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)

Jan 11, 2013

Baghdad threatens to sue over independent KRG exports

SOMO asserted its exclusive rights over oil sales following the revelation of KRG oil trucking to Turkey, warning violators of impending legal action.

Jan 8, 2013

Iraq names new deputy oil minister

Country faces task of replacing retiring leaders of the oil sector.

Dec 28, 2012

Protests gain ground but foreshadow new sectarianism

Protests sparked by the arrest of Finance Minister Rafa al-Essawi's security staff have grown into anti-government demonstrations that risk reopening destructive Sunni-Shia tensions.

Dec 18, 2012

Q&A: Hussain al-Shahristani

Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister for Energy discusses KRG exports, ExxonMobil's looming deadline, and a new production target to reach by 2017.

Dec 17, 2012

Baghdad targets KRG budget priorities

Amidst rising Kurd-Arab tensions, Prime Minister Maliki's allies are taking aim at Kurdistan's economic imperatives – its share of the federal budget, and funding guarantees for oil contractors.

Dec 5, 2012

Baghdad asserts sovereignty in dispute with Ankara, Kurds

After clearing the Turkish energy minister's trip to Erbil, Baghdad authorities suddenly revoked approval for his flight, highlighting growing tensions with Ankara.

Nov 22, 2012

Draft budget gives less money for Kurdish contractors

In its new draft budget, the federal Cabinet has allocated just $625 million in advance payments for KRG exports – well short of Kurdish expectations.

Nov 20, 2012

Disputed territories flare into violence

After a shootout between Iraqi Army and Kurdish security forces in disputed territories, both sides are mobilizing troops, raising the specter of an escalating civil conflict.

Nov 12, 2012

Beyond the Headlines: Nov. 12, 2012

Details of Garraf worker deaths Kidnapping, violence in Kirkuk Rumaila-Zubair pipeline secured Missan to start demining project

Nov 8, 2012

Turkey preparing major Kurdistan oil entry

In a move that would bolster Kurdish oil autonomy, a new Turkish state company is negotiating with the KRG to take stakes in at least five exploration blocks.