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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)

Kuwait targets Iraqi crude

Kuwait Airways is threatening to seize Iraqi assets when UN immunities are lifted in July, to recover $1.2B from Saddam-era theft.

Q&A: Adnan Janabi

An oil industry expert now chairs the Parliament's Oil and Energy Committee. Adnan Janabi talks about short-term priorities for key oil laws and relations between Baghdad and the KRG.

Parliament wants role in Iraqi oil deals

The new chairman of the Parliament Oil and Energy Committee said all of Baghdad's contracts – past and future – should be reviewed, perhaps altered.

Maliki’s office stalling oil company visas

Oil companies say they've been waiting more than a month for visas, threatening critical projects, and the visa purgatory appears to be the prime minister's office.

Political worries realign budget

Iraq’s political leaders have passed a budget that prioritizes social spending and cuts operational and other expenses, after an escalation in pressure from protesters.

KRG financial blackout

The top auditor in the Iraqi government says he's not being allowed access to the KRG's oil and fuel receipts, in possible violation of UN resolutions on Iraq.

Electricity key to keeping power

As protests continue in Iraq, PM Maliki has backed a quick fix to summer power problems, in order to avert blackouts and revolt.