Security

Akkas gas field falters despite increasing power needs

Even as wartime supply disruptions push Iraq toward a summertime electricity crisis, the Akkas gas field is producing at a fraction of its potential.

Representatives of the Iraqi Oil Ministry and the U.S. company SLB gather in Baghdad on July 22, 2025, for the signing of a contract for the development of the Akkas gas field. (Photo credit: Oil Ministry)

Jun 4, 2020

Shell evacuation reveals cracks in Basra Gas Company consortium

Protests that prompted an emergency evacuation in May were caused by a breakdown in payments and cooperation between Shell and its government partners.

May 20, 2020

Basra Gas Company evacuates expat staff during protests

Foreign staff of the Shell-Mitsubishi-Iraq joint venture left the country after local workers protested for unpaid salaries.

May 15, 2020

Grounded jets and political spats as the Islamic State regroups

The Islamic State group capitalized on deteriorating U.S.-Iraqi relations as a pandemic further distracted the unfinished fight against it.

May 6, 2020

Iraq eases pandemic lockdown despite second spike in new cases

With some measures relaxed, the risk of further COVID-19 case growth raises concerns.

Apr 16, 2020

Attacks on oil security blamed on Islamic State group expose gap in securing northern Iraq

Two small arms attacks on oil security forces over past two days are the latest in Kirkuk area security gaps exploited by suspected Islamic State group militants.

Apr 6, 2020

Oil Ministry, MPs condemn rocket attack on oil sites in Basra

Investigators say rocket attack on Iraqi and foreign oil sites was likely part of a broader conflict between paramilitaries and U.S. in Iraq.

Mar 14, 2020

Iraq’s health sector fears coronavirus overload

Successful actions have limited spread thus far, but COVID-19 pandemic risks still loom.

Mar 11, 2020

Q&A: Dr. Adham Rashad Ismail, WHO head of mission in Iraq

The World Health Organization's representative in Iraq discusses how the country got ahead of the coronavirus and what needs still remain.

Mar 5, 2020

Q&A: Jabar Yawar, Secretary General of the Peshmerga

Insurgents and gangs continue to fill a security vacuum in Iraq’s disputed territories, as talks between federal and Kurdish forces have been derailed by the political impacts of the Soleimani assassination.

Mar 2, 2020

Kidnappers feed off IS insurgency in Iraq’s disputed territories

In the lawless areas between federal government and KRG control, insurgents and gangsters are making money and terrorizing civilians with kidnapping and extortion operations.