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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)
Feb 17, 2010

Iraq’s Oil Politics: Where Agreement Might Be Found

In Iraq, oil contracting and revenue sharing are not simply technical or commercial matters but rather proxies for differing conceptions among Iraq’s communities of the country and their place within it.

Feb 10, 2010

2010 budget boosts oil-producing provinces

The $72bn budget awards dollars to oil-producing provinces and sites of pilgrimage. A stern warning is issued to Kurdish authorities in the form of penalties for cutting off exports.

Feb 8, 2010

Chaos looms over elections

Protests on the streets of Baghdad as election campaigning delayed and courts rush through appeals of banned candidates

Feb 8, 2010

Oil workers protest in Basra

Dispute over labor law, attacks on workers, mark ongoing tension between Iraqi oil workers and the government.

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.

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.