Interviews

Q&A: Farhan al-Fartousi, director general of the General Company for Ports of Iraq

Iraq is expanding its port capacity, including a fast-track project to import liquefied natural gas in time for this summer's peak electricity demand season.

Farhan al-Fartousi, director general of the General Company for Ports of Iraq, at the company's headquarters at Al-Maqal port in May 2025. (Photo credit: GCPI)

May 24, 2017

Q&A: Falah Alamri, Director General of SOMO

Days before a major meeting among the world's largest oil producers, Iraq's export chief discusses depressed Kirkuk prices and a big plan for marketing Basra crude.

May 9, 2017

Q&A: Deputy Oil Minister Hamid Younis Salih

Iraq's top natural gas official outlines new plans, beyond the scope of Basra Gas Company, to capture associated gas and reduce flaring in southern Iraq.

Apr 25, 2017

Q&A: Sadi Ahmed Pira, PUK politburo member

Unresolved conflicts among Kurdistan's political parties still have the potential to hobble the campaign for an independence referendum.

Apr 19, 2017

Q&A: Kamal Taib Wartyi, head of the KRG Directorate of Taxation

To diversify its revenue streams, Kurdistan is making new efforts to collect taxes - including, potentially, from oil companies.

Apr 13, 2017

Q&A: Deputy Minister for National Security Affairs Akeel al-Saffar

A long-serving Iraq security official discusses the future of the al-Hashid al-Shabi program and outlines a proposal for providing security services to investors.

Apr 12, 2017

Q&A: Ihsan Ismaael, DG of South Gas Company

Iraq is set to increase gas product exports and reach agreements on gas with with IOCs operating southern oil fields, said Ismaael, who is also the chairman of Basra Gas Company.

Apr 6, 2017

Q&A: Handren Mohammed, Kurdistan’s election chief

The head of Kurdistan's elections and referendum commission discusses its arm's length relationship with Baghdad, and the extent of its mandate in disputed Kirkuk.

Mar 13, 2017

Q&A: Oil Minister Jabbar al-Luiebi

Iraq's Oil Minister is bullish on the country's production targets setting another record this year.

Jan 26, 2017

Q&A: Lt. Gen. Mohammed al-Askari, senior Defense Ministry advisor

Gearing up for the security challenges that will come after the Mosul operation, Iraq's military remains optimistic that U.S. support will continue under Trump.

Dec 28, 2016

Q&A: Kirkuk Gov. Najmaldin Karim

Political "chaos" and financial struggles aren't stopping the Kirkuk governor from courting BP and bolstering defenses against the IS group.