Mon, 9 Jun 2025

Baghdad–Erbil Oil Dispute, A Catalyst for Proactive Security

The Baghdad–Erbil oil revenue dispute has escalated, leaving over a million Kurdish public-sector workers without pay just days before Eid. While framed as a fiscal disagreement, the consequences can lead to more unrest, disrupted services, and increased security vulnerabilities. We explore how Al Zaeem can help those operating in northern Iraq can adopt a proactive, partnership-based approach to risk management. From early warning tools to crisis readiness and stakeholder engagement, there are tangible steps organisations can take to stay ahead in a tense and shifting environment.

Thu, 29 May 2025

High-Speed Dreams, Low-Speed Reality, SpaceX Meets Iraqi Red Tape

What happens when Elon Musk's space internet meets Iraq’s bureaucratic black hole? On 28th May, Baghdad flirted with the future as PM Al-Sudani hosted SpaceX, offering Starlink a place in Iraq’s digital sky. But behind the handshake lies a tangle of red tape, corruption, and nationalist scepticism. Can satellite internet survive the gravity of Iraq’s politics?

Tue, 20 May 2025

Iraq’s Slow Solar Surge

Iraq’s power grid is creaking, but a flicker of hope is emerging. Yesterday, Prime Minister Al-Sudani flipped the switch on a 2-megawatt solar plant at Baghdad’s Government Palace, kicking off a plan to green government buildings. With 48.5 megawatts approved for ministries and 47 megawatts for schools and hospitals, Iraq is slowly adding clean megawatts to its strained grid. Yet, with summer demand hitting 54 gigawatts double the supply can these projects keep the lights on For oil and gas firms, security contractors, and high-risk investors, Iraq’s power woes are a daily headache

Fri, 2 May 2025

Iraq Security Landscape – 2nd May 2025

The security environment in Iraq remains fluid, with recent events a typical example of ongoing challenges and areas of progress. For those in the oil and gas industry, staying informed about these developments is essential for operational planning and investment decisions.

Sat, 26 Apr 2025

Iraq's National Infrastructure Is Vital – Not only for Iraq!

When people think about Iraq, what springs to mind is often oil, conflict, or history. But there's a far bigger story unfolding, one that affects not just Iraq, but the entire Middle East. Iraq’s national infrastructure is quietly becoming a key focus for regional energy security, global oil markets, and regional economic stability. Recently, much attention has been lavished on digital defences , with Al-Sudani opening a shiny new cyber security centre in Baghdad, much needed, but the more traditional, physical / static  side of security and its lack of high-standards, risks leaving infrastructure dangerously exposed.

Tue, 8 Apr 2025

Iraq Opens the Door to Enterprise with New Business Council, a DOGE for Iraq?!

This week we saw Iraq take another step toward economic reform and private sector revival as Prime Minister Al-Sudani officially launched the country’s Permanent Council for Private Sector Development on the 7th April.