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)

Dec 2, 2009

Baghdad’s oil deals a blow to Kurdish clout in northern talks

Iraqi Arab-Kurd expert Joost Hiltermann of the International Crisis Group explains how the oil is as relevant now as it has ever been.

Dec 2, 2009

The Kirkuk timebomb’s timeline

Highlights of the low points in the multi-generational fight over Kirkuk between Iraqi Arabs and Kurds, from genocide to legislative deadlock.

Nov 25, 2009

January election in doubt

Stalled law governing the vote delays electoral commissions efforts to prepare, making Jan. 18 date more and more unlikely, as political tensions heat up.

Nov 24, 2009

Iraq-Kuwait border field meeting set for Tuesday

Border fields a longtime dispute between Iraq and Kuwait - and Iran and Syria - and ongoing talks between the neighbors are part of slow post-war process.

Nov 24, 2009

The Hashemi veto backfires, parliament ups the ante

Parliament responds to Vice President Hashimi's veto of the election law by amending the law, but not the section which the veep rejected in the first place.

Nov 23, 2009

Oil Minister job a target of top MP

Kurdish parliamentarian and chair of the oil and gas committee said this week will see effort at Shahristani vote of no confidence, no oil law vote.

Nov 9, 2009

Legislators fight over Shahristani questioning

Members of Parliament who back Oil Minister Hussain al-Shahristani take to the media in response to opponents who have alleged corruption and evasion.

Nov 9, 2009

Association of Muslim Scholars condemns Rumaila contract

Influential Sunni religious leaders criticize deal signed with BP and the Chinese National Petroleum Corp., calls it “suspicious.”

Nov 9, 2009

Minister questioning moved up to Nov. 10

Oil Minister Hussain al-Shahristani requested the questioning be moved to Nov. 10 instead of Nov. 11, to avoid a conflict with his planned trip to Mecca.

Nov 8, 2009

Shahristani going to Mecca instead of Parliament – UPDATE

Oil Minister coming off week of oil deal signings, will not be in Parliament for scheduled Nov. 11 questioning.