The country's healthcare system is ill prepared for another surge, but government, health, and oil sector officials are hoping new variant's milder symptoms will soften the impact.

Five big takeaways from the provisional results of Iraq's Oct. 10 national elections.

Erbil has now received $138 million payments in both July and August, as a fragile political deal revives financial flows that had been stalled since October 2020.

Officials on both sides say a July financial transfer was a one-off deal, as political and technical disputes hold up further federal budget payments for Kurdistan.

Security forces in Sulaimaniya were mustered on behalf of respective party leaders as negotiations continue.

The budget transfer relieves some financial pressure on Erbil, though regular payments going forward are hardly assured.

Iraq's covid-19 infection rate has peaked for a third time, to a record high, putting dire pressure on an overloaded health care system.

The new budget law lays out a revised framework for Baghdad-Erbil oil and revenue cooperation and projects a record deficit that is only likely to be filled if global oil prices remain high.

Kurdistan could be deprived of $1.5 million per day worth of oil production due to a dispute between trucking companies associated with competing factions of the PUK party.

Biden administration grants Iraq another 120 days to purchase gas and power from Iran as it continues to build out alternative supplies for vital energy needs.

First shipments of three different vaccines are expected imminently, but limited supply and rising infection rates mean other new pandemic counter-measures are also needed.

For the first time in seven years, the KRG is preparing its own regional budget law — a process that is highlighting the stakes of ongoing negotiations with Baghdad.