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)

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.

Mar 31, 2022

Baghdad outlines plan for takeover of Kurdistan oil sector

To implement a landmark Federal Supreme Court decision, the Oil Ministry proposes steps to begin federal oversight of KRG oil and gas operations. Kurdish leaders remain defiant.

Mar 28, 2022

Iraq gets renewed 120-day U.S. waiver for Iranian energy imports

After years of failure to develop sufficient domestic energy supplies, Iraq still depends on unreliable imports from Iran that require special exemptions from U.S. sanctions.

Mar 22, 2022

Q&A: Judge Jasem Mohammad Abbood, head of the Federal Supreme Court

Judge Abbood discusses the legal reach of the court following the ruling invalidating the KRG’s oil deals, the disputed legal status of the Iraqi National Oil Company, and legal challenges to changing the dinar exchange rate.

Mar 18, 2022

Parliament vote signals uphill battle for Ismaael and INOC

A recent vote to remove the oil minister as the head of the Iraqi National Oil Company highlights political headwinds for Ihsan Ismaael's efforts to restructure the oil sector and maintain a foothold beyond the transition to a new government.

Mar 14, 2022

Economic reforms hampered by political divides

Iraq’s “white paper” laid out an internationally acclaimed roadmap for economic reform. But the problems are so pervasive — and political will to tackle them so weak — that progress has been slow.