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 17, 2011

Kurdish flag controversy highlights unresolved disputes

Kurdish-Arab disputes erupted into protests after Prime Minister Maliki banned the Kurdistan Regional Government flag from the contested city of Khanaqin.

Oct 10, 2011

Iraq delays 4th bid round

Oil Ministry moves January auction to March to account for upcoming holidays and need for more planning.

Oct 6, 2011

Exclusive: Iraq’s two oil laws

Iraq Oil Report publishes the full English texts of the two competing oil laws drafted by the Cabinet and the Parliament.

Oct 6, 2011

Analysis: Cabinet oil law asserts executive power

A review of the Cabinet's proposed oil law shows the Maliki administration is angling to keep control centralized in the Oil Ministry.

Sep 28, 2011

Janabi presses oil sector overhaul

Parliament's top oil policymaker outlined his vision for the oil sector, advocating for legislation that would check the Cabinet's power.

Sep 16, 2011

Pipeline dispute belies bigger problems

The Kurdistan region says the North Oil Company can't keep the export line running, but Baghdad says all is well, and a dispute some thought was over is starting again.

Sep 16, 2011

Maliki coalition meets Sadr oil demands

Maliki's political coalition has approved a slate of populist demands issued by Moqtada al-Sadr, underscoring the cleric's growing influence.

Sep 14, 2011

Ministry unveils tough terms for 4th bid round

IOC officials express skepticism as model contract tightens cost-recovery mechanism and gives Oil Ministry the authority to delay production.

Sep 8, 2011

Analysis: Oil law dissent shows cracks in Maliki’s government

The KRG's strident opposition to the Cabinet's draft oil law comes as the prime minister's governing coalition is straining under increasing dissent.

Sep 7, 2011

Iraqi Kurds condemn Baghdad oil law

Accusing Maliki of "authoritarian" and "dictatorial" behavior, Kurdish leaders are moving to undercut the Cabinet's draft oil law and push the Parliament's competing version.