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)

Mar 30, 2021

U.S. gives Iraq maximum timeframe in sanctions waiver extension

Biden administration grants Iraq another 120 days to purchase gas and power from Iran as it continues to build out alternative supplies for vital energy needs.

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.