A constitutional conflict between Iraq’s legislative and executive branches appears to be brewing, and oil legislation is at the center of the storm.
Despite the Iraqi Parliament's opposition to new oil deals, the Kurdish region has signed production contracts with U.S. and Irish oil firms.
The Oil Ministry has scheduled its fourth bidding round for Jan. 25 or 26, despite parliamentary opposition, and will release the list of pre-qualified companies next week.
Oil ministers from the three countries agreed in principle to pipe Iranian gas to Iraq and Syria, and eventually to Europe.
Tensions rise between Iraq and Kuwait – and among Iraqi politicians – over outstanding Saddam-era reparations, border negotiations, alleged oil theft, and Gulf port development plans.
After more than four years of delay, the heads of the Cabinet and Parliament energy committees appear serious about legislation, despite differing views.
A new deal to build a gas import pipeline from Iran reveals Iraq's failure to build a comprehensive energy strategy, writes former oil minister Issam Chalabi.
Two ex-oil ministers favor it, the current oil minister opposes it, but a hearing this week over a new Iraqi National Oil Company indicates Parliament may be serious about legislating.
Energy committee calls for nationwide moratorium on oil and gas deals until delayed hydrocarbons law is passed.
Iraq's long-delayed laws to govern the oil sector and restart the national oil company will receive hearings next week.
