Security

Deadly political divisions raise risks for Kurdistan

Rivalries between political leaders in Sulaimaniya have exploded into violence and undermined relations between Iraqi Kurdistan’s two ruling parties at a key political moment.

Bafel Talabani (left) and Lahur Talabany (right) at a Patriotic Union of Kurdistan party gathering on June 15, 2021. (Source: PUK Media)

Nov 17, 2019

As protesters call for general strike, oil disruptions loom

Protesters are confronting an unbridgeable gap between their demands and the government's action. Their rising frustration poses increasing risks to the oil sector.

Nov 14, 2019

Qayarah field resumes production as protest disruptions ebb

The Mosul-area field has resumed shipments as demonstrations appear to be receding – at least temporarily – from key infrastructure.

Nov 6, 2019

Protests force first oil field shut-in

The stoppage at small Qayarah field could foreshadow larger impact of anti-government protests on oil sector.

Oct 31, 2019

Rising tide of Iraqi protest movement reaches oil sector

Oil workers are organizing to show solidarity with protesters, and demonstrations are targeting key oil sites directly – increasing pressure on an already faltering government.

Oct 26, 2019

Renewed protests challenge Iraqi government as death toll rises

Dozens dead and thousands injured as protesters and security forces clash around southern Iraq.

Oct 25, 2019

Attack on Alas oil field highlights ongoing insurgent threat

Deadly operation targets the defenses of an oil field once controlled by the Islamic State militant group, reinforcing fears of an energized insurgency.

Oct 20, 2019

As protesters regroup, government faces pivotal test

Widespread demonstrations are expected to resume this week, posing a challenge to a government whose recent crackdowns have undermined its standing with citizens and religious authorities.

Oct 18, 2019

Iraq braces for Syria fallout

Refugees are already crossing the border and Iraqi security forces are contingency planning for a revived Islamic State insurgency.

Oct 9, 2019

War-weary provinces quiet during protests

Residents of Anbar and Ninewa feel solidarity with protesters denouncing the Iraqi government's chronic failures, but after years of trauma, they aren't staging demonstrations.

Oct 7, 2019

Protester shootings and political defections turn up heat on Iraqi government

The government of Adil Abd al-Mahdi on Sunday authorized new spending to placate protester demands, but violence in the streets continues.