Politics

Baghdad threatens to choke off KRG funding

Political tensions skyrocket after recently announced gas deals, resulting in legal challenges and threats to Kurdistan's budget.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani (standing, center right) and KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani (standing, center left) oversee a ceremony in Baghdad on April 4, 2023, to sign a temporary deal for restarting northern oil exports. (Photo credit: Prime Minister's Office)

Nov 8, 2010

Sunni nationalism eyes autonomy

As Prime Minister Maliki forges a Shiite governing coalition, Iraq’s Sunnis turn their backs on Baghdad.

Nov 3, 2010

Baghdad silent, US pans new KRG deals with American oil firms

Deals with Marathon and Murphy the first of expected Iraqi Kurdistan oil deals that have US worried about reconciliation and Baghdad unusually quiet amidst government formation talks.

Oct 27, 2010

Oil for the people, they hope

Iraq has increased its reserves and signed the world’s largest companies to boost oil and gas production. Iraqis wonder whether the hydrocarbon revolution will bring them prosperity or ruin.

Oct 26, 2010

Iraqiya against gas and oil deals

Iraq’s most popular electoral coalition has condemned the Maliki government's oil and gas contracts, signaling a new political strategy for a marginalized opposition movement.

Oct 15, 2010

Kirkuk village, ministry looking to bridge gap

Ethnic hostilities subside as a joint committee is formed to address controversial evictions of villagers near oil facilities in Kirkuk.

Oct 8, 2010

Wasit official arrested for Ahdab raid

Last week's incursion into Wasit province's Ahdab oil field by local politicians has angered top officials in the Oil Ministry.

Oct 7, 2010

Oil evictions in Kirkuk fan flames of ethnic hostility

As the North Oil Company orders 5,000 villagers to relocate, local leaders make accusations of ethnic bias.

Oct 5, 2010

Comment & Analysis: Questioning the numbers

Former Iraqi oilman Ahmed Mousa Jiyad wonders where the data came from to support the massive boost in two fields' reserves.

Sep 30, 2010

Wasit leaders defy Oil Ministry in armed standoff at Ahdab

A battle for control of the province’s oil development combusted, as local and federal security forces faced off.

Sep 23, 2010

Iraq moves to regain stature atop OPEC

Fifty years after the cartel was founded in Baghdad, Iraq is attempting to overcome political and technical obstacles to snatch the oil crown from the Saudis.