Interviews

Q&A: Bassim Mohammed Khudair, Deputy Oil Minister for Upstream

Iraq's top upstream oil official confirms that production, curtailed by war, is ready to surge back online — but only once ships can reliably resume Basra Gulf export loadings.

Deputy Oil Minister Bassim Mohammed Khudair (center) and Basra Oil Company Director General Bassim Abdul Karim (right) tour part of the Ratawi project led by TotalEnergies in February 2026. (Photo credit: Oil Ministry)

May 10, 2019

Q&A: Hossam Hussein Wali, director general of the South Refineries Company

Iraq's largest refinery is set to expand by over 30 percent this year.

May 8, 2019

Q&A: Nick White, acting deputy GM of Rumaila

Rumaila produces one-third of Iraq's oil, and it's poised to grow — if it can get enough water and related infrastructure approved and in place.

Apr 24, 2019

Q&A: Fatih Birol, head of the International Energy Agency

After spearheading a major new survey of Iraq’s energy sector, the IEA’s executive director previews his key insights and policy recommendations.

Apr 16, 2019

Q&A: Bahaa Nima Abid, acting director of the Siba gas field

The first of federal Iraq's three gas fields awarded in a 2010 bidding round is now nearly ready for commercial production, helping the country become a sustainable producer of electricity.

Apr 10, 2019

Q&A: Ihsan Ismaael, Basra Oil Company director general

Basra's oil chief discusses efforts to protect Majnoon from flooding, plans for developing new capacity, and the field's place in Iraq's production strategy.

Apr 4, 2019

Q&A: Zardasht Shangali, commander of the YBS (Sinjar Resistance Units)

After deadly clashes with the Iraqi Army, the YBS leader discusses improved security coordination, a strategically important Syrian border crossing, and the future of Sinjar.

Mar 29, 2019

Q&A: Ramesh Valluri, Sonangol’s General Manager for Iraq

Despite security constraints and bureaucratic frustrations, the Angolan firm is bullish on production gains at the Qayarah oil field and is pursuing a nearby refinery project.

Mar 19, 2019

Q&A: Haider al-Abadi, former prime minister of Iraq

Five months after leaving office, Abadi reflects on Iraq's political landscape and his successor's handling of energy sector priorities.

Mar 1, 2019

Q&A: Nazm Dabakh, KRG representative to Iran

After Kurdistan abruptly stopped oil exports to Iran - and then quickly resumed them - the KRG's emissary to Tehran discusses bilateral relations in the age of renewed U.S. sanctions.

Feb 11, 2019

Q&A: Jabar Yawar, secretary general of the KRG Ministry of Peshmerga

Baghdad and KRG leaders are pursuing renewed security cooperation to defuse tensions in disputed territories and combat a persistent insurgency.