From oil policy to politics to security, the events of a momentous 2010 have shaped the agenda for 2011. A briefing for the new year from Iraq Bureau Chief Ben Lando.
After four years of self-imposed exile in Iran, radical Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr returns to an Iraqi political scene where his clout has never been greater.
Abdul Karim Luaibi began his career as a deputy engineer for the South Oil Company, and now takes the helm of the Oil Ministry.
New Iraqi government faces immediate challenge to keep coalition together, move forward with oil production boost and end oil-related disputes.
The complete list of Iraq's next government -- so far -- as approved by Parliament on Tuesday, Dec. 21.
According to early reports of a still-unfinished government formation process, Deputy Oil Minister Abdul Karim Luaibi will be oil minister.
According to previously undisclosed communiqué, Kurdish leaders want specific oil and revenue laws passed in 2011 and say KRG should decide constitutionality of its oil deals.
Iraq’s political and fiscal realities appear to be pushing Baghdad closer to its oil rivals in Kurdistan, though the two sides remain wedged apart by both bitterness and key policy differences.
New post to coordinate all energy policies allows PM Maliki to retain power in case he doesn't keep Oil Ministry.
Ministry officials initialed contracts for Mansuriya and Siba fields, but Anbar province protests have worked, stalling Akkas. All three deals hinge on the formation of a new government, which looks more likely after the weekend.
