Politics

Political disunity clouds KRG fiscal and energy outlooks

Deadlocked talks over forming a new regional Cabinet highlight a bitter rivalry between two ruling parties that poses risks to Kurdistan's economy and energy sector.

PUK President Bafel Talabni (left) meets with KDP President Massoud Barzani (right) on Sept. 27, 2025. (Photo credit: KDP presidency office)

Sep 15, 2012

Kurdish exports to hit 250k bpd next year

If the Iraqi Cabinet approves a new KRG-Baghdad oil deal, Kurdistan will agree to export a quarter-million barrels per day in 2013.

Sep 13, 2012

Update: Progress in KRG-Baghdad oil talks

The oil ministers from the central and Kurdish governments agreed that Kurdistan will boost exports and Baghdad will pay contractors.

Sep 13, 2012

New committee for oil law

A special subcommittee will determine which version of the controversial law will be the basis for debate in Parliament.

Sep 12, 2012

Analysis: Baghdad plotting retaliation against Exxon, wayward IOCs

Kurdistan's contractors have escaped serious consequences for defying Baghdad's claims of oil sector supremacy – but central government leaders are preparing to follow through on their threats.

Sep 5, 2012

Baghdad advances threat to Kurdistan budget

The Iraqi Cabinet is targeting more than $3 billion in cuts from the KRG budget, as a bitter dispute over oil exports comes to a head.

Aug 31, 2012

Special committee to jump-start oil law

A new Parliament panel will facilitate long-delayed oil legislation, as leaders struggle to overcome a crippling political crisis.

Aug 13, 2012

Baghdad re-asserts itself

Shahristani touts record production in outreach to IOCs – including better contract terms – and warnings to KRG, Turkey.

Aug 9, 2012

Experts demand Parliament take oil action

Former Iraqi oil officials pen letter urging Parliament to unilaterally move on oil law, in a critique of Baghdad and Erbil.

Jul 25, 2012

Chevron undeterred by Baghdad blacklist

The Iraqi Oil Ministry has officially disqualified Chevron from future contracts after the company signed deals with the KRG.

Jul 20, 2012

Maliki threatens Exxon, claiming Obama support

The prime minister said he will take "all necessary measures" to prevent Exxon's work in Kurdistan, after the White House affirmed its opposition to the deal.