Politics

Analysis: Worsening internal rivalries weaken KRG at key political juncture

Conflict between the KDP and PUK has driven dysfunction in Erbil and weakened Kurdish influence in Baghdad as a new government takes power.

Bafel Talabani, president of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (left), meets with newly elected Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi (right), in Baghdad in May 2026. (Photo credit: Prime Minister's Office)

Nov 6, 2019

Protests force first oil field shut-in

The stoppage at small Qayarah field could foreshadow larger impact of anti-government protests on oil sector.

Oct 31, 2019

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Oct. 29, 2019

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

Oct 31, 2019

Rising tide of Iraqi protest movement reaches oil sector

Oil workers are organizing to show solidarity with protesters, and demonstrations are targeting key oil sites directly – increasing pressure on an already faltering government.

Oct 30, 2019

Oil Ministry appoints new acting Basra oil chief

As the new acting head of the Basra Oil Company, Bassim Abdulkarim will oversee the majority of Iraq's oil production, cementing the ouster of Ihsan Ismaael.

Oct 26, 2019

Renewed protests challenge Iraqi government as death toll rises

Dozens dead and thousands injured as protesters and security forces clash around southern Iraq.

Oct 20, 2019

As protesters regroup, government faces pivotal test

Widespread demonstrations are expected to resume this week, posing a challenge to a government whose recent crackdowns have undermined its standing with citizens and religious authorities.

Oct 18, 2019

Iraq braces for Syria fallout

Refugees are already crossing the border and Iraqi security forces are contingency planning for a revived Islamic State insurgency.

Oct 16, 2019

Ismaael removed as head of Basra Oil Company

One of Iraq's top oil leaders has been dismissed, as the Cabinet enacts orders to replace dozens of directors general.

Oct 16, 2019

UPDATE: Iraq gets another Iran sanctions waiver from Washington

The State Department approved another 120 days exempting Iraq from U.S. sanctions on Iran, just before a prior waiver was set to expire.

Oct 16, 2019

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Oct. 15, 2019

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