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)

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.

Feb 16, 2012

Kurds in Baghdad rebuff Exxon critics

The top Kurdish official in the Iraqi Cabinet speaks out against his fellow ministers' hard-line stance against Exxon.

Feb 15, 2012

Basra gains clout amidst protests

Locals near the Shell-operated Majnoon oil field staged demonstrations over unemployment, as visiting leaders from Baghdad met provincial demands for more powers and better services.

Feb 14, 2012

Exxon has ‘days’ to respond

Deputy PM says ExxonMobil must soon respond to Baghdad's ultimatum and freeze deals in Kurdistan or else lose all opportunities in southern Iraq.

Jan 30, 2012

4th bid round delayed, Exxon still qualified

The fourth bidding round is now scheduled for May 30-31, as the model contract evolves and IOCs get time to respond.

Jan 26, 2012

Oil law struggles for daylight

Parliament committee could press for formal validation of existing oil deals with Baghdad and KRG, but efforts are being overshadowed by political crisis.

Jan 6, 2012

Energy sector weathers political crisis with minor delays

Amidst a political breakdown, DPM Shahristani is taking a larger role, and the fourth bidding round and the start-up of new export infrastructure have been set back.