Dust storms highlight Iraqi leadership failures as climate crisis worsens

Iraq's most vulnerable citizens are the hardest hit by dust storms, which are growing in frequency and intensity due to both global climate change and government inaction.

Children look at livestock during a sandstorm in eastern Baghdad's al-Futheliyah district on May 23, 2022. (AHMED SAAD/Reuters)

Energy

Oil Ministry puts Gazprom, Dana Gas in legal crosshairs

Baghdad is expanding its campaign to invalidate Kurdistan's oil contracts, filing new cases against the Russian and Emirati companies.

Politics

Political upheaval in Baghdad reverberates across oil sector

In the increasingly chaotic struggle to form a new government, Iraq's oil sector has been both a political battleground and a victim of dysfunctional governance.

Security

Public anger combusts at violent oil field protests

Sunday's clashes at the Halfaya field left 18 security officers injured — highlighting the volatile consequences of government paralysis amidst failing services and high unemployment.

Interviews

Muhammad Fazza Abed, Director of Karbala refinery. (STAFF/Iraq Oil Report)

Q&A: Muhammad Fazza Abed, Director of Karbala refinery

The 140,000 bpd ultra-modern Karbala refinery, federal Iraq's first large greenfield build in decades, is in the final stages of pre-commissioning now and is set for an October startup.