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)

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.

Jul 23, 2010

Iraq’s Oil Service Contracts: An Overview

Full speech given by Thamir Ghadhban, chairman of the advisory commission to the Iraqi Prime Minister, at the Iraq Oil Symposium July 18, 2010, attended by officials from international oil companies, foreign embassies and Iraqi ministries.

Jul 20, 2010

KRG plan responds to smuggling allegations

Kurdistan region announces formation of an oil security force and a ministerial committee to monitor oil and fuel trade, and affirms oil exports are only valid through northern pipeline.

Jul 16, 2010

Iraqi oil and gas moves could violate U.S. sanctions on Iran

Energy dealings between Iraq and Iran would likely violate U.S. sanctions, and are drawing condemnation from American diplomats, concern from experts.

Jul 14, 2010

Local oil politics stall parliament

Unresolved disagreements over the control of Iraq’s oil and the distribution of revenue have stopped the new parliament, before it can even start.