Politics

Cabinet advances proposal for northern oil export restart

Iraq's main political factions appear to have an initial agreement for paying Kurdistan's oil companies for exports, but legislative, legal, and practical hurdles remain.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani (right) and KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani (left) speak at a ceremony for the signing of a framework deal to restart Iraq's northern exports in Baghdad on April 4, 2023. (Photo credit: Prime Minister's Office)

Mar 5, 2023

Iraq increases training of Hashid paramilitary officers

Rising investment of military resources signals enduring power of politically connected armed groups.

Feb 28, 2023

New oil law negotiations highlight old divisions

In early talks between Baghdad and Erbil, negotiators have outlined the same points of conflict that have stalled oil legislation since 2007.

Feb 17, 2023

TotalEnergies extends deadline to conclude $27bn Iraq deal

After negotiations nearly fell apart two weeks ago, the French firm gave until Feb. 15 to finalize a deal — a deadline now extended by one month.

Feb 14, 2023

KRG misses deadline to end gas flaring

Payment delays to oil companies and bureaucratic disarray have kept the KRG from meeting its own ambitious target for ending the wasteful and polluting practice at several fields.

Feb 8, 2023

Central bank raises value of Iraqi dinar

The new rate, which takes effect immediately, aims to ease financial strain on Iraqis but could make Iraq more vulnerable to future crises.

Feb 4, 2023

TotalEnergies reverses Iraq exit decision, reviving hope for mega-deal

"Goodwill gesture" keeps the door open to further negotiations ahead of a Feb. 15 deadline, but key points of contention still appear unresolved.

Jan 31, 2023

Iraq-Turkey arbitration moves one step closer to final ruling

A draft ruling is pending approval by the International Court of Arbitration, with Kurdistan's oil independence potentially hanging in the balance.

Jan 29, 2023

Oil minister appoints new deputies and removes several DGs

Hayyan Abdulghani's leadership team is taking shape, with some high-profile promotions and departures.

Jan 26, 2023

Iraqi court strikes down Kurdistan budget transfers

Iraq's highest court ruled against stop-gap financial transfers seen as key confidence-building measures in a sputtering rapprochement between Baghdad and Erbil.

Jan 24, 2023

As Iraq’s currency weakens, Sudani replaces central bank governor

Iraq's prime minister reshuffles the leadership of the Central Bank of Iraq and the Trade Bank of Iraq amidst efforts to stabilize the weakening dinar.