Politics

Baghdad court rejects Oil Ministry effort to invalidate KRG oil contracts

The Karkh Court of Appeals has denied an Oil Ministry appeal and reversed a series of 2022 rulings that declared several KRG oil contracts void.

Workers measure the pressure at the Central Processing Facility at the Tawke oil field in Iraqi Kurdistan in August 2012. (SEBASTIAN MEYER/Metrography/Iraq Oil Report)

Mar 19, 2021

Q&A: Ninewa Gov. Najim al-Jibouri

The military commander-turned-governor says Mosul has largely succeeded in re-establishing security — but lagging support from Baghdad is hurting the local economy, including energy investment.

Mar 16, 2021

Q&A: PUK Co-President Lahur Talabany

The co-leader of Kurdistan's second-largest party discusses politicized oil policies, factionalized leadership, security risks, and Iraq's national budget.

Feb 24, 2021

Q&A: Dr. Reyadh Abdul Amir, head of Iraq’s coronavirus vaccine program

The Health Ministry's vaccine chief discusses efforts to obtain and administer doses, as well as the potential for a future "vaccine passport" policy.

Feb 23, 2021

Iraq’s vaccine program races against worsening pandemic

First shipments of three different vaccines are expected imminently, but limited supply and rising infection rates mean other new pandemic counter-measures are also needed.

Feb 5, 2021

Q&A: Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ali Allawi

Iraq's top economic and energy leader discusses OPEC policy, forward oil sales, gas projects, economic reforms, and more.

Jan 29, 2021

In pursuit of reforms, Kurdistan drafts regional budget

For the first time in seven years, the KRG is preparing its own regional budget law — a process that is highlighting the stakes of ongoing negotiations with Baghdad.

Jan 28, 2021

Iraqi Oil Minister takes hardline stance as Turkey arbitration decision looms

If successful, Baghdad could potentially win tens of billions of dollars in damages and undermine Kurdistan’s ability to export oil independently via Turkey.

Jan 21, 2021

Iraq postpones elections, haunted by 2018 debacle

Early elections have been pushed from June to October as the UN presses Iraq to avoid the disastrous mismanagement that undermined the last national vote.

Jan 4, 2021

Iraq receives 90-day Iran sanctions waiver from outgoing U.S. administration

Trump administration had been more aggressive on Iraq's energy deals with Iran, issuing a 45-day waiver in November.

Jan 4, 2021

UPDATE: Kamal al-Atroshi approved as Kurdistan’s oil minister

KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani was acting head of the Ministry of Natural Resources since mid 2019, when longtime minister Ashti Hawrami was moved to a senior advisory role.