New Iraqi budget law strengthens Baghdad’s hand over Kurdistan region’s oil sector

Already reeling from the months-long suspension of its crude exports, Iraq’s semiautonomous Kurdistan region may see its lifeblood oil sector further hemmed in with the passage of the federal budget. The budget, passed June 12 following four days of late-night voting and intense debates within Iraq’s parliament — including on controversial amendments decried by Kurdish officials — calls for $152…