Politics

Iraq grapples with power shortages and Iran sanctions as summer looms

The expiration of a U.S. sanctions waiver on Iranian electricity imports is complicating Baghdad's balancing act between Tehran and Washington, while the government scrambles for power supply ahead of peak demand season.

Workers from the Southern Projects Commission of Iraq's State Company for Oil Projects assemble a pipeline designed to carry regassified LNG imported via the Khor al-Zubair port in Basra to power stations in February 2025. (ALI AL-AQILY/Iraq Oil Report)

Jan 23, 2014

Basra Governor faces legal challenge, demands oil contracting rights

Basra's new Governor, back from heart surgery in Kuwait, is adamant that he approves all new oil deals.

Jan 22, 2014

Oil provinces condemn default on petrodollar

The leadership of Iraq's key provinces is livid about an 80 percent decrease in expected oil revenues.

Jan 17, 2014

Iraq sent legal threat to Turkey, warns KRG crude buyers

Commercial and diplomatic row looms as Baghdad initiates legal action over Kurdish exports.

Jan 16, 2014

Cabinet budget zeros out KRG revenue

Kurds would have to export regularly at 400,000 bpd – via SOMO – before 17 percent of budget redistribution is released.

Jan 13, 2014

Maliki and Shahristani stress SOMO rights, consequences to Turkey and KRG

Iraq's Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister press Turkish officials to comply with ITP deal, warn KRG and Turkey about "smuggling."

Jan 10, 2014

Baghdad warns of legal action against Kurdish exports

Oil Ministry complains to KRG and Turkey in first official response to Erbil-Ankara energy plans.

Jan 9, 2014

KRG says independent tanker loadings to begin

Kurdistan aims to start oil sales before the end of the month as crude flows through a new autonomous pipeline to Turkey.

Jan 8, 2014

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Jan. 7, 2014

Whenever the media office of the Council of Ministers publishes decisions of the Cabinet, Beyond the Headlines features a translation from the original Arabic.

Dec 19, 2013

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Dec. 17, 2013

Whenever the media office of the Council of Ministers publishes decisions of the Cabinet, Beyond the Headlines features a translation from the original Arabic.

Dec 11, 2013

Basra oil workers renew protests

Decrying unmet demands and broken promises, oil unions have rallied hundreds of workers – and some political support – to protest for better compensation and treatment.