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 5, 2013

Kurdistan pipeline exports imminent despite Baghdad outcry

With oil filling the KRG's pipeline to the Turkish border, Erbil and Ankara have outlined a mechanism under which exports could start without Baghdad's approval.

Dec 1, 2013

Yildiz meets Shahristani in effort to mend ties

Ankara and Baghdad's top energy officials struck conciliatory tone, but offered few details on how to reconcile over Turkey's solidifying energy alliance with Kurdistan.

Nov 29, 2013

Turkey, Kurdistan cement massive energy deal

In a Nov. 27 meeting between the Turkish and Kurdish prime ministers, the two sides signed several agreements that solidify a major strategic energy alliance.

Nov 27, 2013

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Nov. 26, 2013

Whenever the media office of the Council of Ministers publishes decisions of the Cabinet, Beyond the Headlines features a translation from the original Arabic.

Nov 18, 2013

Kurdistan sets stage for independent exports

The KRG is claiming Iraq's federal government owes $384 billion in reparations payments dating back to 1963 – a vast debt that it aims to recoup through autonomous oil and gas exports.

Nov 14, 2013

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Nov. 12, 2013

Whenever the media office of the Council of Ministers publishes decisions of the Cabinet, Beyond the Headlines features a translation from the original Arabic.

Nov 5, 2013

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Nov. 4, 2013

Whenever the media office of the Council of Ministers publishes decisions of the Cabinet, Beyond the Headlines features a translation from the original Arabic.

Oct 23, 2013

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Oct. 22, 2013

Whenever the media office of the Council of Ministers publishes decisions of the Cabinet, Beyond the Headlines features a translation from the original Arabic.

Oct 10, 2013

Budget battles begin

Iraq's prime minister and his top energy deputy appear to disagree about whether the 2014 budget law should punish Kurdistan for its shut-in of oil exports this year.

Oct 6, 2013

New gas pipeline reinforces Turkey-KRG ties

Turkey is building a pipeline to the Iraqi border – paving the way for natural gas imports and marking a step forward in its energy partnership with Kurdistan.