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.

For the first time in seven years, the KRG is preparing its own regional budget law — a process that is highlighting the stakes of ongoing negotiations with Baghdad.

If successful, Baghdad could potentially win tens of billions of dollars in damages and undermine Kurdistan’s ability to export oil independently via Turkey.

Early elections have been pushed from June to October as the UN presses Iraq to avoid the disastrous mismanagement that undermined the last national vote.

Trump administration had been more aggressive on Iraq's energy deals with Iran, issuing a 45-day waiver in November.

KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani was acting head of the Ministry of Natural Resources since mid 2019, when longtime minister Ashti Hawrami was moved to a senior advisory role.

Parliament showdown looms over unsustainable spending, new taxes, and KRG oil revenues.