The Arabian Gulf Cup is returning to Iraq for the first time since 1979.
Coming less than a month after the Fifa World Cup in Qatar, the tournament in the city of Basra represents another electrifying moment for football fans in the region.
This week on Beyond the Headlines, host Robert Tollast takes a closer look at a historic moment in sport for Iraq — and what it means for the country and the region.
Excitement and pride fill the air in Basra city during football Gulf Cup — in pictures
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Iraqis mingle with fans from other countries during the Arabian Gulf Cup being held in Basra, Iraq from January 6 to 19. All photos: Sinan Mahmoud / The National -
The flags of the eight countries taking part in the tournament are displayed all across the southern port city. Sinan Mahmoud / The National. -
A street vendor sells flags of participating countries at Basra Corniche -
Omani fan Yahya Al Hashemi, 35, poses for a selfie with an Iraqi fan at Basra Corniche -
A statue of the mascot for the 25th edition of the Gulf Cup, Sinbad the Sailor – one of the region's legendary characters -
Omani journalist Salah Al Saadi recording Iraqi girls singing on Basra Corniche -
Football fans crowded the corniche in Basra -
Basra residents are proud to host the tournament after several attempts since 2010, when the security situation started to improve -
Flags of participating countries, hats, sports merchandise and souvenirs are displayed in shops and street stalls in Basra
