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Politics

Iraq grapples with power shortages and Iran sanctions as summer looms

The expiration of a U.S. sanctions waiver on Iranian electricity imports is complicating Baghdad's balancing act between Tehran and Washington, while the government scrambles for power supply ahead of peak demand season.

Workers from the Southern Projects Commission of Iraq's State Company for Oil Projects assemble a pipeline designed to carry regassified LNG imported via the Khor al-Zubair port in Basra to power stations in February 2025. (ALI AL-AQILY/Iraq Oil Report)
Jan 11, 2011

The year ahead

From oil policy to politics to security, the events of a momentous 2010 have shaped the agenda for 2011. A briefing for the new year from Iraq Bureau Chief Ben Lando.

Jan 5, 2011

Return of the kingmaker

After four years of self-imposed exile in Iran, radical Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr returns to an Iraqi political scene where his clout has never been greater.

Dec 23, 2010

Luaibi’s time to lead

Abdul Karim Luaibi began his career as a deputy engineer for the South Oil Company, and now takes the helm of the Oil Ministry.

Dec 22, 2010

Maliki starts second term

New Iraqi government faces immediate challenge to keep coalition together, move forward with oil production boost and end oil-related disputes.

Dec 22, 2010

Iraq’s next government

The complete list of Iraq's next government -- so far -- as approved by Parliament on Tuesday, Dec. 21.

Dec 16, 2010

UPDATE: Kurdish oil demands to Maliki revealed

According to previously undisclosed communiqué, Kurdish leaders want specific oil and revenue laws passed in 2011 and say KRG should decide constitutionality of its oil deals.

Dec 3, 2010

Erbil, Baghdad still at odds over oil

Iraq’s political and fiscal realities appear to be pushing Baghdad closer to its oil rivals in Kurdistan, though the two sides remain wedged apart by both bitterness and key policy differences.