Interviews

Pre-election Q&A series: Sheikh Burhan Nasser al-Nimrawi, MP from the Taqadum Party

Ahead of a consequential election for Iraq’s energy sector, key political figures give their outlook on the upcoming vote and government-formation process.

Sheikh Burhan Nasser Al-Nimrawi, an MP from the Taqadum Party, led by former Parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi. (Photo courtesy of Burhan Nasser al-Nimrawi)

Aug 16, 2018

Q&A: Sami al-Araji, chairman of the National Investment Commission

The country's top investment official discusses his efforts to follow up the Kuwait reconstruction conference and continue generating interest in Iraq.

Aug 2, 2018

Q&A: Brig. Gen. Ali Hussein Hilal al-Mayahi, director of South Oil Police

As protests re-gain momentum at key oil sites in Basra, Mayahi details the network of government forces providing security and the challenges they face.

Jun 12, 2018

Q&A: Abdul Mahdy al-Ameedi, head of Iraq’s oil contracts

Despite operating under a caretaker Cabinet, the Oil Ministry's contracting chief is trying to sustain momentum on the 5th bidding round and other major projects.

May 22, 2018

Q&A: Gary Vogler

The longest-serving American in Iraq's oil sector gives an insider's account of tactical victories, strategic blunders, and hidden agendas in post-2003 reconstruction.

May 10, 2018

Q&A: Kamaran Barwari, New Generation party leader in Dohuk

One of Kurdistan's new political parties is challenging the ruling KDP in its traditional stronghold of Dohuk.

May 10, 2018

Q&A: Rafat Abdullah, PUK politburo member from Kirkuk

A leading member of the PUK in Kirkuk discusses his expectations for Kurdish electoral turnout in disputed territories and post-election dynamics in Baghdad.

May 10, 2018

Q&A: Karim al-Nouri, candidate with the Fatah list

A senior figure in the Badr Organization running on Hadi al-Amiri's Fatah list discusses his expectations for national elections.

May 9, 2018

Q&A: Zuhair Muhssein al-Araji, mayor of Mosul and parliamentary candidate

The war against IS has created immense, unmet reconstruction challenges - and reshuffled the electoral landscape in Iraq's second-largest city.

May 9, 2018

Q&A: Mohammed Rubaie, candidate on Hikma list

A member of Ammar al-Hakim's newly formed party says they are focusing on the youth vote while attempting to end the Dawa party's hold on the premiership.

May 8, 2018

Q&A: Saad Mutalabi, candidate on Nouri al-Maliki’s list

A member of the State of Law coalition says voters keen on improving the economy will help bring the former PM back to power.