![Fireworks light up the sky over the Basra International Stadium during the opening ceremony ahead of the 25th Arabian Gulf Cup's first match between Iraq and Oman in Basra](https://abc17news.b-cdn.net/abc17news.com/2023/01/hypatia-h_16795d12eb5290641438a4460bd69eed-h_f423dbef25e29611c8eb12a6aff4ba38-300-375x225.jpg)
Iraqis celebrate their comeback with soccer tournament after decades of isolation
By Aqeel Najim and Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Iraq is holding its first international soccer tournament in more than four decades, hosting its Gulf Arab neighbors for a two-week competition as it emerges from its worst and longest political deadlock in years. The tournament, analysts say, is a glimmer of hope for a struggling population, but
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