Explained: The Battle Over Disarming Iraq’s Shiite Militias
As Iraq nears its upcoming parliamentary elections and the Middle East continues to reel from escalating instability, the issue of…
Mapped: At least 18 drones have targeted KRG-controlled areas in the last 17 days
Since the end of the 12-day Israel-Iran war on June 24th, several drone strikes in Iraq have targeted key Iraqi…
Why did the PKK burn its weapons during today’s disarmament ceremony?
The long-awaited ceremonial disarmament of PKK fighters took place today in Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region. This symbolic event involved 30 fighters…
Written by
Arivan
U.S. Plans to Fold SDF into Syrian Army—So Why Fund It in 2026?
The Pentagon’s 2026 budget for Syria allocates $130 million to support its vetted local partner forces despite the March 2025 framework agreement, which committed to integrating the Syrian Democratic Forces…
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Written by
Arivan
Map of Iranian Kurdish Groups’ Camps and Military Outposts in the Kurdistan Region
Map of Iranian Kurdish Groups’ Camps and Military Outposts in the Kurdistan Region – Status as of June 2025: PJAK is based in the mountainous areas along the Iranian border.…
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Written by
Arivan
What Makes Iranian Kurds Different And Why It Matters Now
As Israel’s war against Iran continues and discussions about Iran’s post-regime future become increasingly viable, Iranian Kurds have emerged as a focal point in deliberations over any prospective new order.…
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Written by
Arivan
Mapping Shiite Electoral Competition in Iraq’s 2025 Vote
With Iraq’s parliamentary elections scheduled for November 11, 2025, the Shiite actors which have been the main pillar of the post-Saddam order in Iraq are competing amid the most significant…
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Written by
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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Written by
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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Written by
Arivan
Explainer: Why is Ahmed Shar’a’s Attendance at the 2025 Arab Summit Dividing Iraq?
In 2011, Ahmed Shar’a, then a recently released al-Qaeda prisoner, left Iraq for Syria, which had just entered the early stages of the Arab Spring. Now, in May 2025, he…
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