Why Israel's looking to Kurds to make gains against Iran regime Israeli-Kurdish relations are rooted in a common struggle against Islamic extremism and the Kurds’ strategic presence across Turkey, Syria and Iran. Israel
Analysis CIA, Mossad bolster Iran’s Kurds as US, Israel seek to ignite military revolt Israel hopes Iran’s Kurds, and other minorities, will mobilize to help bring down the Iranian regime. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Which 6 Kurdish groups could join the war in Iran? Iranian Kurdish groups that recently formed an alliance could soon join the United States and Israel in their campaign against the Islamic Republic, Al-Monitor has learned. Iran
Exclusive US-backed Kurdish forces poised to enter Iran from Iraqi Kurdistan 'within days' The CIA has reportedly been in contact with Iranian Kurdish armed groups since last year, as Israel has pressed for Kurdish engagement. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis Kurds see opening yet remain wary as Trump seeks help to oust Iran regime By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Certification of election results opens new chapter in Iraq’s political conflict Iraq's Federal Court has certified the recent election results, setting in motion the constitutional deadlines. Iraq
Basra governor tests the waters for the premiership The governor of Basra is moving between political blocs and high-level leaders in a bid to access the premiership, but the political landscape does not appear conducive for this. Iraq
Iraq urged to 'starve’ those profiting from rising drug trade An apparent increase in drug trafficking into the country from both its eastern and western borders, with fallout from instability in Afghanistan and 'mafia' groups in Syria as well as use of illicit substances in Iraq, has raised concern. Iraq
Iraq continues to kill, capture IS members as effectiveness questioned Iraqi security forces have captured and killed a number of key Islamic State facilitators and others in the past month amid a US mission transition and concerns over coordination. Iraq
Floods hit Kurdistan region as drought leaves many Iraqis in need Parts of northern Iraq have been hit by flooding after a year marked by drought, which many say is due to climate change likely to worsen in the coming years. Iraq
Iraqi Sunni parties compete for parliament speaker Two large Sunni coalitions, the Taqaddom alliance led by Muhammad al-Halbusi and the Azm alliance led by Khamis al-Khanjar, are competing for the position of parliament speaker. Iraq
Turkey accused of blocking Kurdish film at Iraqi film festival Turkey is accused of pressuring film festival organizers in Iraqi Kurdistan to cancel an award-winning movie depicting PKK forces. Turkey
Kakai minority scores two seats in Iraqi parliament After years of absence, two female candidates from the Kakai minority managed to reach the Iraqi parliament following the fifth Iraqi legislative elections held on Oct. 10 for the provinces of Ninevah and Kirkuk. Iraq
Turkey targets PKK-linked Yazidis inside Iraq A local Yazidi armed group linked to the Kurdistan Workers Party and affiliated with the government-incorporated Popular Mobilization Units has been targeted as part of stepped-up Turkish cross-border operations. Iraq
Defeated Iraqi parties seek to get election results annulled Iraq's federal court is expected to uphold the results of the election, which has been praised by Iraqi and international observers. Iraq
Jihadis from Syria blamed for multiple attacks on Iraqi Kurds An onslaught of attacks on Kurdish peshmerga forces and villages in northern Iraq has sparked concerns over the presence of Islamic State cells and whether they have been bulked up by jihadis arriving from Syria. Iraq
Six years later, ex-Islamic State stronghold in Iraq feels left behind As a former ISIS stronghold, Hawija feels rejected and neglected both nationally and internationally. Iraq