Politics

Government formation stalemate deepens

Nouri al-Maliki's path to the premiership becomes increasingly unlikely as political power brokers struggle to contend with U.S. opposition and regional uncertainty.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani (left) and former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki (right) meet on Feb. 11, 2026 in Baghdad. (Photo credit: Prime Minister's Office)

Feb 14, 2011

Regional upheaval fuels oil protests

Northern oil workers raised the specter of strikes, as old grievances find fresh expression in Iraqi protests inspired by Egypt and Tunisia.

Feb 14, 2011

Electricity, other ministers named in rancorous session

Parties battle over vice-president post, while Maliki names eight ministers, but keeps security portfolios for now.

Feb 10, 2011

Iraqiya nets Parliament oil committee leadership

Top posts in key committees are doled out as the new legislature begins to take shape.

Feb 9, 2011

Sadrist block pushes oil to the people

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.

Feb 8, 2011

Analysis: Markets moved, but KRG-Baghdad deal not done

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has reportedly agreed to support Kurdistan's oil contracts -- a significant step, but only one of many on the long path to reconciling a years-long dispute.

Feb 3, 2011

KRG field flows to export pipeline

Iraq has taken its first steps towards exporting 100k bpd of oil from the Kurdistan region, though major issues are still unsettled.

Jan 28, 2011

Parliament oil committee named

The new Parliament has approved members to the energy committee, which could shepherd major legislation including the stalled oil law.

Jan 19, 2011

KRG exports to restart after hush agreement

Kurdish exports will resume Feb. 1, but officials on both sides of the KRG-Baghdad divide are keeping quiet about the details.

Jan 11, 2011

The year ahead

From oil policy to politics to security, the events of a momentous 2010 have shaped the agenda for 2011. A briefing for the new year from Iraq Bureau Chief Ben Lando.

Jan 5, 2011

Return of the kingmaker

After four years of self-imposed exile in Iran, radical Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr returns to an Iraqi political scene where his clout has never been greater.