Politics

Baghdad threatens to choke off KRG funding

Political tensions skyrocket after recently announced gas deals, resulting in legal challenges and threats to Kurdistan's budget.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani (standing, center right) and KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani (standing, center left) oversee a ceremony in Baghdad on April 4, 2023, to sign a temporary deal for restarting northern oil exports. (Photo credit: Prime Minister's Office)

Feb 16, 2012

Kurds in Baghdad rebuff Exxon critics

The top Kurdish official in the Iraqi Cabinet speaks out against his fellow ministers' hard-line stance against Exxon.

Feb 15, 2012

Basra gains clout amidst protests

Locals near the Shell-operated Majnoon oil field staged demonstrations over unemployment, as visiting leaders from Baghdad met provincial demands for more powers and better services.

Feb 14, 2012

Exxon has ‘days’ to respond

Deputy PM says ExxonMobil must soon respond to Baghdad's ultimatum and freeze deals in Kurdistan or else lose all opportunities in southern Iraq.

Jan 30, 2012

4th bid round delayed, Exxon still qualified

The fourth bidding round is now scheduled for May 30-31, as the model contract evolves and IOCs get time to respond.

Jan 26, 2012

Oil law struggles for daylight

Parliament committee could press for formal validation of existing oil deals with Baghdad and KRG, but efforts are being overshadowed by political crisis.

Jan 6, 2012

Energy sector weathers political crisis with minor delays

Amidst a political breakdown, DPM Shahristani is taking a larger role, and the fourth bidding round and the start-up of new export infrastructure have been set back.

Dec 22, 2011

Q&A: Hussain al-Shahristani

The government's top energy official discusses ExxonMobil's options, fourth bidding round contract models, and federalism.

Dec 22, 2011

Exxon deal stokes territorial disputes

ExxonMobil risks violent reprisals because its controversial deals with the Kurdistan region are inflaming Iraq's internal territorial disputes, according to Iraqi leaders.

Dec 18, 2011

Iraqi political crisis as US completes pullout

American troops are gone, and a political crisis shows Iraq's old divisions may prove stronger than its fledgling institutions.

Dec 16, 2011

Oil law deal unlikely this year

After politicians optimistically touted a new oil law negotiating framework, the two sides have yet to meet and positions remain entrenched.