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)

Dec 19, 2019

2020 budget delayed amidst political chaos

Iraq is headed for the new year without a new budget, casting uncertainty on investment spending plans and financial flows for Kurdistan.

Dec 17, 2019

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Dec. 17, 2019

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

Dec 13, 2019

Baz Karim emerges as frontrunner to lead KRG oil sector

A long-time central player in Kurdistan's oil industry, the CEO of KAR Group has already become a trusted advisor of KRG Prime Minister Masrur Barzani.

Dec 11, 2019

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Dec. 11, 2019

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

Dec 3, 2019

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Dec. 3, 2019

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

Nov 17, 2019

As protesters call for general strike, oil disruptions loom

Protesters are confronting an unbridgeable gap between their demands and the government's action. Their rising frustration poses increasing risks to the oil sector.

Nov 15, 2019

Protests put Baghdad-Erbil oil and budget talks on ice

As anti-government demonstrations alter Iraq's political landscape, the KRG has been forced to temper its ambitions to negotiate a durable financial relationship with Baghdad.

Nov 14, 2019

Qayarah field resumes production as protest disruptions ebb

The Mosul-area field has resumed shipments as demonstrations appear to be receding – at least temporarily – from key infrastructure.

Nov 13, 2019

Ghadhban reshuffles and streamlines Oil Ministry

The oil minister has officially confirmed his deputies, transferred or retired key officials, and put HFO sales under SOMO's purview.

Nov 7, 2019

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Nov. 5, 2019

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