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)

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.

Jan 8, 2014

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Jan. 7, 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.

Dec 19, 2013

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Dec. 17, 2013

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

Dec 11, 2013

Basra oil workers renew protests

Decrying unmet demands and broken promises, oil unions have rallied hundreds of workers – and some political support – to protest for better compensation and treatment.

Dec 10, 2013

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Dec. 10, 2013

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

Dec 5, 2013

Kurdistan pipeline exports imminent despite Baghdad outcry

With oil filling the KRG's pipeline to the Turkish border, Erbil and Ankara have outlined a mechanism under which exports could start without Baghdad's approval.

Dec 1, 2013

Yildiz meets Shahristani in effort to mend ties

Ankara and Baghdad's top energy officials struck conciliatory tone, but offered few details on how to reconcile over Turkey's solidifying energy alliance with Kurdistan.

Nov 29, 2013

Turkey, Kurdistan cement massive energy deal

In a Nov. 27 meeting between the Turkish and Kurdish prime ministers, the two sides signed several agreements that solidify a major strategic energy alliance.