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Christians in Erbil’s Ankawa District Launch Campaign Against Nightclub and Hotel Expansion
In Ankawa, Erbil’s Christian-majority district, public frustration is mounting over the rapid spread of nightclubs and hotels, amid growing reports of rising prostitution. This has sparked a grassroots campaign to…
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Arivan
Explainer: Why Did Iraq Ban the Madkhali Salafist Movement?
In a controversial move, Iraq’s National Security Advisory Council issued a secret but now-public directive on April 27, 2025, labeling the “Madkhali Salafist” movement a national security threat and ordering…
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Arivan
A Grand Settlement on the Syria–SDF File Is Underway
A sweeping realignment over the future of northeast Syria appears to be unfolding. In a surprise visit to Istanbul, Syrian President al-Sharaa met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Signaling…
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Arivan
KRG Oil Production Surges 11% in Q1 Despite Export Constraints
Kurdistan Region’s oil industry showed notable growth in Q1 2025, with increased production levels and higher revenues across key oil companies operating in the region. DNO, Genel Energy, and ShaMaran…
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Arivan
Multi-Country Drive to Disarm PKK Gains Pace as SDF Future Hangs in Balance
Following the PKK’s recent congress, in which the group adopted a resolution to disarm and dissolve itself under its current name, the disarmament process has quietly gained momentum. Despite conflicting…
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Arivan
The Silent Partner No More: PUK’s Deep Stake in KRG’s New U.S. Energy Agreements
The KRG’s recent multi-billion-dollar energy agreements with two U.S.-based companies—Western Zagros and HKN Energy—have garnered attention, primarily for their potential impact on Erbil-Baghdad relations and broader geopolitical implications. These deals…
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Arivan
The KRG’s energy deals signed in the US might be a big deal, here is why
The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has signed two major energy contracts with American companies—Western Zagros and HKN Energy—with a combined estimated value exceeding $100 billion. While both firms are already…
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Arivan
KRG Strikes $110 Billion Energy Deals, Bypasses Baghdad in Bold Power Play
The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has signed two major contracts with American energy companies, collectively valued at $110 billion. This represents the first oil agreements by the KRG since Kurdish oil…
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Arivan
PKK Disarmament Enters Crucial Phase Amid Cross-Border Rollout
Following the PKK’s recent congress, which adopted a resolution for disarmament and eventual self-dissolution in response to a call from their imprisoned leader Abdullah Öcalan, the process has now entered…
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Arivan
Iraqi Parliamentary Election System: How Seats Are Allocated?
Iraq’s upcoming parliamentary election, scheduled for November 11, will determine the makeup of the 329-seat Council of Representatives. Of these seats, 46 are allocated to the Kurdistan Region, including 9…
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