Politics

Deadly political divisions raise risks for Kurdistan

Rivalries between political leaders in Sulaimaniya have exploded into violence and undermined relations between Iraqi Kurdistan’s two ruling parties at a key political moment.

Bafel Talabani (left) and Lahur Talabany (right) at a Patriotic Union of Kurdistan party gathering on June 15, 2021. (Source: PUK Media)

Jul 15, 2009

Biden, US Policy in Iraq and the Concept of Muhasasa

On 27 February this year, President Barack Obama held one of the best speeches on Iraq delivered by a US senior official for a long time. Obama congratulated the Iraqis for having resisted the forces of partition, and while he noted the need for political reconciliation, he pretty much refrained from imposing his own interpretation […]

Jul 9, 2009

KRG presidential candidates

Four challengers to current KRG President Massoud Barzani add to the intense campaigning in Iraqi Kurdistan ahead of the July 25 vote.

Jul 9, 2009

Despite hardships, smuggling persists

New border crossing between Iraq and Iran doesn't quell the black market where smuggling is the only job to be found.

Jul 8, 2009

Kurdish women political voice unheard

Despite minimum gender requirements in Parliament, the majority women population remain disenfranchised and sidelined.

Jul 8, 2009

Unification in Najaf

The holy city of Najaf is seeing a developing unity between intellectuals and government officials.

Jul 8, 2009

Controversy over KRG constitution

Document up for vote July 25 during the Kurdistan Regional Government's parliament and presidential elections calls for Kirkuk.

Jul 6, 2009

Lingering in the pipeline

Oil exports from northern fields doesn’t mean a deal on KRG oil contracts, even those exporting now, and a compromise is made more complex by gas deal.

Jul 1, 2009

Palestinian “survivors” in no-man’s land

Banished from Iraq and barred from its neighbors, Palestinian refugees languish along Syrian frontier.

Jul 1, 2009

Iraq wants to cut Kuwait payments

Iraq seeks to halve compensation for Kuwait as the row over war reparations damages already-strained relations.

Jul 1, 2009

Iraqi officials’ dual nationality criticized

The dual nationality of a number of Iraqi officials is provoking a heated debate about the allegiances and interests of dual-passport holders within Iraqi political circles.