Politics

Analysis: Worsening internal rivalries weaken KRG at key political juncture

Conflict between the KDP and PUK has driven dysfunction in Erbil and weakened Kurdish influence in Baghdad as a new government takes power.

Bafel Talabani, president of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (left), meets with newly elected Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi (right), in Baghdad in May 2026. (Photo credit: Prime Minister's Office)

Dec 28, 2012

Protests gain ground but foreshadow new sectarianism

Protests sparked by the arrest of Finance Minister Rafa al-Essawi's security staff have grown into anti-government demonstrations that risk reopening destructive Sunni-Shia tensions.

Dec 18, 2012

Q&A: Hussain al-Shahristani

Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister for Energy discusses KRG exports, ExxonMobil's looming deadline, and a new production target to reach by 2017.

Dec 17, 2012

Baghdad targets KRG budget priorities

Amidst rising Kurd-Arab tensions, Prime Minister Maliki's allies are taking aim at Kurdistan's economic imperatives – its share of the federal budget, and funding guarantees for oil contractors.

Dec 5, 2012

Baghdad asserts sovereignty in dispute with Ankara, Kurds

After clearing the Turkish energy minister's trip to Erbil, Baghdad authorities suddenly revoked approval for his flight, highlighting growing tensions with Ankara.

Nov 22, 2012

Draft budget gives less money for Kurdish contractors

In its new draft budget, the federal Cabinet has allocated just $625 million in advance payments for KRG exports – well short of Kurdish expectations.

Nov 20, 2012

Disputed territories flare into violence

After a shootout between Iraqi Army and Kurdish security forces in disputed territories, both sides are mobilizing troops, raising the specter of an escalating civil conflict.

Nov 12, 2012

Beyond the Headlines: Nov. 12, 2012

Details of Garraf worker deaths Kidnapping, violence in Kirkuk Rumaila-Zubair pipeline secured Missan to start demining project

Nov 8, 2012

Turkey preparing major Kurdistan oil entry

In a move that would bolster Kurdish oil autonomy, a new Turkish state company is negotiating with the KRG to take stakes in at least five exploration blocks.

Nov 6, 2012

Beyond the Headlines: Nov. 6, 2012

Awakening councils decry weapons seizures Syria arms trafficking continues New 250MW power plant for Missan Dhi Qar signs e-governance deal

Nov 1, 2012

Q&A: Chief auditor and acting Central Bank head Abdulbasit Turki Saeed

In his first interview as interim head of the Central Bank, Iraq's lead auditor discusses the new KRG-Baghdad export agreement, as well as his priorities for the CBI.