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Politics

Political disunity clouds KRG fiscal and energy outlooks

Deadlocked talks over forming a new regional Cabinet highlight a bitter rivalry between two ruling parties that poses risks to Kurdistan's economy and energy sector.
PUK President Bafel Talabni (left) meets with KDP President Massoud Barzani (right) on Sept. 27, 2025. (Photo credit: KDP presidency office)
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.

Nov 25, 2011

Q&A: Barham Salih

Shortly after signing watershed deals with ExxonMobil, the KRG's prime minister discusses the resource curse, the U.S. withdrawal, and the future of Kurdistan's oil sector.

Nov 18, 2011

Oil law negotiators hit reset

Casting aside the two latest conflicting oil laws, Baghdad's Luaibi and the KRG's Hawrami will negotiate based on 2007 draft legislation.

Nov 15, 2011

Q&A: Ashti Hawrami

The Minister of Natural Resources for the Kurdistan region of Iraq talks about the ExxonMobil deal, prospects for the oil law, and refining policies.

Nov 14, 2011

Maliki to IOCs: us or them

The Iraqi prime minister has sent clear messages to ExxonMobil -- and other companies -- threatening retaliation against controversial deals with Kurdistan.

Oct 28, 2011

Oil law sees political progress

PM Maliki and Kurdish PM Salih return to the negotiating table with ambitions to bridge the KRG-Baghdad divide by passing oil legislation and resolving territorial disputes.

Oct 10, 2011

Iraq delays 4th bid round

Oil Ministry moves January auction to March to account for upcoming holidays and need for more planning.