Syrian olive trees put down roots in Kurdish Iraq

Arbil, Iraq (AFP) Sept 8, 2020

Tucked away in the rolling hills of Iraqi Kurdistan is a hidden treasure: tens of thousands of olive trees, thriving in a new homeland after being smuggled from neighbouring Syria. Their branches are heaving with bright purple-black olives ready to be picked. Their caretaker, Syrian Kurdish businessman Suleiman Sheikho, is proud to have brought the olive oil business to Iraq's autonomous