Brazen attack shows insurgent strength in Iraq oil province

IRAQ-VIOLENCE/POLICE

Insurgents kill 55 at Salahaddin provincial council headquarters, a month after the bombings of a nearby refinery and pipeline.

Luaibi announces Nov bid round, export and production forecasts

Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs Hussain al-Shahristani (L) and Oil Minister Abdul Kareim Luaibi (2nd L) attend the reopening of Beiji oil refinery, 180 km (112 miles) north of Baghdad March 21, 2011. Iraq's largest oil refinery reopened after it was attacked by militants on February 26, 2011. (SABAH AL-BAZEE/Reuters)

Iraq's Oil Minister is pressing ahead with an auction of exploration blocks as the country gears up for big oil output increases amidst soaring oil prices.

Analysis: Iraq energy security turns more on politics than al-Qaida

IRAQ/

A strong rebound from a spate of successful and attempted attacks on the oil sector shows Iraqi security forces may be more capable than elected leaders.

Energy

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Analysis: Iraq's electricity plans

The Al-Quds power plant in northern Baghdad undergoes maintenance. Iraq is struggling to close a wide gap between limited power supply and rising demand. (THAIER AL-SUDANI/Reuters)

Iraq’s electricity plans can address the country’s chronic power problems, says Iraq legal expert David Lockhart – but only if government officials can work together to implement them.

Business

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Interviews

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Interview: Ali Khudhier of South Gas Company

Iraq’s crude oil extraction also produces huge volumes of associated natural gas, half of which is currently burned off as a waste byproduct in flares like these, at the Rumaila oil field in Basra province. (ESSAM AL-SUDANI/AFP/Getty Images)

SGC chief talks about projected increases in gas production, potential export routes, and the ultimatum on Shell’s gas deal.