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)

Jun 14, 2012

Kurdistan, Exxon gain key ally in Mosul

The governor of Ninewa province, once an opponent of Exxon's KRG contracts, now says joint oil development could help ease tensions in disputed territories.

May 29, 2012

Central control enshrined in 4th bid round contract

The fate of ExxonMobil's West Qurna deal may still be undecided, but no companies who sign contracts in the May 30-31 auction will be allowed to deal with local authorities.

May 10, 2012

Exxon keeps its head down as it works Iraq

The fate of the company is apparent, despite the controversy, as it carries on with its seven deals in Iraq.

May 10, 2012

KRG claims right to independent crude exports

As the divisions between Baghdad and Kurdistan widen, Ashti Hawrami says Kurdistan has the right to sell its oil abroad.

May 8, 2012

Q&A: Ashti Hawrami Part 2

The head of KRG oil policy details his interpretation of the Constitution and how it applies to his oil deals, the oil deals of Baghdad, and the delayed oil law.

May 4, 2012

Behind the Kurdistan export dispute

After the end of Kurdistan's exports, the public debate has lacked solid information about the flawed export deal and the negotiations that produced it. Iraq Oil Report publishes key documents, analysis and interviews that explain it all.

May 4, 2012

Kurdistan export agreement: the document

Iraq Oil Report has obtained a copy of the key document that led to 14 months of oil exports from the KRG, which ended April 1.

May 3, 2012

Who killed Kurdistan’s oil exports?

Secret documents illuminate the agreement that re-started Kurdistan's exports and the reasons for its collapse.

Apr 24, 2012

Parliament rebuffs Cabinet oil law

The Parliament's oil and energy committee has voted against the Cabinet's draft oil law, reviving the debate over long-delayed, crucial legislation.

Apr 5, 2012

Kurdish leaders split over export stoppage

National conference for political reconciliation delayed as a dispute over exports, payments, and oil law intensifies - and leads to Kurdish fragmentation.