Like clockwork, summer temperatures across Iraq are testing 50° (122° F), and the country’s frail electricity sector is nowhere near capable of meeting demand. Iraq’s new government hardly needs reminding of the potential consequences. In 2018, discontent cost former electricity minister Qasim al-Fahdawi his job and was a major reason why then-Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi lost his position (MEES, 28 September 2018).

But, while this time last year electricity provision was on a clear upwards trajectory, this year the situation is very different. (CONTINUED - 700 WORDS)