Iraqi election results offer domestic gas promise
A poor showing for Iranian-backed factions may add impetus to efforts to reduce import dependence
The results of Iraq’s mid-October parliamentary elections saw losses for pro-Iran parties and gains for those—at least currently—opposing Tehran’s influence. And that could be good news for a drive to increase Iraq’s domestic gas production, in turn reducing import requirements from its eastern neighbour. Iran-aligned officials have long obstructed gas development projects aimed at weaning Iraq off this dependence, given it would weaken Tehran’s political and economic influence in Iraq. The election results could promise a reduction in these obstacles, although they are unlikely to be removed entirely. Fatah, hitherto the largest pro-Iranian faction in parliament, was the poll’s main loser,
Also in this section
23 April 2024
Cheaper Russian barrels and lower overall crude prices have helped cut key oil consumer’s import bills in election year
22 April 2024
Pursuing three different goals as part of the same package may mean achieving none of them
22 April 2024
Beijing’s renewed targeting of NOC management could threaten investment
19 April 2024
Cairo’s currency problems have hindered investment, but Pharos sees considerable potential as Egypt emerges from crisis