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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)

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.

Cabinet targets Kurdistan budget

Alleging that the KRG's oil export cutoff has made an $8.5 billion dent in the Iraqi budget, the Cabinet is calling for penalties.

Q&A: Hussain al-Shahristani

The deputy prime minister for energy discusses energy relations with Turkey and Iran, the deadlock with the KRG, and the reasons that IOCs shied away from the fourth bidding round.

Kurdistan, Exxon gain key ally in Mosul

The governor of Ninewa province, once an opponent of Exxon's KRG contracts, now says joint oil development could help ease tensions in disputed territories.