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.
Dec. 22 hearing the first legal challenge to oil contracts concluded this year with foreign oil companies, including seven awarded Friday and Saturday.
The net outcome of the licensing rounds is likely to be more of an asset than a liability for Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.
Iraq's electoral commission releases the official listing of coalitions standing in the March 7 national election, which will be a tense vote and contentious attempt to form the next government.
After tough election law bout in Parliament and a second veto by VP Hashimi averted at the 11th hour, Iraqi voters will have their say in March, only two months late.
Iraqi government spokesman talks about dispute with the Kurds, Kuwait and the post-election legitimacy of the oil deals signed with foreign companies.
Iraq Oil Report talks to members of Saddam Hussein’s tribe – some accused of recent violence – about the role of foreign oil companies and investment.
Iraqi Arab-Kurd expert Joost Hiltermann of the International Crisis Group explains how the oil is as relevant now as it has ever been.
Highlights of the low points in the multi-generational fight over Kirkuk between Iraqi Arabs and Kurds, from genocide to legislative deadlock.
Stalled law governing the vote delays electoral commissions efforts to prepare, making Jan. 18 date more and more unlikely, as political tensions heat up.
