Interviews

Q&A: Ali Shaddad al-Faris, MP and spokesperson for the Parliament Oil and Gas Committee

Longtime energy MP talks about U.S. pressure on Baghdad and Erbil, the blame he places on KRG oil tactics, and the upside of the sitting oil minister entering elections.

Ali Shaddad al-Faris, member of the Parliament Oil and Gas Committee. (ALI AL-AQILY/Iraq Oil Report)

Nov 1, 2012

Q&A: Chief auditor and acting Central Bank head Abdulbasit Turki Saeed

In his first interview as interim head of the Central Bank, Iraq's lead auditor discusses the new KRG-Baghdad export agreement, as well as his priorities for the CBI.

Oct 22, 2012

Q&A: Iraq analyst Raad Alkadiri

A widely sought consultant and veteran Iraq observer, Raad Alkadiri shares his insight into the effect of the country's political crises on oil investment.

Oct 9, 2012

Q&A: IEA Chief Economist Fatih Birol

The principal author of the IEA's exhaustive new report on Iraq discusses why he believes the country will drive the growth of world energy supplies for decades.

Aug 16, 2012

Q&A: KAR Group President Baz Karim

KAR has restarted Khurmala Dome exports, is about to launch 3-D seismic, and is finishing new domestic oil and gas pipelines.

Jun 29, 2012

Q&A: Shell Iraq’s Hans Nijkamp

The head of Shell's projects in Iraq discusses the buildup of Majnoon, the reduction of flaring in Basra, and payments for West Qurna 1.

Jun 15, 2012

Q&A: Hussain al-Shahristani

The deputy prime minister for energy discusses energy relations with Turkey and Iran, the deadlock with the KRG, and the reasons that IOCs shied away from the fourth bidding round.

Jun 14, 2012

Q&A: Ninewa Gov. Atheel Nujaifi

The powerful Mosul leader wants to move past the days of al-Qaida, and is demanding help from Baghdad, Kurdistan, Turkey and Exxon to get there.

May 10, 2012

Q&A: Ashti Hawrami Part 3

Kurdistan's top oil official makes the case for his region's right to export oil independently.

May 8, 2012

Q&A: Ashti Hawrami Part 2

The head of KRG oil policy details his interpretation of the Constitution and how it applies to his oil deals, the oil deals of Baghdad, and the delayed oil law.

May 4, 2012

Q&A: Ashti Hawrami

Kurdistan's Minister of Natural Resources explains the history of the semi-autonomous region's export deal with Baghdad, why it all fell apart, and what it will take to re-start.