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)

Nov 1, 2018

Iraq proposes major spending hike under 2019 draft budget

In a dramatic shift away from recent austerity policies, Iraq's Cabinet has proposed a 27 percent increase in spending with a $111 billion draft budget.

Oct 25, 2018

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Oct. 25, 2018

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 25, 2018

Adil Abd al-Mahdi takes power as government begins to form

Parliament has officially confirmed the new prime minister and a majority of his Cabinet, although key posts, including defense and interior ministers, are unresolved.

Oct 24, 2018

UPDATE: Thamir Ghadhban confirmed as Iraq’s new oil minister

The widely respected technocrat will serve as both deputy prime minister for energy and oil minister in Adil Abd al-Mahdi's new government.

Oct 23, 2018

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Oct. 23, 2018

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 18, 2018

UPDATE: Luiebi delays INOC order following incoming government complaint

Iraq's state oil companies are now told to delay pivot of authority from oil ministry to new national oil company.

Oct 18, 2018

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Oct. 16, 2018

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 10, 2018

Luiebi named head of new national oil company

Cabinet names sitting oil minister as INOC president in special decision, Oil Ministry spokesperson says.

Oct 10, 2018

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Oct. 9, 2018

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 5, 2018

Analysis: Salih’s victory shakes Kurdistan’s political landscape

The KRG's two dominant political parties had been rebuilding a strategic partnership, but their bitter contest over the Iraqi presidency has injected new volatility into their rivalry.