Security

Iran war spreads to Iraq as parallel conflict escalates

War has laid bare the weakness of the Iraqi state, highlighting risks for the country's investment climate that are likely to last beyond the fighting in Iran.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani visits the headquarters of Iraq's National Intelligence Service on March 22, 2026, after it was attacked. (Photo credit: Prime Minister's Office)

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.

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.