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)

May 3, 2012

Who killed Kurdistan’s oil exports?

Secret documents illuminate the agreement that re-started Kurdistan's exports and the reasons for its collapse.

Apr 24, 2012

Parliament rebuffs Cabinet oil law

The Parliament's oil and energy committee has voted against the Cabinet's draft oil law, reviving the debate over long-delayed, crucial legislation.

Apr 5, 2012

Kurdish leaders split over export stoppage

National conference for political reconciliation delayed as a dispute over exports, payments, and oil law intensifies - and leads to Kurdish fragmentation.

Apr 4, 2012

Baghdad-Erbil oil feud: the documents

Iraq Oil Report is publishing the oil production data used by Baghdad in accusing Erbil of smuggling and shutting in oil revenues.

Apr 3, 2012

Iraq oil fight worsens with budget threat

Baghdad officials call for a cut to the KRG budget after oil shut-in and allegations of smuggling to Iran.

Apr 2, 2012

Record exports as KRG cuts oil

The KRG has stopped sending oil through Baghdad's pipelines, but Iraq's record exports in the south could offset that loss.

Mar 27, 2012

KRG demands say over Kirkuk field

Kurdistan has denounced Baghdad's potential deal for Kirkuk oil development with BP, and reiterated threats to stop exports over nonpayment.

Mar 22, 2012

Analysis: Iraq’s challenges on display for Summit

A renewed eruption of violent attacks and political controversy underscore the government's unstable hold of power, days before Arab League Summit.

Mar 16, 2012

KRG threatens export cutoff

A year-old export agreement with Baghdad appears to be going sour, as Kurdistan demands $1 billion in backlogged payments and levies allegations of missing oil.

Mar 7, 2012

Iraq fights for transparency bid

Overcoming resistance from companies favoring secrecy, Iraq has published the first report on its road to international transparency certification.