Iraq Blocks Kurdistan Flights
By John Lee. Cargo flights to and from Erbil and Sulaimanya [Slemani] have reportedly been suspended. A spokesman for Emirates SkyCargo told Lloyd’s Loading List that the airline’s freighter flights to and from Erbil “have been temporarily suspended at the request of the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority. However, Emirates [passenger] flights are operating as per […]
New Delay in Forming Govt
By John Lee. The Iraqi parliament has again failed to break a political deadlock on the formation of a new government, reports Reuters. After a brief session on Sunday, parliamentary officials postponed efforts to reach agreement until Tuesday. Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki (pictured) is seeking a third term but faces opposition from Sunnis, Kurds, and […]
Video: Alsarkhy calls for Unity
From Al Jazeera. Any opinions expressed are those of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. One of Iraq's most well known religious figures is calling for unity despite sectarian violence. Sayyed Alsarkhy Alhassany's followers have been beaten, tortured, and killed by Iraqi forces after he rejected a call […]
Relations between Erbil, Baghdad "Require New Mechanism"
Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani yesterday received the United Kingdom’s new Consul General to the Kurdistan Region, Mr. Angus McKee. They discussed the relationship between the United Kingdom and the KRG as well as current political issues. The Prime Minister congratulated the Consul General and wished him success in his new position. Consul General McKee expressed […]
Govt Now "Illegal" – But Does Anybody Care?
This article was originally published by Niqash. Any opinions expressed are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Iraqi Constitution Says Iraqi Govt is Now Illegal – But Does Anybody Care? After last week’s abject failure by the new Iraqi Parliament to achieve anything, the country is now […]
KBR Wins Iraq Case, Seeks $45m Compensation
By John Lee. After five-plus years of litigation, the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals (ASBCA) has reaffirmed KBR’s use of private security contractors during combat operations in Iraq. The ruling clears the way for KBR to recover $45 million plus interest from the U.S. government for services rendered in 2003-2007. It also confirms the […]
HRW: Mass Murders of Sunni Prisoners
Iraqi security forces and militias affiliated with the government appear to have unlawfully executed at least 255 prisoners in six Iraqi cities and villages since June 9, 2014. In all but one case, the executions took place while the fighters were fleeing Islamic State of Iraq and Sham (ISIS) and other armed groups. The vast […]
Kurds Seize Oilfields, Leave Cabinet
By John Lee. Kurdish politicians officially suspended their participation in the Iraqi government on Friday, as forces under their control seized two oilfields in northern Iraq. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has appointed temporary replacements for the five Kurdish ministers of the cabinet. Kurdish forces took over the Bai Hassan and Kirkuk oilfields near Kirkuk; an […]
KRG Statement on Kirkuk Oil Fields
KRG statement on recent events at oil facilities and infrastructure in Makhmour district This morning, members of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and Kirkuk Oil Protection Forces moved to secure the oil fields of Bai Hassan and the Makhmour area, after learning of orders by officials in the federal Ministry of Oil in Baghdad to […]
Video: Splits Emerge Among Sunni Rebels
From Al Jazeera. Any opinions expressed are those of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Reports suggest the Islamic State group is arresting former Baathists and other rebels who do not share its vision:
The Oil Will Continue to Flow
By Padraig O'Hannelly. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has upped the ante in the continuing dispute with Baghdad over oil export revenues. In response to what it describes as "the Iraqi federal government ... not sharing revenues in accordance with the Iraqi Constitution", the KRG has threatened to take legal action against anyone who buys […]
Minister: Oil Sector Secure
By John Lee. Oil Minister Abdul Kareem al-Luaibi [Elaibi] (pictured) has said that the Iraqi government is dedicated to supplying the ideal safe environment for international companies working in Iraq: "Work in oil refining facilities and oil fields is normal and the ministry has supplied the extra protection needed for those locations by coordinating with […]