Political Initiative to Resolve Anbar Crisis
By Mustafa al-Kadhimi for Al-Monitor. Any opinions expressed are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. The Our Steadfast Anbar initiative, launched Jan. 11 by Ammar al-Hakim (pictured), leader of the Islamic Supreme Council, to resolve the Anbar crisis is an important step because it moves Iraq's security […]
Nineveh may soon Request Autonomy
By Bassem Francis for Al-Monitor. Any opinions expressed are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Nineveh Governor Athil al-Nujaifi (pictured) warned about the repercussions of the clashes between the army and the security services on the one hand and the Iraqi Sunnis in the province of Nineveh […]
Iraq Increases Oil Discount to Jordan
The Oil and Energy Committee of the Iraqi parliament has decided to approve a government request to increase the discount on oil exports to Jordan from $18 per barrel to $20 per barrel. Iraq also supplies Jordan with natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas and heavy fuel, but according to a report from Azzaman, the quantities […]
NIC Reduces Downpayments at Bismayah
Iraq's National Investment Commission (NIC) decided to reduce the down payment required to buy housing units at the new Bismayah development. NIC Chairman Dr. Sami al-Araji said that following requests from the public, the down payment would be reduced from 25 percent to 10 percent. He added that work at Bismaya, the biggest housing project […]
Erbil’s Big Challenge: Tourists vs. Locals
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. Erbil’s Big Challenge: Tourists vs. Locals in Fight for Facilities This year the northern Iraqi Kurdish city of Erbil must live up to its hard won title, Capital of […]
Sistani Silent so far on Anbar Violence
By Ali Mamouri for Al-Monitor. Any opinions expressed are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. The Anbar military operations took place under tense and sectarian circumstances. The Iraqi people have become divided regionally, ideologically and politically. Many groups raised their voices to criticize Iraq’s Ayatollah Ali […]
Southern Oil Exports Rise
Oil exports from southern Iraq increased by almost 300,000 bpd in the first two weeks of this year, compared to the December average, according to a report from Reuters. Exports averaged 2.35 million bpd in the first 15 days of January, up from 2.08 million bpd in December. Although this is seen as a sign […]
Draft Budget Fuels Kurdish Export Row
Kurdish ministers have reportedly walked out of a cabinet session in protest at the country’s draft 2014 budget. Reuters reports that the draft budget requires the Kurds to export 400,000 bpd, well above the region’s current export capacity, and says Baghdad will deduct any shortfall from the 17 percent share of state revenues to which […]
US Embassy Annex Closed
Due to recent heightened security threats to Baghdad and the surrounding areas, the U.S. Embassy Annex Prosperity checkpoint will be closed through Sunday, January 19, 2014. The U.S. Embassy advises American citizens to avoid the area around this public access entrance during this period. The Embassy is closed for business on Friday and Saturday and […]
Video: Iraq Violence a 'Blowback' from Syria
From Al Jazeera. Any opinions expressed are those of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Al Jazeera talks to Juan Cole, professor of history at the University of Michigan about the resurgence of violence in Iraq. Cole said the latest violence is one of the unintended consequence of […]
Video: Unease After Attacks
From Reuters. Any opinions expressed are those of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. The day after one of Iraq's bloodiest days in months, Baghdad residents return to their business, grimly aware that death can strike anywhere, any time. Mana Rabiee reports for Reuters:
Progress still being made in Iraq
The tragedy of sectarian violence continues in Iraq, but the country still presses ahead with its development, and foreign companies continue to seize opportunities to contribute to the country’s growth and prosperity. This week in our newsletter, we have details of a Russian company's first oil output at an Iraqi oilfield, a Danish company exploring […]