Politics

New hope for Baghdad-KRG oil and budget deal

Federal financial transfer signals political will to implement an agreement that could result in re-starting northern oil exports, though further hurdles remain.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani (right) hosts Massoud Barzani, the president of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, in Baghdad on July 3, 2024. (Photo credit: Prime Minister's Office)

Jul 6, 2022

Court postpones hearing on Gulf Keystone contract with KRG

Days after declaring four of Kurdistan's oil contracts to be invalid, Baghdad court schedules a hearing on three others for July 17.

Jul 4, 2022

Baghdad court declares four KRG oil contracts void

Secretive ruling marks escalation in Oil Ministry campaign to end Kurdistan's oil sector independence.

Jul 4, 2022

Baghdad court rejects Kurdistan’s delay tactics in lawsuit against IOCs

The Oil Ministry’s lawsuit against seven oil companies operating in Kurdistan gained momentum as a Baghdad judge moves toward reviewing contracts.

Jun 29, 2022

Halliburton pledges to obey blacklist policy against KRG oil sector

Three major U.S. oil services companies have now told the Oil Ministry they will comply with new restrictions stemming from February's landmark court ruling against Kurdistan.

Jun 28, 2022

Oil services companies bow to Baghdad blacklist

Oil Ministry pressure tactics are beginning to inflict pain in the wake of the Federal Supreme Court's landmark ruling against Kurdistan's energy sector.

Jun 23, 2022

Erbil court postpones case against Oil Ministry leaders

Defending its oil sector independence, the KRG has so far succeeded at entangling Baghdad's legal offensive in procedural delays.

Jun 20, 2022

Court again delays Baghdad lawsuit against Kurdistan IOCs

Baghdad's Commercial Court again postponed the Oil Ministry's lawsuit against seven oil companies operating in Kurdistan.

Jun 14, 2022

Q&A: Finance Minister Ali Allawi

Allawi discusses ending Kurdistan budget transfers, new expenditures under a stop-gap spending law, power payments to Iran, and implementing a Chinese financing deal.

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.