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)

Aug 2, 2011

Analysis: Oil law scuffle tests Parliament’s power

A constitutional conflict between Iraq’s legislative and executive branches appears to be brewing, and oil legislation is at the center of the storm.

Jul 29, 2011

KRG signs deals as oil development continues

Despite the Iraqi Parliament's opposition to new oil deals, the Kurdish region has signed production contracts with U.S. and Irish oil firms.

Jul 27, 2011

Iraq sets January bidding round date, amidst delays

The Oil Ministry has scheduled its fourth bidding round for Jan. 25 or 26, despite parliamentary opposition, and will release the list of pre-qualified companies next week.

Jul 27, 2011

Iraq negotiates new gas pipeline with Iran, Syria

Oil ministers from the three countries agreed in principle to pipe Iranian gas to Iraq and Syria, and eventually to Europe.

Jul 14, 2011

Unresolved disputes mar Iraq-Kuwait relations

Tensions rise between Iraq and Kuwait – and among Iraqi politicians – over outstanding Saddam-era reparations, border negotiations, alleged oil theft, and Gulf port development plans.

Jul 14, 2011

The bill pushers

After more than four years of delay, the heads of the Cabinet and Parliament energy committees appear serious about legislation, despite differing views.

Jul 13, 2011

Analysis: Iraq lacks energy strategy

A new deal to build a gas import pipeline from Iran reveals Iraq's failure to build a comprehensive energy strategy, writes former oil minister Issam Chalabi.

Jul 7, 2011

Oil experts debate a new state oil company

Two ex-oil ministers favor it, the current oil minister opposes it, but a hearing this week over a new Iraqi National Oil Company indicates Parliament may be serious about legislating.

Jul 4, 2011

Parliament pressing for oil deal ban

Energy committee calls for nationwide moratorium on oil and gas deals until delayed hydrocarbons law is passed.

Jul 1, 2011

Progress on two key oil laws

Iraq's long-delayed laws to govern the oil sector and restart the national oil company will receive hearings next week.