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)

Apr 2, 2013

Turkey planning to control Iraqi oil revenue

To facilitate its energy deal with Kurdistan, Turkey could send revenue from Iraq's northern oil exports to an escrow account, guaranteeing money for the KRG – and stirring conflict with Baghdad.

Mar 29, 2013

Turkey, Kurdistan advance energy ties

Turkish and Kurdish leaders have finalized the framework of a massive energy partnership and are poised to begin signing contracts, despite protests from Baghdad and Washington.

Mar 28, 2013

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: March 26, 2013

Each week Beyond the Headlines features a raw translation of the Cabinet decisions, as made public in Arabic by the media office of the Council of Ministers.

Mar 28, 2013

New energy strategy aims to streamline oil sector

Iraq's senior energy policy adviser has completed an ambitious national energy strategy, but political obstacles still loom.

Mar 15, 2013

Spurned over budget, Kurds mull opposition

Kurdish politicians expect to decide whether to withdraw from Maliki government in the next few days.

Mar 14, 2013

As Turkey-Kurdistan deal accelerates, US hits brakes

Top leaders from Baghdad, Ankara, and Erbil are all lobbying the Obama administration for decisive support, as all sides weigh the enormous consequences of a potential energy deal between Turkey and the KRG.

Mar 8, 2013

Budget passes despite Kurdish boycott

With the controversial approval of Iraq's 2013 budget, which allocates just $625 million for KRG oil contractors, Kurdish leaders say it's time for economic independence.

Mar 6, 2013

Kurds, Iraqiya block budget over oil payments

Kurdish legislators rallied allies to block vote on 2013 budget Tuesday, pressuring Baghdad to increase allocations for KRG oil contractors.

Mar 1, 2013

Oil ministers meet, budget deadlock worsens

After a tense face-to-face negotiation between top central government and KRG oil officials, the 2013 budget is more stuck than ever in the conflict over Kurdistan's oil exports.

Feb 28, 2013

Protesting oil workers gain political backing

High-profile Iraqi leaders are speaking up for South Oil Company employees who have been protesting since early February, demanding better treatment and compensation.