Politics

Analysis: Worsening internal rivalries weaken KRG at key political juncture

Conflict between the KDP and PUK has driven dysfunction in Erbil and weakened Kurdish influence in Baghdad as a new government takes power.

Bafel Talabani, president of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (left), meets with newly elected Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi (right), in Baghdad in May 2026. (Photo credit: Prime Minister's Office)

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.

Oct 29, 2009

Minister questioning postponed

Election and massive violence take up Parliament’s agenda, delaying expected heated query of oil minister’s decisions.

Oct 21, 2009

Oil troubles won’t last forever

Top advisor to Maliki and former oil minister is confident disputes over governing the oil sector will be overcome after elections.

Oct 16, 2009

Oil Ministry expert: no KRG payments

Top adviser to Shahristani said the KRG on its own to find payments for oil contracts.

Oct 15, 2009

Shahristani faces Parliament query

Oil Minister summoned to Parliament for query Oct. 27.

Oct 15, 2009

Galbraith denies wrongdoing alleged in KRG oil deal flap

Former U.S. Ambassador and prominent proponent of decentralized Iraq says political opinions shaped before KRG oil involvement.

Oct 14, 2009

Ministry claims oil policy vindication

Iraq Oil Ministry saying its hardline policies in the first bidding round was effective with oil majors now agreeing to its terms on two more major fields.