Politics

Baghdad threatens to choke off KRG funding

Political tensions skyrocket after recently announced gas deals, resulting in legal challenges and threats to Kurdistan's budget.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani (standing, center right) and KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani (standing, center left) oversee a ceremony in Baghdad on April 4, 2023, to sign a temporary deal for restarting northern oil exports. (Photo credit: Prime Minister's Office)

Jun 14, 2022

Baghdad threatens Kurdistan oil contractors with blacklist

Expansive policy targets both IOCs and sub-contractors, raising pressure on Kurdistan's oil sector amidst legal battles.

Jun 9, 2022

Kurdistan opens new front in Baghdad legal battles

A new lawsuit filed in Erbil could complicate the Oil Ministry's legal action in Baghdad against Kurdistan's oil companies.

Jun 5, 2022

Court postpones hearing in case against Kurdistan’s IOCs

Oil companies did not send authorized representatives to court Sunday, prompting a delay in the Oil Ministry's new lawsuit seeking to enforce a landmark ruling against Kurdistan's oil sector.

Jun 2, 2022

Baghdad launches legal action against Kurdistan’s oil companies

IOCs summoned to appear in federal commercial court as Oil Ministry also signals international legal campaign against Kurdistan's oil sector independence.

May 26, 2022

Atroshi resigns from KRG Ministry of Natural Resources

The nominal leader of Kurdistan's oil sector has stepped down after a 16-month tenure marked by bureaucratic turf wars, strained relations with oil companies, and health problems.

May 17, 2022

Tensions rise over alleged intrusion at Kirkuk oil wells

Iraq's North Oil Company has accused the KRG of trying to grab control of oil wells at Bai Hassan field, reflecting a long history of mistrust and political friction.

May 11, 2022

Gas pipeline stalled by intra-Kurdish political rifts

KRG leaders have been touting the potential for major gas exports to Turkey and Europe, but worsening political rivalries are so far preventing pipeline construction.

Apr 22, 2022

Western sanctions raise hurdles for Russia in Iraq

Russian companies face challenges with payments and reluctance from commercial partners in Iraq following the invasion of Ukraine.

Apr 13, 2022

Iraqi federal and KRG oil talks cordial but still at odds

In their first in-person meeting, a political delegation from Erbil talked about terms for resolving the oil dispute with Baghdad while the Oil Ministry remains focused on technical implementation of the Federal Supreme Court ruling against the Kurdistan Region’s oil sector.

Apr 7, 2022

Q&A: Rafeeq Hashem al-Salihi, MP from Basra and member of the Fatah Alliance

A politician, tribal sheikh, and paramilitary leader, Salihi says Basra deserves a larger portion of federal oil revenue and increased support for its agriculture sector.