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)

Jun 20, 2014

Q&A: Falah Mustafa Bakir

Kurdistan's top ambassador says KRG territory now irreversibly includes the Kirkuk oil field, in a "new reality" of almost total Kurdish independence.

Jun 19, 2014

Kurdistan forms government as President calls veterans to arms

As Kurdistan inaugurated its new Cabinet, President Barzani called retired Peshmerga to re-enlist and help defend the region's southern border against insurgents.

Jun 11, 2014

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: June 10, 2014

Whenever the media office of the Council of Ministers publishes decisions of the Cabinet, Beyond the Headlines features a translation from the original Arabic.

Jun 8, 2014

Kurdish exports in limbo

The KRG has a willing buyer, but its first pipeline exports remain unsold due to pressure from Baghdad and Washington.

Jun 4, 2014

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: June 3, 2014

Whenever the media office of the Council of Ministers publishes decisions of the Cabinet, Beyond the Headlines features a translation from the original Arabic.

May 29, 2014

Q&A: Iraqi Ambassador to the U.S. Lukman Faily

The Iraqi ambassador discusses stepped-up military cooperation with the U.S., the ongoing sectarian violence in Iraq, and the politics of government formation.

May 27, 2014

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: May 27, 2014

Whenever the media office of the Council of Ministers publishes decisions of the Cabinet, Beyond the Headlines features a translation from the original Arabic.

May 23, 2014

UPDATE: Iraq files for arbitration against Turkey, Botas

Oil Ministry files in International Chamber of Commerce for immediate halt to Kurdish oil sales, as KRG announces revenues will stay in Turkey.

May 21, 2014

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: May 20, 2014

Whenever the media office of the Council of Ministers publishes decisions of the Cabinet, Beyond the Headlines features a translation from the original Arabic.

May 14, 2014

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: May 13, 2014

Whenever the media office of the Council of Ministers publishes decisions of the Cabinet, Beyond the Headlines features a translation from the original Arabic.