Politics

Political disunity clouds KRG fiscal and energy outlooks

Deadlocked talks over forming a new regional Cabinet highlight a bitter rivalry between two ruling parties that poses risks to Kurdistan's economy and energy sector.

PUK President Bafel Talabni (left) meets with KDP President Massoud Barzani (right) on Sept. 27, 2025. (Photo credit: KDP presidency office)

Mar 1, 2019

Q&A: Nazm Dabakh, KRG representative to Iran

After Kurdistan abruptly stopped oil exports to Iran - and then quickly resumed them - the KRG's emissary to Tehran discusses bilateral relations in the age of renewed U.S. sanctions.

Feb 28, 2019

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Feb. 26, 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.

Feb 27, 2019

Court signals skepticism in Baghdad-KRG oil case

Issuing yet another delay in the seven-year-old proceedings, Iraq's chief justice appeared to question whether there is still an active constitutional dispute.

Feb 26, 2019

Iran fuel exports restart after KRG relaxes ban

One week after the Kurdistan region stopped all crude and fuel traffic to Iran, the order has been revised and exports have resumed.

Feb 25, 2019

New Bashiqa drilling touches a political nerve

DNO has begun a drilling campaign in the heart of Iraq's disputed territories, after the Norwegian company took over as operator from ExxonMobil.

Feb 20, 2019

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Feb. 19, 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.

Feb 19, 2019

Kurdistan government formation deal stalls

Two weeks after leaders from the KRG's two main political parties agreed on top posts in Erbil and Kirkuk, their deal has hit roadblocks.

Feb 14, 2019

Ghadhban reshuffles Oil Ministry leadership team

Four deputy ministers are swapping positions with one another, in Ghadhban's first major staff changes as minister.

Feb 13, 2019

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Feb. 12, 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.

Feb 8, 2019

Kurdistan government formation takes step forward

The KRG's two primary political parties appear to have broken a four-month stalemate with a deal for new leadership in both Erbil and Kirkuk.