ERBIL, IRAQ – Secretary Perry was in Iraq, leading a U.S. delegation for talks with government officials in Baghdad and Erbil. During the visit to Baghdad, he met with key leaders including: President Barham Salih, Prime Minister Adil Abd Al-Mahdi, Deputy Prime Minister for Energy and Minister of Oil Thamir Ghadban, Minister of Electricity Luay Al-Khateeb… Keep reading →
The shuttering of a vital U.S. diplomatic outpost in Iraq sends all the wrong signals about America’s resolve to push back against Iran’s malign activities. On September 28, the State Department ordered the temporary closure of its consulate in the oil-rich southern Iraqi province of Basra after the complex was targeted by rocket fire. The… Keep reading →
The IRGC has fired a literal shot across the KRG’s bow, but the brazen violation of Baghdad’s sovereignty may ultimately benefit Tehran’s opponents. A few minutes after the start of a leadership meeting on September 8, the headquarters of the Kurdistan Democratic Party-Iran (KDP-I) came under missile attack. The next day, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards… Keep reading →
A closer look at the local security changes, turnout obstacles, sectarian divisions, and other factors that could determine the shape of Iraq’s next government. Iraqis head to the polls on May 12 to elect a new parliament, after which legislators will choose a speaker, president, and prime minister. The elections come at the end of… Keep reading →
By providing a clear and consistent roadmap for American interests in Iraq and future international support, Washington can help Baghdad steer the country in the right direction after next month’s elections. On May 12, Iraqis go to the polls to choose their next parliament, after which officials will negotiate to appoint a prime minister and… Keep reading →
Washington should adopt a quiet but well-planned approach to Baghdad’s demobilization, disarmament, and reintegration of militias, learning when to be flexible and when to stand firm. Despite facing continued Islamic State attacks in seven of eighteen provinces, the Iraqi government has begun to allocate precious state security forces to the task of reining in rogue… Keep reading →
If the Kurdish region is rolled back by federal forces or implodes into civil conflict, the consequences would threaten Iraq’s constitutional structure and undercut U.S. efforts to contain Iran. The ongoing crisis between Iraq’s federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government has resulted in the KRG losing much of the land, oil, and power it… Keep reading →
The Iraqi Kurds have angered their neighbors, but imminent punitive measures could quickly strengthen Iran and disrupt the campaign against the Islamic State. The September 25 statehood referendum in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq passed overwhelmingly, with 92.7 percent of voters choosing “yes.” Although the outcome does not trigger any administrative changes and is explicitly… Keep reading →
The last couple of years have been extremely volatile for oil, and despite the price jumping from the mid $40s to $60 a barrel in Q2, the value collapsed to $50 at the beginning of Q3. At one point, oil fell below $40</a>, according to the price index on Nasdaq, encouraging key Middle Eastern players… Keep reading →
Black & Veatch today released its annual Strategic Directions: U.S. Water Industry Report detailing insights of the key issues facing water utilities across the United States. “For the fourth straight year, aging infrastructure ranks as the top concern for report participants. Managing operational and capital costs in an era of strong fiscal pressures from weather-related… Keep reading →
