A description of the role and status of the English language in Iraq begins with an overview of the distribution of English speakers and the most common uses of English. Subsequent sections outline: (1) the use and status of English within the educational system at all levels, including teacher education; (2) the availability of English language materials and resources; (3) the structure of educational administration relating to English instruction; (4) development and planning efforts; (5) English outside the educational system; (6) British, American, and other agency support for English teaching; (7) commercial opportunities relating to the English language; (8) creative writing in English; (9) current research; and (10) other sources of information about the situation. A concluding statement notes that the main weaknesses in the present English teaching situation are the standards of training and performance of English teachers in the schools, especially at the primary level, over-rigid insistence on teaching language forms rather than communication skills, rapidly dating textbooks, lack of ready access to a range of English language materials, and the ban on travel outside Iraq preventing teachers from attending specialized courses, a situation tied to political issues. (MSE)