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,