentrated around the city of Rawah and smaller settlements along the river.History
Rawah District has a long history as part of the broader Anbar region, which has seen various empires and powers control the area over millennia due to its strategic location along ancient trade routes and the Euphrates.- Modern Era: Following the formation of modern Iraq, Rawah became an administrative district within Anbar Governorate.
- Iraq War (2003-2011): During the [[Iraq War]], the district experienced significant instability and insurgency activities, particularly in the period after the main invasion. Its proximity to the Syrian border made it a corridor for various groups.
- ISIS Control and Liberation: In 2014, Rawah District, along with much of western Anbar, fell under the control of the [[Islamic State of Iraq and Syria]] (ISIS). The group imposed its harsh interpretation of Islamic law and exploited the region's resources. The Iraqi security forces, supported by the [[Popular Mobilization Forces]] and international coalition airstrikes, launched an offensive to liberate the western Anbar region in late 2017. Rawah city and its surrounding district were among the last Iraqi territories to be liberated from ISIS control, with its full liberation announced on November 17, 2017.
Economy
The economy of Rawah District is predominantly agricultural, with residents cultivating crops such as wheat, barley, and various vegetables along the Euphrates River. Fishing is also a traditional occupation. Livestock rearing is common in the more arid areas. Trade, though limited, occurs with neighboring districts. The region faces challenges related to water scarcity, desertification, and the lingering effects of conflict.See also
- [[Rawah (city)]]
- [[Anbar Governorate]]
- [[Euphrates River]]
- [[Al-Qa'im District]]