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)

Nov 4, 2020

KDP-PKK conflict intensifies near Kurdistan oil fields

An attack near the Swara Tika and Atrush oil fields comes a week after a pipeline explosion blamed on the PKK, and as Turkey pressures leaders in Erbil and Baghdad to confront the guerrilla group.

Oct 14, 2020

Iraq outlines financial crisis response plan

Emergency measures include $35 billion in new borrowing, a total overhaul of the economy, and the potential devaluation of the Iraqi dinar.

Oct 6, 2020

Facing liquidity crisis, Iraq presses for more emergency borrowing

If the Parliament does not pass a new stop-gap financing law, the government says it cannot fund basic expenses including civil servant salaries.

Oct 2, 2020

Analysis: U.S. second-guesses its Iraq strategy

Strong commercial ties were at the center of the U.S.-Iraq strategic dialogue. Now, with a threat to close its Baghdad embassy, the U.S. is casting doubt on the future of the bilateral relationship.

Sep 28, 2020

Iraq seeks another emergency financing law as 2020 budget stalls

Cabinet considers new borrowing legislation to fund massive deficits after political headwinds stopped attempts to pass a full 2020 budget.

Sep 23, 2020

UPDATE: New 60-day sanctions waiver reflects ongoing U.S.-Iraq tension

When Mustafa al-Kadhimi took office, the U.S. granted Iraq a relatively long 120-day Iran sanctions waiver. That diplomatic honeymoon could be ending.

Sep 21, 2020

Iraq joins global vaccine alliance as cases rise

As a new member of the COVAX facility, Iraq secures access to future vaccines — but in the meantime, other measures are needed to avoid a winter spike.

Sep 20, 2020

Oil minister reshuffles Basra Oil Co. and other posts

New leadership for Iraq's largest state-run oil company, as well as the Iraqi Drilling Company and the Oil Ministry's Technical Directorate.

Sep 20, 2020

Should-be allies remain rivals in Iraq’s disputed territories

Power struggles between factionalized security forces in northern Iraq have left security gaps that insurgents continue to exploit.

Sep 14, 2020

UPDATE: Cabinet authorized Ismaael to lead national oil company

Advisors close to Prime Minister Kadhimi are elevated to top executive positions over economic and security issues.