Politics

Political disunity clouds KRG fiscal and energy outlooks

Deadlocked talks over forming a new regional Cabinet highlight a bitter rivalry between two ruling parties that poses risks to Kurdistan's economy and energy sector.

PUK President Bafel Talabni (left) meets with KDP President Massoud Barzani (right) on Sept. 27, 2025. (Photo credit: KDP presidency office)

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.

Nov 20, 2012

Disputed territories flare into violence

After a shootout between Iraqi Army and Kurdish security forces in disputed territories, both sides are mobilizing troops, raising the specter of an escalating civil conflict.

Nov 12, 2012

Beyond the Headlines: Nov. 12, 2012

Details of Garraf worker deaths Kidnapping, violence in Kirkuk Rumaila-Zubair pipeline secured Missan to start demining project

Nov 8, 2012

Turkey preparing major Kurdistan oil entry

In a move that would bolster Kurdish oil autonomy, a new Turkish state company is negotiating with the KRG to take stakes in at least five exploration blocks.

Nov 6, 2012

Beyond the Headlines: Nov. 6, 2012

Awakening councils decry weapons seizures Syria arms trafficking continues New 250MW power plant for Missan Dhi Qar signs e-governance deal

Nov 1, 2012

Q&A: Chief auditor and acting Central Bank head Abdulbasit Turki Saeed

In his first interview as interim head of the Central Bank, Iraq's lead auditor discusses the new KRG-Baghdad export agreement, as well as his priorities for the CBI.

Oct 29, 2012

Beyond the Headlines: Oct. 29, 2012

Dispute continues over Garraf deaths Oil worker kidnapped in Kirkuk Dhi Qar smart cards to curb smuggling Diyala dam to alleviate water crisis

Oct 25, 2012

EXCLUSIVE: Full text of the new Kurdistan export deal

As Iraqi leaders take tentative steps toward oil policy reconciliation, Iraq Oil Report publishes the agreement – signed Sept. 13, but secret until now – that sets the rules of the road ahead.

Oct 25, 2012

Budget battle over Kurdistan exports

The KRG is fighting to embed its recent export agreement with Baghdad in the 2013 budget law, to guarantee payments for its oil contractors.