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)

Apr 2, 2014

Kurdistan ‘goodwill’ exports stalled

Due to pipeline sabotage, and amidst an enduring political impasse, the KRG has postponed its plans to begin exporting through federal channels.

Mar 28, 2014

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: March 25, 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.

Mar 21, 2014

Under pressure from Baghdad, Kurds offer limited exports

As U.S. mediators work to broker a temporary export deal between Erbil and Baghdad, Kurdistan has pledged to pump 100,000 bpd through federal channels.

Mar 20, 2014

Baghdad regains control in oil disputes

Maliki’s government is using harsh tactics to reassert itself against Kurdistan’s increasingly autonomous oil policy, while the core disputes remain unresolved.

Mar 19, 2014

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: March 18, 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.

Mar 4, 2014

Q&A: U.S. International Energy Envoy Carlos Pascual

The U.S. government’s top energy diplomat discusses American efforts to help Iraq rise to the top of the global oil industry.

Feb 18, 2014

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Feb. 18, 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.

Feb 18, 2014

Q&A: The Calculator

IOR talks to Ali Hama Salih, Kurdistan’s popular MP, and a rising star in the opposition Gorran party.

Feb 13, 2014

Q&A: Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Hussain al-Shahristani

Iraq's top energy official discusses ExxonMobil, the KRG budget proposal, the status of fighting in Anbar and more.

Feb 12, 2014

Iraq Cabinet decisions: Feb. 11, 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.