Kurdish Policy Analysis

By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj | Kurdish Policy Analysis Baghdad says Iraqi crude is sold at market prices despite Hormuz disruptions, while Kurdistan's exports remain severely constrained by security concerns. Iraq exported 42.5 million barrels of crude oil in July as SOMO denied selling oil at discounted prices, while Kurdistan's exports remained sharply reduced amid security concerns. Iraq's oil exports remain resilient despite regional turmoil Iraq exported 42.5 million barrels of crude oil in July , demonstrating the country's continued ability to maintain exports despite months of regional instability and heightened security risks in the Persian Gulf. According to Iraq's State Organization for Marketing of Oil (SOMO), the overwhelming majority of exports continued to flow through the country's southern terminals and the Strait of Hormuz, while exports from the Kurdistan Region remained sharply below normal levels because of security concerns. The figures highlight ...

By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj / Kurdish Policy Analysis Baghdad says the temporary agreement paves the way for restoring northern exports and eventually boosting capacity above one million barrels daily. Iraq and Turkey sign a one-year agreement to resume Ceyhan oil exports targeting 750,000 bpd, with plans to eventually exceed one million barrels daily. Iraq Moves to Restore Northern Oil Exports Iraq has taken a significant step toward reviving its northern oil export corridor after announcing a one-year tripartite agreement with Turkey aimed at restarting crude exports through the Turkish port of Ceyhan. The agreement, signed during a visit to Turkey by Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs and Oil Minister Basim Mohammed Khudair, is designed to maintain oil exports while Baghdad and Ankara negotiate a broader long-term energy partnership. According to Iraq's Ministry of Oil, the temporary accord serves as a bridge toward a comprehensive agreement covering multiple energy projec...

By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj / Kurdish Policy Analysis Behind the headlines, Iraq and Turkey are relying on informal diplomacy to manage border security and energy cooperation as both governments seek a long-term agreement following the collapse of their decades-old oil pipeline framework. Iraq and Turkey are using informal diplomacy to manage border security and oil exports as both sides work toward a new long-term energy cooperation agreement. Relations between Iraq and Turkey have entered a new phase, defined less by public disputes and more by quiet diplomacy conducted behind closed doors. Informal communication channels between senior officials—often described as "WhatsApp diplomacy"—have become increasingly important in managing sensitive issues ranging from border security to energy cooperation. While public attention has focused on military operations against the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and regional security developments, negotiations over oil exports have become ...

By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj Kurdish Policy Analysis While Brent and WTI retreated on renewed market pressure, Iraq's Basrah Heavy and Basrah Medium crude posted modest gains, highlighting resilient demand for the country's key export blends. Basrah Heavy and Basrah Medium crude prices rose despite declines in Brent and WTI, underscoring continued resilience in demand for Iraq's flagship oil exports. Basrah Crude Defies Global Oil Sell-Off as Iraq's Export Grades Edge Higher SULAIMANI, Iraq — Iraq's flagship Basrah crude grades posted modest gains on Thursday despite a broader decline across global oil markets, signaling continued resilience in demand for the country's export blends even as international benchmarks weakened. According to the latest market data, Basrah Heavy crude rose by $0.34 (0.63%) to $54.04 per barrel , while Basrah Medium crude also gained $0.34 (0.61%) , reaching $56.34 per barrel . The gains contrasted sharply with movements in internati...

  By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj Kurdish Policy Analysis A week-long fuel crisis has exposed deeper structural problems in the Kurdistan Region's energy market, raising questions about state authority, fuel supply chains, and the limits of government intervention. Fuel stations across the Kurdistan Region rejected government-imposed gasoline prices, triggering shortages and exposing deeper challenges in the region's fuel market. The Kurdistan Region is facing one of its most significant fuel market disruptions in recent years after most gasoline stations reportedly refused to comply with government-imposed price controls, leading to widespread closures and rapidly rising fuel prices. Regular gasoline prices have reportedly climbed toward 1,500 Iraqi dinars per litre , while premium grades have reached approximately 2,000 dinars per litre , placing additional financial pressure on households and businesses already coping with broader economic challenges. The crisis escalated after ...

  By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj | Kurdish Policy Analysis   Kurdistan's prime minister outlines strategy on Baghdad relations, air defense, salaries, energy security, and political reform amid mounting regional instability  Prime Minister Masrour Barzani reaffirmed the Kurdistan Region's neutrality in regional conflicts while outlining plans on security, Baghdad relations, salaries, energy, and government formation. Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani has reaffirmed Erbil's commitment to remaining outside the escalating conflicts reshaping the Middle East, presenting neutrality, stronger ties with Baghdad, and domestic reform as the pillars of the Kurdistan Regional Government's strategy for navigating an increasingly volatile regional environment. Speaking during an extensive press conference in Erbil, Barzani addressed a wide range of issues including regional security, relations with Baghdad, public-sector salaries, electricity shortages, fuel prices, governme...