The story: A dream of Iraqi city planners since the 1980s, long-stalled plans for a metro system in Baghdad have received a shot in the arm with major funding. Proponents of the expansive scheme have touted it as emblematic of Iraq’s development renaissance, and an elegant solution to the capital’s congestion woes. However, critics charge that the venture is little more than political theater given potentially overambitious goals and lack of transparency. 

The coverage: Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Shia’ Al-Sudani on July 25 announced a revamped proposal for the stalled Baghdad Metro scheme after a meeting with a consortium of European and Turkish...