Iraq—the end of the beginning
Iraq's army has retaken Kurdish-controlled areas around Kirkuk in the north, while neighbouring states are considering their long-term response to the independence referendum
After Iraqi Kurds voted for independence in the referendum of 25 September, the region had found itself in unknown territory, the air crackling with warnings and threats. The hope, against hope, was that negotiations would enable the Baghdad authorities and the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) to settle their differences peacefully. It wasn't to be. In mid-October, Iraqi army units and Shia militiamen advanced towards the disputed oil city of Kirkuk, taking back control of the state North Oil Company headquarters en route. Clashes with Iraqi Kurdish Peshmerga fighters were reported. Within a few days, Kirkuk and the surrounding area, under Kurdish control since 2014, were back in the hands
Also in this section
15 July 2025
Government consultations on the windfall tax and the exploration licence ban are positive steps, but it is unclear how long it will take for them to yield tangible outcomes
15 July 2025
A brutally honest picture about the potential role of oil and gas in 2050 should prompt policymakers to not only reflect but also change course to meet vital energy needs
14 July 2025
Robust demand and a limited supply of additional physical barrels from key OPEC+ producers has kept the oil market in a healthy price range
11 July 2025
Equinor and its partners at Norway’s largest oilfield have pulled the trigger on a fresh $1.3b investment that will maintain high output for longer
