Politics

Election of Iraqi President launches apparent Sudani gambit for second term

Iraqi insiders from across the political spectrum say Sudani is making a play to seize momentum and form a new government.

Newly elected Iraqi President Nizar Amedi (right) meets with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani (left) in Baghdad in April 2026. (Photo credit: Iraqi Presidency)

Dec 16, 2010

UPDATE: Kurdish oil demands to Maliki revealed

According to previously undisclosed communiqué, Kurdish leaders want specific oil and revenue laws passed in 2011 and say KRG should decide constitutionality of its oil deals.

Dec 3, 2010

Erbil, Baghdad still at odds over oil

Iraq’s political and fiscal realities appear to be pushing Baghdad closer to its oil rivals in Kurdistan, though the two sides remain wedged apart by both bitterness and key policy differences.

Dec 2, 2010

Shahristani out of oil, in for Maliki deputy

New post to coordinate all energy policies allows PM Maliki to retain power in case he doesn't keep Oil Ministry.

Nov 15, 2010

Gas deals advance, political hurdles remain

Ministry officials initialed contracts for Mansuriya and Siba fields, but Anbar province protests have worked, stalling Akkas. All three deals hinge on the formation of a new government, which looks more likely after the weekend.

Nov 12, 2010

Maliki, Talibani in after Iraqiya walk-outs

Inclusive government may have fallen apart before it touched a piece of legislation.

Nov 9, 2010

Politics of uncertainty

Days before a court-mandated meeting of Parliament, Iraq’s leaders capped a round of power-sharing talks with optimistic televised speeches but little tangible progress.

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.