Politics

Deadly political divisions raise risks for Kurdistan

Rivalries between political leaders in Sulaimaniya have exploded into violence and undermined relations between Iraqi Kurdistan’s two ruling parties at a key political moment.

Bafel Talabani (left) and Lahur Talabany (right) at a Patriotic Union of Kurdistan party gathering on June 15, 2021. (Source: PUK Media)

Oct 12, 2007

Hunt Oil talked to State Dept. prior to signing KRG deal, contrary to prior statements

A representative from Dallas-based Hunt Oil Corp. did talk with the U.S. State Department prior to signing a controversial oil deal with Iraq’s Kurdistan Regional Government, according to an internal department communication obtained by United Press International.Hunt Oil, whose chief executive officer is connected to the Bush administration by campaign donations and a seat on […]

Oct 10, 2007

Iraq’s Kurds to international oil firms: ‘now or never’

The Kurdistan Regional Government, is offering the global oil industry its first and, so far, only chance at entering the Iraqi crude sector. Despite anger in Baghdad, the KRG plans to sign even more controversial oil deals and is waving the "For Sale" sign proudly. "We have many opportunities to excite you," KRG Natural Resources […]

Oct 9, 2007

Politics on the mind as Turkey threatens invasion, while Big Oil decides on waiting for Baghdad

Turkey is being pressed to respond to an increase in Kurdish rebel attacks by invading Iraq, where the rebels are allegedly holing up. More after the energy-related news. Meanwhile, Lionel Laurent writes for Forbes.com that the small oil firms are making their mark in Iraq and Big Oil is betting on Baghdad. He asks, Is […]

Oct 4, 2007

Iraqi Kurd oil deals continue to make headlines while the export of the oil may be tricky

The rest of the U.S. and global media have now picked up on my story for UPI from Tuesday on the four new approved and two already signed production sharing contracts with foreign firms. Iraq’s Kurdistan Regional Government made a sudden but not unexpected announcement Tuesday it had signed four more controversial oil deals. While […]

Oct 3, 2007

Congress wants answers on Hunt deal while its CEO denies any State Dept. conversation

Rep. Edward Markey has demanded answers to 12 questions from Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. In a letter Tuesday, he said the Hunt Oil-Kurdistan Regional Government deal is sketchy and hurts the U.S. agenda in Iraq. Bob Davis, Chip Cummins and Neil King Jr. report for the Wall Street Journal that Hunt CEO Ray Hunt […]