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)

Feb 4, 2010

Ten deals makes a happy minister

Iraqi Oil Minister Hussain al-Shahristani talks to Iraq Oil Report about what the recently signed oil deals means for Iraq, and what is left to do before KRG oil deals get the green light.

Feb 3, 2010

Election ban “lifted” for 500 barred candidates

Appeal court recommends to electoral commission that more than 500 candidates be allowed to stand in March 7 elections. Candidates' jubilation is tempered by others' suspicion of American interference.

Feb 1, 2010

Hearing postpones challenge to Rumaila deal

Lawsuit challenging fundamentals of international oil deals is accepted by judge, and a hearing scheduled for next month.

Jan 19, 2010

KRG sets guidelines for turning oil taps back on

Iraqi Kurdistan oil minister says Baghdad must pay foreign oil firms invested in northern fields before exports will restart.

Jan 15, 2010

As election nears, oil becomes an ally

Shahristani, in press conference at communications college, says elections will determine his future as Oil Minister, and talks Fakka, KRG contracts, and corruption.

Jan 14, 2010

Details emerge from the court battle for Rumaila

Iraq Oil Report sheds light on the federal court challenge to BP's contract for Rumaila with the documents filed by the Oil Ministry and MP Musawi in recent hearings.

Jan 6, 2010

BREAKING: Four Iraqi oil director generals retired

Iraq Oil Report has learned that at least four of Iraq's oil technocrat elite have been retired, though it appears to be based purely on age, not controversy as originally believed.

Jan 4, 2010

UPDATE: North Oil Co. leader replacement by deputy draws criticism

Workers say the popular Manna al-Obeidi should be replaced by someone born in Kirkuk, though the ministry claims his deputy is the right man for the job. Both are beyond the mandatory retirement age.

Jan 4, 2010

Civil society’s discontent with Iraq’s oil transparency efforts

Iraqi NGOs will have to be an active member of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative for it to be successful, but worry they won't get a meaningul seat at the table.

Dec 17, 2009

In the theatre of oil, the politics of Iraq

The grand oil auction Dec. 11 and 12 required a breakout performance for Iraqi Oil Minister Hussain al-Shahristani in time for the national elections.