Politics

Political disunity clouds KRG fiscal and energy outlooks

Deadlocked talks over forming a new regional Cabinet highlight a bitter rivalry between two ruling parties that poses risks to Kurdistan's economy and energy sector.

PUK President Bafel Talabni (left) meets with KDP President Massoud Barzani (right) on Sept. 27, 2025. (Photo credit: KDP presidency office)

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.

Sep 2, 2010

Expanding oilfields versus ancient farmlands

In a zero-sum game of real estate, Basra farmers are losing their ancestral lands and livelihoods to Iraq’s oil boom.

Sep 1, 2010

Kurds’ EU gas deal irks Baghdad on eve of U.S. transition

KRG's new gas deal with Europe fuels conflict with central government over oil sector control and exposes gap in American understanding of key Iraqi issue.

Aug 10, 2010

Farmer’s lawsuit demands compensation for oil land

Farmer claims that state oil company took over his land in Missan province and owes him millions in lost income.

Jul 29, 2010

As Iraq loosens the taps, slow planning for a spill

With oil production set to boom, Iraq is facing an increasing risk of oil-related disaster, and environmental officials say the country isn’t ready to handle a major spill.

Jul 28, 2010

UN oversight of Iraqi oil money struggling to adapt

Alleged fuel smuggling from Kurdish region to Iran highlights gaps in UN-mandated monitoring of Iraqi oil money.