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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)
Dec 9, 2009

Official electoral coalitions list released

Iraq's electoral commission releases the official listing of coalitions standing in the March 7 national election, which will be a tense vote and contentious attempt to form the next government.

Dec 8, 2009

Election delayed until March 7

After tough election law bout in Parliament and a second veto by VP Hashimi averted at the 11th hour, Iraqi voters will have their say in March, only two months late.

Dec 8, 2009

Not done yet

Iraqi government spokesman talks about dispute with the Kurds, Kuwait and the post-election legitimacy of the oil deals signed with foreign companies.

Dec 3, 2009

Remains of the dictator

Iraq Oil Report talks to members of Saddam Hussein’s tribe – some accused of recent violence – about the role of foreign oil companies and investment.

Dec 2, 2009

The Kirkuk timebomb’s timeline

Highlights of the low points in the multi-generational fight over Kirkuk between Iraqi Arabs and Kurds, from genocide to legislative deadlock.

Nov 25, 2009

January election in doubt

Stalled law governing the vote delays electoral commissions efforts to prepare, making Jan. 18 date more and more unlikely, as political tensions heat up.