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 7, 2017

PUK faction seizes more Kirkuk energy infrastructure

"Black Force" special police took over the North Gas Company headquarters Sunday, and continue to occupy the IT-1 station, as tensions over Kirkuk energy resources escalate.

Mar 3, 2017

Kurdish rivalries combust in deadly Sinjar battle

Proxy forces backed by Kurdistan's ruling KDP party and the PKK fought a four-hour battle Friday, foreshadowing a new phase of volatility for territory liberated from IS.

Mar 2, 2017

UPDATE: Armed political faction interrupts Kirkuk exports

The "Black Force" special police unit of the PUK party briefly took over Kirkuk's IT-1 facility - a sign of deteriorating intra-Kurdish political rivalries.

Feb 28, 2017

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Feb. 28, 2017

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 21, 2017

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Feb. 21, 2017

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 14, 2017

New deal links Kirkuk oil and KRG refineries

The federal Oil Ministry has begun sending NOC-produced crude to KRG refineries, generating badly needed fuel that will supply areas liberated from IS.

Feb 14, 2017

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Feb. 14, 2017

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 7, 2017

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Feb. 7, 2017

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 31, 2017

Parliament jump-starts stalled oil corruption inquiry

Reconstituted investigative committee will focus on allegations that Australia's Leighton Offshore paid bribes to Iraqi officials, including former oil ministers.

Jan 31, 2017

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Jan. 31, 2017

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