Politics

Government formation stalemate deepens

Nouri al-Maliki's path to the premiership becomes increasingly unlikely as political power brokers struggle to contend with U.S. opposition and regional uncertainty.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani (left) and former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki (right) meet on Feb. 11, 2026 in Baghdad. (Photo credit: Prime Minister's Office)

Sep 13, 2012

Update: Progress in KRG-Baghdad oil talks

The oil ministers from the central and Kurdish governments agreed that Kurdistan will boost exports and Baghdad will pay contractors.

Sep 13, 2012

New committee for oil law

A special subcommittee will determine which version of the controversial law will be the basis for debate in Parliament.

Sep 12, 2012

Analysis: Baghdad plotting retaliation against Exxon, wayward IOCs

Kurdistan's contractors have escaped serious consequences for defying Baghdad's claims of oil sector supremacy – but central government leaders are preparing to follow through on their threats.

Sep 5, 2012

Baghdad advances threat to Kurdistan budget

The Iraqi Cabinet is targeting more than $3 billion in cuts from the KRG budget, as a bitter dispute over oil exports comes to a head.

Aug 31, 2012

Special committee to jump-start oil law

A new Parliament panel will facilitate long-delayed oil legislation, as leaders struggle to overcome a crippling political crisis.

Aug 13, 2012

Baghdad re-asserts itself

Shahristani touts record production in outreach to IOCs – including better contract terms – and warnings to KRG, Turkey.

Aug 9, 2012

Experts demand Parliament take oil action

Former Iraqi oil officials pen letter urging Parliament to unilaterally move on oil law, in a critique of Baghdad and Erbil.

Jul 25, 2012

Chevron undeterred by Baghdad blacklist

The Iraqi Oil Ministry has officially disqualified Chevron from future contracts after the company signed deals with the KRG.

Jul 20, 2012

Maliki threatens Exxon, claiming Obama support

The prime minister said he will take "all necessary measures" to prevent Exxon's work in Kurdistan, after the White House affirmed its opposition to the deal.

Jul 18, 2012

Iraq warns Turkey as oil tension escalates

Baghdad leaders are accusing Turkey of abetting an illegal fuel trade with Kurdistan, with potentially dire implications for future relations and investment.