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)

Mar 28, 2013

New energy strategy aims to streamline oil sector

Iraq's senior energy policy adviser has completed an ambitious national energy strategy, but political obstacles still loom.

Mar 15, 2013

Spurned over budget, Kurds mull opposition

Kurdish politicians expect to decide whether to withdraw from Maliki government in the next few days.

Mar 14, 2013

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.

Mar 8, 2013

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.

Mar 6, 2013

Kurds, Iraqiya block budget over oil payments

Kurdish legislators rallied allies to block vote on 2013 budget Tuesday, pressuring Baghdad to increase allocations for KRG oil contractors.

Mar 1, 2013

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.

Feb 28, 2013

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.

Feb 26, 2013

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.

Feb 26, 2013

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.

Feb 19, 2013

Cabinet Decisions: Feb 19, 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.