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 1, 2021

Oil Ministry objects to Iraqi budget law, citing risks to oil sector

Iraq cannot pay oil companies on time under its 2021 budget law, the Oil Ministry said in an official letter seeking a legal intervention.

Apr 5, 2021

Production restarts at Sarqala

Days after the field was shut down because of disputes between politically connected trucking companies, the Kurdistan region has regained 30,000 bpd of production.

Apr 1, 2021

UPDATE: Iraq passes 2021 budget with record deficit and new oil deal for KRG

The new budget law lays out a revised framework for Baghdad-Erbil oil and revenue cooperation and projects a record deficit that is only likely to be filled if global oil prices remain high.

Apr 1, 2021

Sarqala field shuts down as political rivalries spill into the open

Kurdistan could be deprived of $1.5 million per day worth of oil production due to a dispute between trucking companies associated with competing factions of the PUK party.

Mar 31, 2021

Iraq revives efforts to revamp oil sector legislation

Hydrocarbons and national oil company laws get renewed push after more than a decade of political deadlock.

Mar 30, 2021

U.S. gives Iraq maximum timeframe in sanctions waiver extension

Biden administration grants Iraq another 120 days to purchase gas and power from Iran as it continues to build out alternative supplies for vital energy needs.

Mar 19, 2021

Q&A: Ninewa Gov. Najim al-Jibouri

The military commander-turned-governor says Mosul has largely succeeded in re-establishing security — but lagging support from Baghdad is hurting the local economy, including energy investment.

Mar 16, 2021

Q&A: PUK Co-President Lahur Talabany

The co-leader of Kurdistan's second-largest party discusses politicized oil policies, factionalized leadership, security risks, and Iraq's national budget.

Feb 24, 2021

Q&A: Dr. Reyadh Abdul Amir, head of Iraq’s coronavirus vaccine program

The Health Ministry's vaccine chief discusses efforts to obtain and administer doses, as well as the potential for a future "vaccine passport" policy.

Feb 23, 2021

Iraq’s vaccine program races against worsening pandemic

First shipments of three different vaccines are expected imminently, but limited supply and rising infection rates mean other new pandemic counter-measures are also needed.