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)

Oct 20, 2019

As protesters regroup, government faces pivotal test

Widespread demonstrations are expected to resume this week, posing a challenge to a government whose recent crackdowns have undermined its standing with citizens and religious authorities.

Oct 18, 2019

Iraq braces for Syria fallout

Refugees are already crossing the border and Iraqi security forces are contingency planning for a revived Islamic State insurgency.

Oct 16, 2019

Ismaael removed as head of Basra Oil Company

One of Iraq's top oil leaders has been dismissed, as the Cabinet enacts orders to replace dozens of directors general.

Oct 16, 2019

UPDATE: Iraq gets another Iran sanctions waiver from Washington

The State Department approved another 120 days exempting Iraq from U.S. sanctions on Iran, just before a prior waiver was set to expire.

Oct 16, 2019

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Oct. 15, 2019

Whenever the media office of the Council of Ministers releases decisions of the Cabinet, Iraq Oil Report publishes a translation from the original Arabic.

Oct 10, 2019

Q&A: Zuhair Mouhsin al-Araji, mayor of Mosul

Iraq's second-largest city is rebuilding, neighborhood by neighborhood, despite an uncertain trickle of government funding and fluctuations in political leadership.

Oct 10, 2019

Q&A: Mansour Mareed Attia, governor of Ninewa province

Five months into his tenure, the new governor discusses the status of Mosul reconstruction, security, and energy sector investment.

Oct 9, 2019

UPDATE: Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Oct. 8, 2019

Whenever the media office of the Council of Ministers releases decisions of the Cabinet, Iraq Oil Report publishes a translation from the original Arabic.

Oct 9, 2019

War-weary provinces quiet during protests

Residents of Anbar and Ninewa feel solidarity with protesters denouncing the Iraqi government's chronic failures, but after years of trauma, they aren't staging demonstrations.

Oct 8, 2019

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Oct. 5, 2019

Whenever the media office of the Council of Ministers releases decisions of the Cabinet, Iraq Oil Report publishes a translation from the original Arabic.