Living Conditions in Iraq "Must Improve"
A new review has shown that the health of Iraqis will continue to deteriorate unless there is an improvement in living conditions. Despite enormous investment in Iraq’s health system in the 10 years since the US-led invasion, the health condition of Iraqis has worsened. A review led by Professor Salman Rawaf (pictured) from Imperial College […]
KRG's First Oil Sales through Pipeline
By John Lee. In a move described by Iraq's State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO) as "an illegitimate deed of the Turkish authorities", the first cargo of oil to be shipped via Kurdistan's new pipeline to Ceyhan has been loaded onto a tanker. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has issued the following statement on the sale: […]
Oil Exports Up nearly 6 percent in April
By John Lee. Iraq's crude oil exports increased nearly 6 percent in April from the previous month. Shipments averaged 2.51 million bpd in April, bringing in revenues of $7.582 billion at an average price of $100.691 per barrel. March's 2.37 million bpd brought in $7,507 billion. (Source: Ministry of Oil)
EAME Wins Zubair Terminal Contract
UK-based EAME Consultants has announced its appointment as professional environmental adviser to Zubair Terminal Company SAL (ZTC), based in Beirut and Dubai. It was established to develop and operate a greenfield terminal project at the port of Khor al-Zubair in Iraq, in association with its strategic partners, Peel Ports Group (Portia Management Services Ltd), Beirut […]
Prospects of Shiite 'National Alliance' Hinge on Maliki
By Harith Hasan for Al-Monitor. Any opinions expressed are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Even before the Iraqi parliamentary election results were announced, the competing Shiite groups started talking about restoring the National Alliance, composed of Iraq's leading Shiite parties. There was a special emphasis […]
The Badr Organization and the New State of Law
By Reidar Visser. The following article was published by Reidar Visser, an historian of Iraq educated at the University of Oxford. It is reproduced here with the author’s permission. Any opinions expressed are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. The Badr Organization and the Internal Structure of the New State […]
US Warns re Travel in Basra
The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens that Iraq remains at high risk for kidnapping and terrorist violence. Recent reports indicate that militant groups may be surveilling U.S. citizens for possible kidnapping operations, particularly oil company employees working in Basrah Province, Iraq. The groups may be focused on U.S. citizens at hotels in the Basrah area. […]
$32k Raised for Iraqi Orphans
The Iraqi Children Foundation (ICF) hosted its second annual “IN THEIR SHOES” 5K fun run/walk at Cameron Run Regional Park in Alexandria, VA, on Saturday, May 10, 2014. Participants ran to benefit desperately poor Iraqi orphans and street children after years of war. Iraq’s Ambassador to the US Lukman Faily ran as this year's Distinguished […]
Can Maliki Win a Third Term?
As this week's Newsletter goes to press, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has started the bargaining to form a new government following his success in getting the most seats in the recent elections, albeit falling far short of a majority. A similar process after the last election four years ago took nearly a year to complete, […]
Iraq to Tender $1.3bn Fao Port
By John Lee. Iraq is preparing to tender the $1.3bn contract to deliver the marine works component of the first phase of the new Grand Fao [Faw] Port. Project director Asaad Rashid told MEED's Arabian World Construction Summit (AWCS): “We are evaluating prequalification documents from about 18 consortiums ... We shall issue the shortlist for […]
Big Changes Planned for Iraqi Stock Markets
By Melissa Hancock for Al-Monitor. Any opinions expressed are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. With the world's eyes focused on the recent Iraqi elections, little attention is being paid to the major changes taking place in Iraq's banking and finance industry. As part of an effort to liberalize the […]
Barzani, Talabani Tasked to Form KRG Cabinet
Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani has signed an order tasking Prime Minister designate Nechirvan Barzani and Deputy Prime Minister designate Qubad Talabani to form the eighth Cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government. Prime Minister Barzani will continue in his role in the same capacity, while Minister Talabani will move from his current role as Head […]