Interviews

Q&A: Muntaser Kadhim Haloub, deputy director general of the South Refineries Company

Southern Iraq's refining sector is expanding, creating a better supply of high-quality fuels and rising demand for crude feedstock.

Muntaser Kadhim Haloub, deputy director general for technical affairs at the South Refineries Company, at his office in Basra in February 2026. (ALI AL-AQILY/Iraq Oil Report)

Nov 25, 2011

Q&A: Barham Salih

Shortly after signing watershed deals with ExxonMobil, the KRG's prime minister discusses the resource curse, the U.S. withdrawal, and the future of Kurdistan's oil sector.

Nov 22, 2011

Q&A: Genel Energy’s Tony Hayward and Mehmet Sepil

The leaders of the new Genel Energy talk to reporters about prospects in KRG and beyond, life with Exxon, and sanctity of their deals.

Nov 15, 2011

Q&A: Ashti Hawrami

The Minister of Natural Resources for the Kurdistan region of Iraq talks about the ExxonMobil deal, prospects for the oil law, and refining policies.

Oct 28, 2011

Q&A: Anbar Governor Qasim Abid

The governor of Iraq's largest province talks about security amidst U.S. troop withdrawal and Syrian violence while multiplying energy sector investment.

Oct 26, 2011

Q&A: Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi

As the U.S. military prepares to withdraw, one of Iraq's vice presidents says the country's top security priorities include not only military restructuring but also investment and economic development.

Sep 23, 2011

Q&A: Shell’s Iraq VP Hans Nijkamp

The head of Shell's Iraq operations discusses the criticism of its multi-billion-dollar gas deal, the status of its oil field development, and its long-term strategy.

Sep 21, 2011

Q&A: Lukoil’s Vitaly Novozhilov

Lukoil's deputy director in Basra discusses associated gas, community engagement, and production schedules; says West Qurna 2 is on track for 2013 startup.

Jun 30, 2011

Q&A: The World Bank’s Stephen Rimmer

The private sector development specialist recommends reforms for Iraq to open its markets to foreign and Iraqi private investment.

May 24, 2011

Q&A: Exxon’s Iraq chief James Adams

With the West Qurna 1 oil field ahead of schedule, the head of ExxonMobil’s Iraq operation discusses the status of the project and the challenges ahead.

Apr 21, 2011

Q&A: Joost Hiltermann

The International Crisis Group's Iraq expert talks about the future of U.S. troops, the gap in security in northern Iraq, and what responsibility is on the shoulders of the country's politicians.