Politics

Political disunity clouds KRG fiscal and energy outlooks

Deadlocked talks over forming a new regional Cabinet highlight a bitter rivalry between two ruling parties that poses risks to Kurdistan's economy and energy sector.

PUK President Bafel Talabni (left) meets with KDP President Massoud Barzani (right) on Sept. 27, 2025. (Photo credit: KDP presidency office)

Oct 26, 2021

Q&A: Begard Talabani, KRG Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources

Climate change, drought, and strained water relations with Iran and Turkey are creating major challenges for Kurdistan and its farmers.

Oct 15, 2021

Analysis: Iraq’s 2021 election results

Five big takeaways from the provisional results of Iraq's Oct. 10 national elections.

Oct 9, 2021

New PKK election strategy highlights intra-Kurdish tensions

The Kurdish separatist group is making an unprecedented foray into Iraqi politics, using upcoming national elections to challenge Iraqi Kurdistan's ruling party.

Sep 17, 2021

Foreign investors recoil as Iraq restricts company ownership

Iraq has begun enforcing legislation that prevents foreigners from owning a majority stake in any Iraqi company, casting new uncertainty on an already difficult investment climate.

Sep 4, 2021

INOC launches, aiming to restructure Iraq’s oil sector

In his dual capacity as oil minister and INOC president, Ihsan Ismaael is moving key management authorities and oversight of state oil companies to the newly formed company.

Aug 30, 2021

Baghdad makes second KRG budget transfer

Erbil has now received $138 million payments in both July and August, as a fragile political deal revives financial flows that had been stalled since October 2020.

Aug 27, 2021

Macron visit feeds hopes of breakthrough for Total deal

The French president's second trip to Iraq in less than a year could potentially help push a massive energy deal across the finish line for TotalEnergies.

Aug 11, 2021

Q&A: Kurdistan Region VP Sheikh Jaafar Sheikh Mustafa

The former Peshmerga leader and PUK politburo member reflects on the priorities and crises facing the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Jul 30, 2021

Despite one payment, Baghdad-Erbil budget stalemate continues

Officials on both sides say a July financial transfer was a one-off deal, as political and technical disputes hold up further federal budget payments for Kurdistan.

Jul 30, 2021

Q&A: Oil Minister Ihsan Ismaael

Iraq’s oil chief discusses negotiations with Total and Chevron, arbitration with Exxon, the future of INOC, several gas project updates, and budget talks with the Kurdistan region.