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)

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.

Jul 14, 2021

PUK leadership rift threatens stability in gas rich Sulaimaniya

Security forces in Sulaimaniya were mustered on behalf of respective party leaders as negotiations continue.

Jul 12, 2021

Baghdad releases $138 million to KRG days before Kadhimi’s Washington visit

The budget transfer relieves some financial pressure on Erbil, though regular payments going forward are hardly assured.

Jul 9, 2021

Pandemic worsens for Iraq as Delta variant and vaccine hesitancy take root

Iraq's covid-19 infection rate has peaked for a third time, to a record high, putting dire pressure on an overloaded health care system.

Jun 29, 2021

Electricity crisis worsens as Iran cuts supply and minister resigns

Power blackouts throughout Iraq threaten to cause new bouts of social unrest over chronic failures to build adequate domestic gas and electricity supply.

Jun 18, 2021

Hope rises for Baghdad-Erbil budget deal, but hurdles remain

Under a new agreement, Kurdistan could start receiving 200 billion Iraqi dinars per month.

Jun 15, 2021

Q&A: Habat al-Halbusi, chair of the Parliament Oil and Energy Committee

The MP leading Parliament's oversight of Iraq's oil and electricity sectors discusses the importance of gas development and the status of INOC legislation.

Jun 4, 2021

Cabinet files legal challenge to 2021 budget

Kadhimi's government is seeking to strike down budget provisions added by Parliament, including new financial rules for state-owned oil companies and fuel import taxes.

Jun 3, 2021

Syria oil deal hangs in the balance as U.S. license lapses

Delta Crescent Energy's oil deal with the Kurdish-led opposition in northeast Syria is in jeopardy as the Biden administration reconsiders a Trump-era sanctions waiver.

May 11, 2021

Q&A: Dhi Qar Gov. Ahmed al-Khafaji

Weeks after taking office, Dhi Qar's new governor discusses aspirations for quelling oil protests, raising employment, and attracting investment.