Politics

Election of Iraqi President launches apparent Sudani gambit for second term

Iraqi insiders from across the political spectrum say Sudani is making a play to seize momentum and form a new government.

Newly elected Iraqi President Nizar Amedi (right) meets with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani (left) in Baghdad in April 2026. (Photo credit: Iraqi Presidency)

Dec 15, 2009

New Iraqi oil deals challenged in court

Dec. 22 hearing the first legal challenge to oil contracts concluded this year with foreign oil companies, including seven awarded Friday and Saturday.

Dec 14, 2009

Political implications of the second oil auction

The net outcome of the licensing rounds is likely to be more of an asset than a liability for Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

Dec 9, 2009

Official electoral coalitions list released

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.

Dec 8, 2009

Election delayed until March 7

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.

Dec 8, 2009

Not done yet

Iraqi government spokesman talks about dispute with the Kurds, Kuwait and the post-election legitimacy of the oil deals signed with foreign companies.

Dec 3, 2009

Remains of the dictator

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.

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.