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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)
Jul 14, 2011

Unresolved disputes mar Iraq-Kuwait relations

Tensions rise between Iraq and Kuwait – and among Iraqi politicians – over outstanding Saddam-era reparations, border negotiations, alleged oil theft, and Gulf port development plans.

Jul 14, 2011

The bill pushers

After more than four years of delay, the heads of the Cabinet and Parliament energy committees appear serious about legislation, despite differing views.

Jul 13, 2011

Analysis: Iraq lacks energy strategy

A new deal to build a gas import pipeline from Iran reveals Iraq's failure to build a comprehensive energy strategy, writes former oil minister Issam Chalabi.

Jul 7, 2011

Oil experts debate a new state oil company

Two ex-oil ministers favor it, the current oil minister opposes it, but a hearing this week over a new Iraqi National Oil Company indicates Parliament may be serious about legislating.

Jul 1, 2011

Progress on two key oil laws

Iraq's long-delayed laws to govern the oil sector and restart the national oil company will receive hearings next week.

Jun 1, 2011

Oil workers face retribution

The Iraqi government is imposing fines and forced relocations on oil unionists who have rallied workers for improved conditions.