Politics

Zaidi takes power, Khudair confirmed as oil minister

Parliament has approved a majority of Cabinet posts as Ali al-Zaidi becomes Iraq's next prime minister and Bassim Khudair rises from deputy minister to oil minister.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi (standing, left) addresses the Parliament following the confirmation of several Cabinet ministers, including Oil Minister Bassim Mohammed Khudair. (Photo credit: Iraqi Parliament)

Jan 28, 2014

Provinces get additional oil revenue

Cabinet meets Governors' demands to increase petrodollar payments to end to one crucial budget battle.

Jan 23, 2014

Two new oil companies, six new provinces

Baghdad expands state oil sector in south and carves out potential new provinces in restive areas in the north where politics are always at play.

Jan 23, 2014

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Jan. 21, 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.

Jan 23, 2014

Basra Governor faces legal challenge, demands oil contracting rights

Basra's new Governor, back from heart surgery in Kuwait, is adamant that he approves all new oil deals.

Jan 22, 2014

Oil provinces condemn default on petrodollar

The leadership of Iraq's key provinces is livid about an 80 percent decrease in expected oil revenues.

Jan 17, 2014

Iraq sent legal threat to Turkey, warns KRG crude buyers

Commercial and diplomatic row looms as Baghdad initiates legal action over Kurdish exports.

Jan 16, 2014

Cabinet budget zeros out KRG revenue

Kurds would have to export regularly at 400,000 bpd – via SOMO – before 17 percent of budget redistribution is released.

Jan 13, 2014

Maliki and Shahristani stress SOMO rights, consequences to Turkey and KRG

Iraq's Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister press Turkish officials to comply with ITP deal, warn KRG and Turkey about "smuggling."

Jan 10, 2014

Baghdad warns of legal action against Kurdish exports

Oil Ministry complains to KRG and Turkey in first official response to Erbil-Ankara energy plans.

Jan 9, 2014

KRG says independent tanker loadings to begin

Kurdistan aims to start oil sales before the end of the month as crude flows through a new autonomous pipeline to Turkey.