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)

Sep 16, 2019

Iraqi court suspends landmark Baghdad-KRG legal battle

Chief justice says case is indefinitely delayed until the prime minister personally endorses Baghdad’s complaint against the KRG’s independent oil policy.

Sep 15, 2019

To diversify power supply, Iraq signs framework deal with Gulf countries

New agreement could link Iraq into the GCC’s "energy highway," in an effort to meet rising electricity demand and reduce dependence on Iran.

Sep 9, 2019

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Sept. 8, 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.

Sep 5, 2019

Sanctioned Russian company moves toward Iraq exploration deal

The Oil Ministry has initialed a contract with Stroytransgaz – a target of U.S. sanctions on Russia – for exploration and development in Anbar province. The deal awaits final Cabinet approval.

Sep 4, 2019

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Sept. 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.

Aug 28, 2019

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Aug. 27, 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.

Aug 22, 2019

Ahead of oil talks with Baghdad, KRG proposes new budget framework

As leaders in Erbil and Baghdad prepare for detailed negotiations on long-standing disputes, the KRG is offering to hand over all of its oil exports to the federal government – for a price.

Aug 21, 2019

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Aug. 21

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

Aug 7, 2019

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Aug. 6, 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.

Aug 6, 2019

Baghdad slow-walks court fight on KRG oil policy

Prime Minister Abd al-Mahdi has again delayed a key legal filing, signaling an apparent desire to settle long-standing disputes through political negotiation rather than court battles.