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Iraq "formally asks" to buy Exxon's West Qurna stake

By John Lee. Iraq is reported to have formally asked to buy ExxonMobil's share in the West Qurna 1 oil field. Basra Oil Company (BOC) director, Khalid Hamza, told Reuters that the US company is attempting to sell its 32.7-percent stake for $350 million. More here. (Source: Reuters)

Lockheed Martin "Removes Contractors" from Balad Air Base

By John Lee. Lockheed Martin is reportedly withdrawing its contractors from Balad Air Base, which has seen frequent rocket attacks in recent months. The company has been working on the program to maintain Iraq's fleet of F-16 fighter jets. More here and here. (Sources: Reuters, New York Times)

Germany and EUAM cooperate on New Iraq Projects

The two project agreements were signed on Friday in Baghdad by the German Ambassador to Iraq, Dr. Ole Diehl, and EUAM Iraq Head of Mission, Mr. Christoph Buik. The funding from the German government will support the implementation of two important projects. The project of ''The National Database for Cultural Heritage Protection in Iraq -Phase […]

REFAATO, UNDP providing Safe Water to Iraqis

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Iraq has signed an agreement with Government of Iraq's Reconstruction Fund for Areas Affected by Terroristic Operations (REFAATO) to provide residents in Ishaqi, Salah-Al Din with access to safe reliable drinking water. Approximately $1.25 million, generously provided to REFAATO by the Islamic Development Bank, will be used to […]

IS "takes Border Station" in Iraq's Western Desert

By Shelly Kittleson, for Al Monitor. Any opinions expressed here are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Islamic State takes border station in Iraqi desert with 'drug smuggling wali' A recent incident along Iraq's western border and alleged connections between drug smuggling and Islamic State cells […]

Iraq Economic Review: Second Edition

By Ahmed Tabaqchali, Hamzeh al-Shadeedi and Sarwar Abdullah, for the Institute of Regional and International Studies (IRIS) at the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS). The opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Breaking the Impasse: The Baghdad-Erbil Budget Divide The annual debate over […]

Prospects and Limitations of UN Election Observation in Iraq

By Marsin Alshamary and Maya Nir, for The Brookings Institution. The opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. The prospects and limitations of United Nations election observation in Iraq In October 2021, after nearly two years of intermittent protests that brought down the government […]

Video: Activist's Killing triggers Protests in Karbala

From Al Jazeera. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Protesters in the Iraqi city of Karbala are demanding answers after an anti-government activist was shot dead in an apparent targeted killing. Ehab al-Wazni was killed close to his home by gunmen in […]

Iraq Seeks Recovery of Funds Frozen in Italy

By John Lee. Iraq is reportedly trying to recover Iraqi funds frozen in Italy. Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein (pictured) is reported as saying that Baghdad is attempting to recover around EUR 600 million, plus interest, that the Saddam Hussein regime paid to Italian companies to purchase weapons. According to Basnews, the weapons were not delivered […]

UNDP, FBA advocate Gender Perspective in Peace-Building

Advocating a Gender Perspective in Peacebuilding: New MoU between UNDP Iraq and Folke Bernadotte Academy signed A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Iraq and Folke Bernadotte Academy (FBA) to enhance local capacities for peacebuilding in Iraq with concentration on gender mainstreaming in peacebuilding. With a mandate […]