Iraq's Oil Minister is pressing ahead with an auction of exploration blocks as the country gears up for big oil output increases amidst soaring oil prices.
Oil companies say they've been waiting more than a month for visas, threatening critical projects, and the visa purgatory appears to be the prime minister's office.
Maliki advocates day of reckoning for ministers, two governors resign, and the government cracks down on organizers and journalists.
Iraq’s political leaders have passed a budget that prioritizes social spending and cuts operational and other expenses, after an escalation in pressure from protesters.
The top auditor in the Iraqi government says he's not being allowed access to the KRG's oil and fuel receipts, in possible violation of UN resolutions on Iraq.
As protests continue in Iraq, PM Maliki has backed a quick fix to summer power problems, in order to avert blackouts and revolt.
Northern oil workers raised the specter of strikes, as old grievances find fresh expression in Iraqi protests inspired by Egypt and Tunisia.
Parties battle over vice-president post, while Maliki names eight ministers, but keeps security portfolios for now.
Top posts in key committees are doled out as the new legislature begins to take shape.
Iraq's most populist political party is proposing that 15 percent of oil revenues go directly to the country's poor, as domestic protests continue amidst a regional upheaval.
