Exclusive Iraq's Kurds air fury over PM Sudani's stance after attack on gas field “We were shocked at Sudani’s audacity. Imagine the state we would have been in had he gotten his way,” a senior Iraqi Kurdish official speaking not for attribution told Al-Monitor. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Grenade attack on IRGC kills 2 in Iran’s Kurdistan province: What to know The deadly assault comes amid recurring tensions and clashes in Iran’s Kurdish-majority western region. Iran
Iraq bans PKK as security ties with Turkey gain momentum The decision comes after the high-level talks between Turkish and Iraqi officials in Baghdad. Turkey
Three top Turkey officials to visit Iraq as Erdogan threatens Kurdish militants The officials’ visit signals a fresh drive to dial up pressure on the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, which Ankara accuses of collaborating with Kurdish militants. Turkey
Analysis Iran strikes Iraqi Kurdistan again, warns of possible ground operation By Shelly Kittleson In Baghdad, reporting on Iraqi politics
Peshmerga’s return to Kirkuk raises Arab and Turkmen fears The good relationship between Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi and the leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, Massoud Barzani, has led to an agreement between Baghdad and Erbil that will see the return of peshmerga forces to Kirkuk. Iraq
From refuge to recreation, Kurdish hikers rediscover their mountains In the last decade, Iraqi Kurdistan has experienced a boom in mountaineering and hiking groups who weather challenging conditions including land mines and drone strikes to enjoy and reconnect with their mountainous homeland. Iraqi-Kurdistan
Iraqi Kurdistan still working out kinks in new parliament After several months of stalemate, Iraqi Kurdistan's two ruling parties announced this month a draft agreement on how to share power for the next four years — but the deal is already fraying. Iraqi-Kurdistan
Yazidis divided over selection of new leader After the death of the spiritual leader of the Yazidi sect in Iraq and the world, differences come up over the selection of his successor. Iraq
Conflict over Shiite and Sunni endowments erupts in Mosul Sunni Endowments in Mosul complain about Shiite domination over the Sunni religious sites in the city. Iraq
Storming of base in Iraq a grave signal for Turkey A violent protest by locals at a Turkish military base in Iraqi Kurdistan heralds a challenging turning point for Turkey’s cross-border drive to combat Kurdish militants. Iraq
Kurdish civilians in northern Iraq fed up with both Erdogan, PKK Tensions have escalated between Iraqi Kurds and Turkey in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region as a violent protest that stormed in a Turkish military base near the city of Dahuk left one dead and at least 10 others wounded. Turkey
Iraqi Kurdistan parties move to form new Cabinet After a lengthy deadlock, Iraqi Kurdistan's main political parties have agreed to form a new government. Iraq
Erdogan's plans in Iraqi Kurdistan may backfire The news that Nechirvan Barzani will not continue as prime minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq is causing Turkey to worry that the new KRG Cabinet will not be formed of allies of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Iraq
Kurdistan flag row threatens to reignite Kirkuk powder keg The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan raised the flag of Kurdistan over its headquarters in the multiethnic city of Kirkuk, fueling tensions between Baghdad and Iraqi Kurdistan over the disputed, oil-rich city. Iraq
Why Iraq's president can expect warm welcome in Turkey Turkey is preparing to host new Iraqi President Barham Salih, who Ankara clearly sees as useful despite his Kurdish political background. Iraq
