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Politics

Northern exports stalled by Baghdad-Erbil disputes

With southern oil exports choked off by war, Baghdad cannot use its only backup pipeline route because of a fight with the KRG over customs revenue control.
Oil tanks at Turkey's Mediterranean port of Ceyhan, which is run by state-owned Petroleum Pipeline Corporation (BOTAS). (UMIT BEKTAS/Reuters)

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: March 26, 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.

As Turkey-Kurdistan deal accelerates, US hits brakes

Top leaders from Baghdad, Ankara, and Erbil are all lobbying the Obama administration for decisive support, as all sides weigh the enormous consequences of a potential energy deal between Turkey and the KRG.

Budget passes despite Kurdish boycott

With the controversial approval of Iraq's 2013 budget, which allocates just $625 million for KRG oil contractors, Kurdish leaders say it's time for economic independence.

Oil ministers meet, budget deadlock worsens

After a tense face-to-face negotiation between top central government and KRG oil officials, the 2013 budget is more stuck than ever in the conflict over Kurdistan's oil exports.

Protesting oil workers gain political backing

High-profile Iraqi leaders are speaking up for South Oil Company employees who have been protesting since early February, demanding better treatment and compensation.

Cabinet decisions: Feb. 26, 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.

Payments to KRG IOCs still budget sticking point

With the 2013 budget hanging in the balance, central government and KRG negotiators are trying and failing to agree on how – and how much – to pay oil producers in Kurdistan.