Politics

Election of Iraqi President launches apparent Sudani gambit for second term

Iraqi insiders from across the political spectrum say Sudani is making a play to seize momentum and form a new government.

Newly elected Iraqi President Nizar Amedi (right) meets with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani (left) in Baghdad in April 2026. (Photo credit: Iraqi Presidency)

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 18, 2011

Opinion: Now is the time for an Iraqi oil dividend

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.

Oct 17, 2011

Kurdish flag controversy highlights unresolved disputes

Kurdish-Arab disputes erupted into protests after Prime Minister Maliki banned the Kurdistan Regional Government flag from the contested city of Khanaqin.

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.

Oct 6, 2011

Exclusive: Iraq’s two oil laws

Iraq Oil Report publishes the full English texts of the two competing oil laws drafted by the Cabinet and the Parliament.

Oct 6, 2011

Analysis: Cabinet oil law asserts executive power

A review of the Cabinet's proposed oil law shows the Maliki administration is angling to keep control centralized in the Oil Ministry.

Sep 28, 2011

Janabi presses oil sector overhaul

Parliament's top oil policymaker outlined his vision for the oil sector, advocating for legislation that would check the Cabinet's power.

Sep 16, 2011

Pipeline dispute belies bigger problems

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.

Sep 16, 2011

Maliki coalition meets Sadr oil demands

Maliki's political coalition has approved a slate of populist demands issued by Moqtada al-Sadr, underscoring the cleric's growing influence.