Iraq’s Kurdistan autonomous region is in the grip of a political crisis surrounding President Massoud Barzani’s tenure.
Wrangling parties risk destabilising a relatively calm region that needs political cohesion to defend itself against Islamic State.
Barzani’s term was to end on 20 August, prompting calls for an extension of his office until parliamentary elections are held in 2017.
If unresolved, the crisis could further dampen the appetite of international oil companies that have severely curbed investment in the face of financial problems and threats posed by IS.
Barzani
