In 2013, we published a peer-reviewed article entitled “Breeding ecology of the Basra Reed Warbler, Acrocephalus griseldis, in Iraq (Aves: Passeriformes: Acrocephalidae)”, written by Omar F. Al-Sheikhly, Iyad Nader, and Filippo Barbanera, in the journal Zoology in the Middle East (Vol 59, Issue 2, 2013).
Following publication, a number of critics raised concerns about the article. It was agreed by all concerned to publish a Debate, as per our policy on Corrections to published articles, so that the critics could publish their views in the journal. This Debate, and the original article, have been made free-to-access, to ensure our readers are properly informed. With publication of the Debate, the matter was considered closed.
Since then, we are aware that criticism of the article has continued, although, to date, no new evidence has been presented to us to justify retracting the article or changing the solution – the published Debate – that was agreed between the authors and the original critics.
We are also aware that criticism has been levelled, not just against the article, but against various individuals and organizations, some of whom had no direct involvement in the publication of the article. In this respect, we note the serious accusations levelled against the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), and against the Chair of COPE Dr Virginia Barbour in particular. We strongly censure these accusations. COPE and Dr Barbour have acted professionally and appropriately at all times in attempting to help achieve a resolution to the concerns raised. COPE is an advisory body and its remit expressly excludes the investigation of individual cases.