Special to WorldTribune.com BAGHDAD — The Islamic State of Iraq and Levant is now clashing with its allies in northern Iraq. Iraqi sources said ISIL units were seen fighting supporters of the late Saddam Hussein in the Kirkuk province. The sources said the gun battles reflected a power struggle over which faction would control the […]
Special to WorldTribune.com BAGHDAD — Ethnic Turks have formed a militia in Iraq. Turkmens in northern Iraq announced they formed a militia to protect against rival ethnic groups in the Kirkuk area. They said the Shi’ite-led militia has mobilized hundreds of fighters and acquired weapons and equipment. “The Turkmen themselves have taken up arms to […]
Special to WorldTribune.com ANKARA — Turkey’s energy supplies have not been affected by the war in neighboring Iraq. Officials said the advance by Al Qaida’s Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant did not suspend the flow of crude oil to Turkey. They said Ankara has tolerated a three-month suspension of operations of the Kirkuk-Ceyhan […]
Special to WorldTribune.com BAGHDAD — Iraq has significantly reduced its crude oil exports amid the Al Qaida insurgency. Industry sources said Iraq’s state-owned Somo have slashed crude exports from the northern city of Kirkuk by more than 50 percent this month. The officials said Somo would ship to Turkey 110,000 barrels per day, down from […]
Special to WorldTribune.com BAGHDAD — Iraq has assured clients that crude oil exports would not be harmed over the next few months. The statement on Aug. 16 came amid concerns by key clients that the maintenance work on Basra, bombed in an Aug. 17 attack attributed to Al Qaida, would result in an export decline […]
Special to WorldTribune.com BAGHDAD — The autonomous region of Kurdistan has reaffirmed its intention to maintain an energy policy independent from the Iraqi government. The Kurdish Regional Government has rejected efforts by Baghdad to explore for energy in areas claimed by the Kurds. The Iraqi Oil Ministry has signed an agreement for British Petroleum to […]
Special to WorldTribune.com By Fariborz Saremi, FreePressers.com Iraq is facing a very uncertain future now that the Americans, worn down by the military (4,500 dead) and financial costs (over $1 trillion) have withdrawn their military forces. The tide of sectarian conflict is rising, driven in part by Iranian ambition and Saudi Arabian fears. The Shi’ite […]