Politics

Zaidi takes power, Khudair confirmed as oil minister

Parliament has approved a majority of Cabinet posts as Ali al-Zaidi becomes Iraq's next prime minister and Bassim Khudair rises from deputy minister to oil minister.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi (standing, left) addresses the Parliament following the confirmation of several Cabinet ministers, including Oil Minister Bassim Mohammed Khudair. (Photo credit: Iraqi Parliament)

Aug 18, 2011

Parliament oil law creates contract review process

The Iraq oil law proposed by the Parliament creates a politicized board for reviewing old oil contracts and a new council for setting policy, according to the draft obtained by Iraq Oil Report.

Aug 17, 2011

Oil law walkout

The oil law is postponed again, awaiting political deal after Maliki MPs walked out during first reading, saying they needed more time.

Aug 3, 2011

Southern oil provinces vie for autonomy

Citing impatience with the central government, leaders in Iraq’s richest oil provinces have taken early steps towards combining into a semi-autonomous southern region.

Aug 2, 2011

Analysis: Oil law scuffle tests Parliament’s power

A constitutional conflict between Iraq’s legislative and executive branches appears to be brewing, and oil legislation is at the center of the storm.

Jul 29, 2011

KRG signs deals as oil development continues

Despite the Iraqi Parliament's opposition to new oil deals, the Kurdish region has signed production contracts with U.S. and Irish oil firms.

Jul 27, 2011

Iraq sets January bidding round date, amidst delays

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.

Jul 27, 2011

Iraq negotiates new gas pipeline with Iran, Syria

Oil ministers from the three countries agreed in principle to pipe Iranian gas to Iraq and Syria, and eventually to Europe.

Jul 14, 2011

Unresolved disputes mar Iraq-Kuwait relations

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.

Jul 14, 2011

The bill pushers

After more than four years of delay, the heads of the Cabinet and Parliament energy committees appear serious about legislation, despite differing views.

Jul 13, 2011

Analysis: Iraq lacks energy strategy

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.