Iraqi Kurdistan’s Parliament remains paralysed nine months after elections as party rivalry stalls new government amid rising pressures.

Baghdad

The Kurdish region of northern Iraq remains without a functioning government following elections, as a political stalemate persists between the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). The KDP, holding the most parliamentary seats, seeks to control key cabinet posts, while the PUK demands greater power sharing, resulting in a deadlock that has left the parliament largely inactive.

This impasse is contributing to public frustration as the region faces economic pressures, including tighter budget controls from Baghdad and export restrictions on oil from Turkey. The unresolved dispute between the two main parties is preventing the formation of a new cabinet, leaving the region's pressing issues unaddressed.

Iraqi Kurdish parties in political deadlock, government formation stalled

The parliament building in Iraq's northern Kurdish region sits largely empty since elections last October. A political impasse between the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan has blocked the formation of a regional government. By law, the party with the most seats forms the government, and by custom, the second-largest party holds the positions of Speaker and Deputy Prime Minister. But each side says the other is not playing fair. The Kurdistan Democratic Party wants to monopolise sovereign cabinet posts, including the regional presidency, premiership, judiciary and strategic ministries like energy, interior, security, foreign relations, investment and finance. This is a unilateral concentration of power. We demand authentic power sharing. Out of 100 parliamentary seats, the KDP holds 39 and the PUK 23. KDP supporters say their party has been generous with the opposition. The Kurdistan Democratic Party holds almost twice the number of seats compared to the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan. However, despite this disparity in parliament, the PUK secures nearly the same number of ministerial positions as the KDP. The cabinet presides over Duhok, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah and Halabja. It also claims disputed territories like Kirkuk, pending a future referendum. This stalemate isn't just about party rivalries. It's fuelling frustration in the streets as the region faces economic and security threats. We are distressed by this rivalry. Our region is a centre of democracy, so we call on the rival parties to promptly reach a consensus and establish a new cabinet. The political deadlock comes at a time of tighter budget control from Baghdad and export restrictions from neighbouring Turkey on the region's vital oil sector. For now, the Kurdish people await their leaders to overcome their divisions and form a government capable of addressing the region's amounting challenges. Mahmood Abdulwahid, Al Jazeera, Erbil, Northern Iraq.

Kilmar Abrego Garcia is back in ICE custody and is facing deportation to Uganda, the Department of Homeland Security says, after he was released from criminal custody last week.

Baltimore

Abrego Garcia in ICE custody, court blocks immediate deportation

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he will meet with the U.S. and other countries this week to discuss a potential meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin aimed at reaching a ceasefire.

Kyiv

Ukraine Invasion

Zelenskiy say he will meet with U.S., others on potential Putin talks

U.S. President Donald Trump says Chicago could be the next city to see National Guard deployment, sparking strong opposition from Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor JB Pritzker, who argue crime is already falling and federal intervention is unnecessary.

Chicago

Trump threatens to send National Guard troops to Chicago

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Jerusalem

Middle East Conflict

Four journalists reported dead after Gaza hospital blasts

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Washington

National Guard patrolling Washington DC begin carrying weapons

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Carney in Kyiv pledges support, possibly troops for Ukraine

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Napa Valley

Evacuations ordered in California as heatwave fuels wildfire

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Democrats slam Trump's plans to send National Guard to more cities

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Why U.S beef prices are soaring

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Sofia

Inflatable boats used for migrant trafficking seized

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Maryland

Kilmar Abrego Garcia told he may be sent to Uganda

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Los Angeles

Erik and Lyle Menendez denied parole

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Las Vegas

Las Vegas tourism slumps this summer, signaling trouble for U.S. economy

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Austin

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Tel Aviv-Yafo

Israel denies U.N.'s declaration of famine in parts of Gaza

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Both Menendez brothers denied parole

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Pembroke

Western New York bus crash kills at least five people

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Bethesda

FBI raids former Trump adviser John Bolton's home, office

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FBI raids former Trump adviser John Bolton's home, D.C. office

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Nashville

Kilmar Abrego Garcia released from jail in Tennessee

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Tour bus crash in New York causes 'several fatalities'

Attorneys general in 14 states and Washington, D.C., accuse TikTok of designing its app to keep users hooked. Court-released edited video shows some company staff discussing the toll it can take on children and teens.

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Breakdown