Politics

Iraq grapples with power shortages and Iran sanctions as summer looms

The expiration of a U.S. sanctions waiver on Iranian electricity imports is complicating Baghdad's balancing act between Tehran and Washington, while the government scrambles for power supply ahead of peak demand season.

Workers from the Southern Projects Commission of Iraq's State Company for Oil Projects assemble a pipeline designed to carry regassified LNG imported via the Khor al-Zubair port in Basra to power stations in February 2025. (ALI AL-AQILY/Iraq Oil Report)

Feb 9, 2011

Sadrist block pushes oil to the people

Iraq's most populist political party is proposing that 15 percent of oil revenues go directly to the country's poor, as domestic protests continue amidst a regional upheaval.

Feb 8, 2011

Analysis: Markets moved, but KRG-Baghdad deal not done

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has reportedly agreed to support Kurdistan's oil contracts -- a significant step, but only one of many on the long path to reconciling a years-long dispute.

Feb 3, 2011

KRG field flows to export pipeline

Iraq has taken its first steps towards exporting 100k bpd of oil from the Kurdistan region, though major issues are still unsettled.

Jan 28, 2011

Parliament oil committee named

The new Parliament has approved members to the energy committee, which could shepherd major legislation including the stalled oil law.

Jan 19, 2011

KRG exports to restart after hush agreement

Kurdish exports will resume Feb. 1, but officials on both sides of the KRG-Baghdad divide are keeping quiet about the details.

Jan 11, 2011

The year ahead

From oil policy to politics to security, the events of a momentous 2010 have shaped the agenda for 2011. A briefing for the new year from Iraq Bureau Chief Ben Lando.

Jan 5, 2011

Return of the kingmaker

After four years of self-imposed exile in Iran, radical Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr returns to an Iraqi political scene where his clout has never been greater.

Dec 23, 2010

Luaibi’s time to lead

Abdul Karim Luaibi began his career as a deputy engineer for the South Oil Company, and now takes the helm of the Oil Ministry.

Dec 22, 2010

Maliki starts second term

New Iraqi government faces immediate challenge to keep coalition together, move forward with oil production boost and end oil-related disputes.

Dec 22, 2010

Iraq’s next government

The complete list of Iraq's next government -- so far -- as approved by Parliament on Tuesday, Dec. 21.