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)

Feb 3, 2022

KRG extends gas pipeline network, raising potential for exports

A new 52-inch pipeline to Dohuk, near the Turkish border, will bring feedstock to a dormant power plant — with extra capacity for more destinations in the future, including potential exports.

Jan 27, 2022

Omicron arrives in Iraq

The country's healthcare system is ill prepared for another surge, but government, health, and oil sector officials are hoping new variant's milder symptoms will soften the impact.

Jan 25, 2022

KRG resumes Syria crude trade

After more than a month, the border has reopened for both trade and humanitarian traffic, alleviating economic pressure on a U.S. ally in the counter-IS fight.

Jan 13, 2022

Iraq sets out blueprint for sovereign wealth fund for clean energy

Now that Iraq has finished decades' worth of reparations payments to Kuwait, the Cabinet is proposing to continue diverting a portion of oil sales for a new purpose — domestic clean energy investments.

Jan 11, 2022

KRG shuts border with Syrian Kurds, cutting oil artery

The closure blocks a major source of funding for the Rojava administration, a U.S. ally in the fight against IS.

Dec 15, 2021

Water shortages prompt RPG fire near Gharraf oil field

As Iraq begins to suffer the intensifying effects of climate change, competition for water threatens to spark conflict.

Dec 15, 2021

Looming arbitration highlights Kurdistan’s gas strategy woes

Genel Energy is taking the KRG to arbitration after years of failure to agree on a plan for developing the Miran and Bina Bawi gas fields.

Dec 8, 2021

Iraq seeks to diversify power imports as Iran tightens supply

Iraq's electricity service has suffered amidst unreliable gas and power imports from Iran, but efforts are moving slowly to diversify supply via four other neighboring countries due to unresolved pricing negotiations.

Dec 1, 2021

Q&A: Jassim Abdul Aziz al-Falahi, Minister of Environment

Iraq's envoy to the COP26 climate summit discusses the effects of global warming and the country's position on international action.

Nov 23, 2021

Student protests highlight ongoing KRG budget pressures

Demonstrators have blocked highways and picketed government buildings in Sulaimaniya and Erbil, demanding a further unwinding of government austerity measures.