30.11.11 Iraq Focus November issue: Table of contents

LEADERSHIP & POLICY

• Oil policy in disarray as Exxon signs KRG exploration deal: Motives; Bad timing; Underhand move? Al-Maliki's dilemma; Juwari has also argued that this deal with the KRG is a good opportunity

POLITICS & SECURITY

• Al-Maliki at a low ebb as regional autonomy demands grow: Political impasse; Worst hit is Iraqiya, which has lost all hope of wrestling any power away from the premier; Push for federalism; Preventing disintegration; These governorate councils have realised that their calls for separatism are yet another stick with which to beat the prime minister
• The next Merja: Figures such as Al-Maliki would certainly welcome Sharhoudi taking up the role

THE KRG

• New year, new government: Figures such as Al-Maliki would certainly welcome Sharhoudi taking up the role; If successful, Sharhoudi would bring a change to the role of the Merja; Wooing the opposition

ENERGY INDUSTRY

• Shell deal finally signed: The gas that will be processed by the scheme will be sold domestically in Iraq via SGC; Resistance.