Politics

Deadly political divisions raise risks for Kurdistan

Rivalries between political leaders in Sulaimaniya have exploded into violence and undermined relations between Iraqi Kurdistan’s two ruling parties at a key political moment.

Bafel Talabani (left) and Lahur Talabany (right) at a Patriotic Union of Kurdistan party gathering on June 15, 2021. (Source: PUK Media)

Jan 22, 2013

War-weary Syrians seek food, fuel in new trade with Kurdistan

Through an informal border crossing overseen by the KRG, thousands of Syrians are traveling on foot each day to and from Iraqi Kurdistan to buy food and fuel for their families.

Jan 22, 2013

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Jan. 22, 2013

Each week Beyond the Headlines features a raw translation of the Cabinet decisions, as made public in Arabic by the media office of the Council of Ministers.

Jan 21, 2013

Beyond the Headlines: Jan. 20, 2013

Missan to protect marshes from Iran Basra wants Houston as sister city Missan presses Majnoon field claim Dhi Qar updates field developments

Jan 11, 2013

Baghdad threatens to sue over independent KRG exports

SOMO asserted its exclusive rights over oil sales following the revelation of KRG oil trucking to Turkey, warning violators of impending legal action.

Jan 8, 2013

Iraq names new deputy oil minister

Country faces task of replacing retiring leaders of the oil sector.

Dec 28, 2012

Protests gain ground but foreshadow new sectarianism

Protests sparked by the arrest of Finance Minister Rafa al-Essawi's security staff have grown into anti-government demonstrations that risk reopening destructive Sunni-Shia tensions.

Dec 18, 2012

Q&A: Hussain al-Shahristani

Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister for Energy discusses KRG exports, ExxonMobil's looming deadline, and a new production target to reach by 2017.

Dec 17, 2012

Baghdad targets KRG budget priorities

Amidst rising Kurd-Arab tensions, Prime Minister Maliki's allies are taking aim at Kurdistan's economic imperatives – its share of the federal budget, and funding guarantees for oil contractors.

Dec 5, 2012

Baghdad asserts sovereignty in dispute with Ankara, Kurds

After clearing the Turkish energy minister's trip to Erbil, Baghdad authorities suddenly revoked approval for his flight, highlighting growing tensions with Ankara.

Nov 22, 2012

Draft budget gives less money for Kurdish contractors

In its new draft budget, the federal Cabinet has allocated just $625 million in advance payments for KRG exports – well short of Kurdish expectations.