Politics

Government formation stalemate deepens

Nouri al-Maliki's path to the premiership becomes increasingly unlikely as political power brokers struggle to contend with U.S. opposition and regional uncertainty.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani (left) and former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki (right) meet on Feb. 11, 2026 in Baghdad. (Photo credit: Prime Minister's Office)

Jul 7, 2011

Oil experts debate a new state oil company

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.

Jul 4, 2011

Parliament pressing for oil deal ban

Energy committee calls for nationwide moratorium on oil and gas deals until delayed hydrocarbons law is passed.

Jul 1, 2011

Progress on two key oil laws

Iraq's long-delayed laws to govern the oil sector and restart the national oil company will receive hearings next week.

Jun 9, 2011

Shahristani leads government charge into summer

The deputy prime minister for energy preempts critics in a televised cabinet meeting intended to be a confidence builder at the government's 100 day deadline.

Jun 1, 2011

Oil workers face retribution

The Iraqi government is imposing fines and forced relocations on oil unionists who have rallied workers for improved conditions.

May 17, 2011

Oil Ministry, Parliament battle over fourth bid round

Luaibi rejects Parliament committee's demands to delay January bid round for exploration deals.

May 10, 2011

Oil workers protest in Basra

Workers threaten strike, mass May 25 protest following repeated claims to better pay.

May 6, 2011

Baghdad pays KRG contractors

In a step forward for Baghdad-Erbil relations, the central government has paid Kurdish oil contractors for the first time.

Apr 28, 2011

The four-year plan

The Iraqi Oil Ministry's four-year plan, unveiled but not reproduced in February, available here only to Iraq Oil Report subscribers.

Apr 26, 2011

More details, delay for Iraq 4th bidding round

A fourth auction of hydrocarbons projects, this time for exploration blocks, will take place in January not November for dozens of pre-qualified International Oil Companies.