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)

Oct 3, 2019

Escalating protests target political establishment

A protest movement is taking aim at the country’s entire political class, prompting a heavy-handed government response and raising fears of spiraling violence.

Sep 12, 2019

Despite security efforts, insurgents pose new threats

Remnants of the IS militant group have stepped up the pace and reach of operations throughout northern Iraq, including attacks near energy infrastructure.

Aug 31, 2019

Iraq seeks minority partners to develop massive Mansuriya gas field via state company

After terminating its contract with TPAO, the Oil Ministry is relying on the state-run Midland Oil Company to operate a key gas field — and is seeking private-sector partners.

Jul 26, 2019

As Turkey-PKK conflict escalates, new risks for KRG

Two months into Turkey's new military offensive targeting PKK positions in Iraqi Kurdistan – and following the assassination of a Turkish diplomat in Erbil – a decades-old conflict is entering a volatile new phase.

Jun 19, 2019

Rockets hit multiple Basra oil sites

Katyusha rocket attacks hit facilities housing international oil companies, including Exxon, which had recently ordered foreign staff to return to Basra.

Jun 5, 2019

Basra oil sites draw renewed protests

Small-scale demonstrations at three oil installations raise the specter of last summer's destabilizing protest movement.

Jun 4, 2019

Q&A: Zuhair al-Araji, mayor of Mosul

To recover from a devastating war, Iraq’s second-largest city needs a massive mobilization of resources and coherent planning and organization – but it’s getting neither.

May 29, 2019

Iraq’s North Oil Co. sues to take Khurmala back from KRG

Khurmala Dome accounts for one-third of Iraqi Kurdistan's oil output; the federal North Oil Company, which controlled the field until 2008, is taking legal action to reclaim it.

May 18, 2019

U.S. warnings spur Exxon evacuation of expats

Production is unaffected and the security situation appears calm as ExxonMobil evacuates dozens of foreign staff from the West Qurna 1 field, following U.S. claims of threats from Iran.

May 16, 2019

Iraqi oil industry calm amidst U.S. warnings on Iran

As the U.S. evacuates diplomatic personnel, citing threats from Iran, Iraq's oil sector and its IOC partners maintain status quo.