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…
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…
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…
Written by
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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Written by
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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Written by
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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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
KRG Rolls Out Full Electricity Pricing, Cost-to-Income Ratio Tops Middle East and Europe
The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has formally introduced a new electricity pricing structure under its 24-hour power supply initiative, marking a significant shift in the region’s public service framework. The…
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Written by
Arivan
PUK-KDP and Kurdish Opposition Coalition Talks Collapse Ahead of Iraqi Elections
Two separate attempts to form electoral coalitions for the upcoming Iraqi parliamentary elections have unraveled. The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) failed to reach an…
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Written by
Arivan
What Happens Now as the PKK Dissolves Itself?
The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK)—which has led one of the world’s longest-running armed insurgencies—has announced that it will disarm and dissolve itself under its current name. On May 9, the…
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