After a period of detente following the formation of a new government, politicians are raising new complaints about federal budget payments to Kurdistan.

As populist MPs raise unsubstantiated corruption allegations around oil projects, decision makers are moving cautiously on major initiatives while they beat back political opportunists.

The Cabinet threw political weight behind the Southern Iraq Integrated Project, injecting momentum into negotiations over a massive infrastructure deal that is critical to Iraq's production and export growth.

Political leaders on both sides indicate their court battle is still on, but the proceedings are delayed, pending a revised pleading from the prime minister.