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)

Feb 20, 2020

Likely next NOC chief versed in northern Iraq complexities

Bashir Murad oversaw fields in the far reaches of northwest Iraq while developing high-level credentials with Baghdad.

Feb 19, 2020

Oil exports into Iraqi Kurdistan give Syrian Kurds a financial lifeline

Over several years, Iraqi Kurdistan has become a key market for Syrian crude and provider of refined fuel – a trade worth tens of millions of dollars per month.

Feb 18, 2020

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Feb. 18, 2020

Whenever the media office of the Council of Ministers releases decisions of the Cabinet, Iraq Oil Report publishes a translation from the original Arabic.

Feb 12, 2020

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Feb. 11, 2020

Whenever the media office of the Council of Ministers releases decisions of the Cabinet, Iraq Oil Report publishes a translation from the original Arabic.

Feb 5, 2020

Gas contract feud highlights Kurdistan’s political rivalries

Unidentified gunmen have impeded trucks from loading LPG from the Khor Mor gas field, after competition between politically connected companies.

Feb 4, 2020

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Feb. 4, 2020

Whenever the media office of the Council of Ministers releases decisions of the Cabinet, Iraq Oil Report publishes a translation from the original Arabic.

Jan 30, 2020

KRG walking a tightrope between US and Iran

A diplomatic balancing act has grown more challenging and risky in the month since Soleimani's assassination.

Jan 29, 2020

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Jan. 28, 2020

Whenever the media office of the Council of Ministers releases decisions of the Cabinet, Iraq Oil Report publishes a translation from the original Arabic.

Jan 24, 2020

Iraq approves all 5th bidding round deals, aims to boost gas supply

With Iranian gas imports dwindling and U.S. sanctions threats looming, Iraq takes steps aimed at quickly addressing both challenges.

Jan 22, 2020

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Jan. 21, 2020

Whenever the media office of the Council of Ministers releases decisions of the Cabinet, Iraq Oil Report publishes a translation from the original Arabic.