By giving oil revenue to citizens, Iraq can diversify its economy, reduce poverty, and start bridging national divisions, writes Middle East oil expert Johnny West.
Kurdish-Arab disputes erupted into protests after Prime Minister Maliki banned the Kurdistan Regional Government flag from the contested city of Khanaqin.
Oil Ministry moves January auction to March to account for upcoming holidays and need for more planning.
Iraq Oil Report publishes the full English texts of the two competing oil laws drafted by the Cabinet and the Parliament.
A review of the Cabinet's proposed oil law shows the Maliki administration is angling to keep control centralized in the Oil Ministry.
Parliament's top oil policymaker outlined his vision for the oil sector, advocating for legislation that would check the Cabinet's power.
The Kurdistan region says the North Oil Company can't keep the export line running, but Baghdad says all is well, and a dispute some thought was over is starting again.
Maliki's political coalition has approved a slate of populist demands issued by Moqtada al-Sadr, underscoring the cleric's growing influence.
IOC officials express skepticism as model contract tightens cost-recovery mechanism and gives Oil Ministry the authority to delay production.
The KRG's strident opposition to the Cabinet's draft oil law comes as the prime minister's governing coalition is straining under increasing dissent.
