Politics

Baghdad threatens to choke off KRG funding

Political tensions skyrocket after recently announced gas deals, resulting in legal challenges and threats to Kurdistan's budget.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani (standing, center right) and KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani (standing, center left) oversee a ceremony in Baghdad on April 4, 2023, to sign a temporary deal for restarting northern oil exports. (Photo credit: Prime Minister's Office)

Sep 2, 2010

Expanding oilfields versus ancient farmlands

In a zero-sum game of real estate, Basra farmers are losing their ancestral lands and livelihoods to Iraq’s oil boom.

Sep 1, 2010

Kurds’ EU gas deal irks Baghdad on eve of U.S. transition

KRG's new gas deal with Europe fuels conflict with central government over oil sector control and exposes gap in American understanding of key Iraqi issue.

Aug 10, 2010

Farmer’s lawsuit demands compensation for oil land

Farmer claims that state oil company took over his land in Missan province and owes him millions in lost income.

Jul 29, 2010

As Iraq loosens the taps, slow planning for a spill

With oil production set to boom, Iraq is facing an increasing risk of oil-related disaster, and environmental officials say the country isn’t ready to handle a major spill.

Jul 28, 2010

UN oversight of Iraqi oil money struggling to adapt

Alleged fuel smuggling from Kurdish region to Iran highlights gaps in UN-mandated monitoring of Iraqi oil money.

Jul 23, 2010

Iraq’s Oil Service Contracts: An Overview

Full speech given by Thamir Ghadhban, chairman of the advisory commission to the Iraqi Prime Minister, at the Iraq Oil Symposium July 18, 2010, attended by officials from international oil companies, foreign embassies and Iraqi ministries.

Jul 20, 2010

KRG plan responds to smuggling allegations

Kurdistan region announces formation of an oil security force and a ministerial committee to monitor oil and fuel trade, and affirms oil exports are only valid through northern pipeline.

Jul 16, 2010

Iraqi oil and gas moves could violate U.S. sanctions on Iran

Energy dealings between Iraq and Iran would likely violate U.S. sanctions, and are drawing condemnation from American diplomats, concern from experts.

Jul 14, 2010

Local oil politics stall parliament

Unresolved disagreements over the control of Iraq’s oil and the distribution of revenue have stopped the new parliament, before it can even start.

Jul 12, 2010

KRG denies alleged oil smuggling to Iran

Renewed war of words between Baghdad and Erbil, sparked by The New York Times report on crude smuggling, could escalate ongoing feud over oil sector control.