Since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion, the Kurds have signed over 50 relatively small deals - production sharing contracts with small and mid-sized oil companies. But the entry of majors Exxon Mobil and now Chevron may be a game changer that could lead to de facto policies the Kurds have long sought.

Iraq’s post-invasion governments have until recently blacklisted energy companies that signed contracts with the Kurdish government to prevent them from working elsewhere in the country or purchase crude oil.

But deals keep happening. Still have to wait and see what’d actually happen.