This paper documents Iraq's efforts to conquer the problem of illiteracy brought about by an inadequate educational system, lack of incentive to become literate, low standard of living, and low levels of school attendance. A general historical perspective of education in Iraq and the Arab world is presented followed by a tracing of the history and degree of success of the Iraqi literacy campaign launched by the Baath Socialist Party (BASP) in 1978. Appended are 12 references. (Author/SI)