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 20, 2020

Likely next NOC chief versed in northern Iraq complexities

Bashir Murad oversaw fields in the far reaches of northwest Iraq while developing high-level credentials with Baghdad.

Feb 19, 2020

Oil exports into Iraqi Kurdistan give Syrian Kurds a financial lifeline

Over several years, Iraqi Kurdistan has become a key market for Syrian crude and provider of refined fuel – a trade worth tens of millions of dollars per month.

Feb 18, 2020

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Feb. 18, 2020

Whenever the media office of the Council of Ministers releases decisions of the Cabinet, Iraq Oil Report publishes a translation from the original Arabic.

Feb 12, 2020

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Feb. 11, 2020

Whenever the media office of the Council of Ministers releases decisions of the Cabinet, Iraq Oil Report publishes a translation from the original Arabic.

Feb 5, 2020

Gas contract feud highlights Kurdistan’s political rivalries

Unidentified gunmen have impeded trucks from loading LPG from the Khor Mor gas field, after competition between politically connected companies.

Feb 4, 2020

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Feb. 4, 2020

Whenever the media office of the Council of Ministers releases decisions of the Cabinet, Iraq Oil Report publishes a translation from the original Arabic.

Jan 30, 2020

KRG walking a tightrope between US and Iran

A diplomatic balancing act has grown more challenging and risky in the month since Soleimani's assassination.

Jan 29, 2020

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Jan. 28, 2020

Whenever the media office of the Council of Ministers releases decisions of the Cabinet, Iraq Oil Report publishes a translation from the original Arabic.

Jan 24, 2020

Iraq approves all 5th bidding round deals, aims to boost gas supply

With Iranian gas imports dwindling and U.S. sanctions threats looming, Iraq takes steps aimed at quickly addressing both challenges.

Jan 22, 2020

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Jan. 21, 2020

Whenever the media office of the Council of Ministers releases decisions of the Cabinet, Iraq Oil Report publishes a translation from the original Arabic.