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)

May 20, 2010

Iran envoy office says no demands for Iraqi oil

Despite statements by a prominent Iranian oil official, Tehran has not hardened its policy on border oil fields and negotiations with Iraq are continuing.

May 18, 2010

Cabinet OK’s KRG payments

Statement from government doesn't disclose numbers, but says Finance Ministry to start audit of companies to determine payments.

May 11, 2010

Allawi: oil deals should be honored but reviewed, altered

Ex-PM Allawi, leader of the top vote-getting Iraqiya list in the disputed March national elections, rails on an absence of clear policy on oil issues in sit-down with Iraq Oil Report.

May 7, 2010

Baghdad-KRG oil agreement closer but not reached

Kurdistan oil minister discounts Shahristani statement as old news, temporary agreement; says agreement to pay the contractors means nothing until finance ministry and cabinet approve plan.

May 7, 2010

Border fields to be developed as diplomacy continues

Unilateral development of oil and gas fields near or crossing international borders have been the cause of war in Iraq. Officials are signing deals with foreign firms anyway, while they continue talks with Iran and Kuwait.

May 4, 2010

Ex-MP vows to continue Rumaila challenge

Lawsuit to topple BP and CNPC's oil deal will continue, as former member of parliament sets to kick off major fundraising campaign and claims allegiance of top Maliki opponents.

May 4, 2010

Basra plans for spending spree

Basra government starting to calculate how to spend an extra $600 M expected now that a new law gives each province a cut of the oil, gas and fuel it produces.

Apr 27, 2010

Court: $250K to continue Rumaila lawsuit

Former member of parliament must pay more than a quarter million dollars or groundbreaking lawsuit challenging constitutionality of first major foreign oil contract will be dismissed.

Apr 25, 2010

Ministry transfers leaders of Basra refinery protest to Baghdad

Workers say the oil ministry is retaliating against workers for protesting after failed negotiations. The ministry says it is acting to prevent unruly demonstrations.

Apr 15, 2010

KRG-Baghdad oil talks advance

Top deputies and technocrats from Baghdad spent time in Erbil this week hashing out the technical framework for progress if a political deal between the central and regional government is reached.