Erbil oil revenues to come under Iraqi supervision

The move continues a trend reversing aspects of Kurdish autonomy gained since the 2003 US invasion of Iraq

Erbil, Baghdad reach preliminary agreement on oil export dispute

A prolonged halt on Kurdish oil exports could greatly damage the economy of the semi-autonomous Iraqi Kurdistan region

White House urges Turkiye, Iraq to resume Kurdish oil exports

Kurdish oil exports to Turkiye since 2014 have been deemed illegal by an international court

Stolen Syrian oil: The fuel for Syria’s partition

The role of the US military in stealing Syria’s oil runs deeper than mere petty theft. The funds are used to prop up Kurdish self-rule and ensure Syria's geographic division.

Turkish attacks on SDF in northern Syria disrupt US oil smuggling

US convoys in Hasakah have been limited to deterring Turkish strikes on oil installations, in fear of further degradation of the decaying infrastructure

Iraq reaches $9 billion in oil revenues, first increase in three months

Iraq's October oil revenues have brought its annual revenues to approximately $99.7 billion, already surpassing its revenues from 2021

Mustafa Al-Kadhimi: The Iraqi PM who did nothing

Following his meteoric rise in Iraqi politics, what has been the legacy of Mustafa al-Kadhimi, and whose interests did he really serve?

Iraqi Kurdistan says economy at risk of collapse, asks for US help

Baghdad accuses Turkey of violating the Iraq-Turkey pipeline agreement by allowing Kurdistan to use it

Meet the Anglo-Turkish oil company with an iron grip on KRG oil

The Kurdistan Regional Government has sold its soul to Turkish oil predators and Iraq is paying the price. Genel Energy is one such company, and the debt it has generated holds the country in hock.

The US holds Iraq hostage with the dollar

Since 2003, Iraq is required to send all its oil revenues to a single US bank account. Washington is now weaponizing Baghdad's own dollars against Iraq, by devaluing its currency and hindering payments.

The clash of two cities: Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and the future of Iraq’s Kurdistan

The most successful Kurdish political experiment in West Asia is unravelling due to increasing divisions between the KDP and PUK, the two biggest political parties in Iraqi Kurdistan.

Iraq’s Silk Road: Port and canal project set to transform Baghdad’s geopolitical clout

Iraq’s two ambitious trade corridor projects present an opportunity for a beleaguered Baghdad to enhance its geopolitical status and establish economic independence.

A US tool against Iran: Kurdish militancy on the Iran-Iraq border

US and Israeli-backed armed Kurdish separatists on the Iraqi border have participated in every incident of Iranian domestic strife, from 2009 to 2022.

Revisiting the fall of Mosul: Who was to blame?

Mosul's surrender to ISIS has commonly been attributed to corruption and sectarianism by Baghdad, yet further investigation reveals the role of neighboring Turkey in the city’s fall.

How the US controls Lebanon’s energy supply

Far from helping Lebanon solve its acute energy crisis, the US is leveraging Egypt’s gas supply to pressure Beirut over US-brokered maritime border talks with Israel

The kingdom’s tough choices: between MbS and a hard place

If Saudi Arabia does not choose between sweeping internal reforms or an ambitious external agenda, its ruling dynasty may be in peril. Riyadh's dwindling resources cannot sustain both.