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
Russia tempers Erdogan's threats against Iraqi Kurdistan Major Russian interests in Iraqi Kurdistan’s energy sector are seen as having a bearing on Turkey’s threatening response to the Kurdish independence referendum. Iraq
Turkey, Iran, Iraq in shaky alignment against Iraqi Kurdistan Turkey, Iran and Iraq have closed ranks over the independence vote in Iraqi Kurdistan, but how long can their partnership survive? Iraq
Kurdish referendum a double-edged sword for Russia Although Russia says it respects Iraqi Kurds' desire for self-determination, their independence is probably not in Russia's best interest. Iraq
Russia keeps eye on Kurdish oil contracts, referendum Russia has been boosting its presence in Middle East oil via the Kurdish Regional Government, but is also waiting to see what the potential impacts might be of the KRG’s independence referendum. Iraq
Turkey’s threat of sanctions against Iraqi Kurds rattles its own traders The economic sanctions that Turkey threatens against the Iraqi Kurds have sparked anxiety inside its own borders, where many depend on bilateral trade to make a living. Turkey
Iraqi citizens' sentiment may be softening toward Israel Grass-roots support for improved communications seems to be growing in both Iraq and Israel, though officially they have no diplomatic relations. Iraq
Former KRG PM emerges to shake up Kurdish politics The Kurdistan Region's independence referendum has opened the door for a new regional Kurdish movement promoted by a diverse coalition of dissidents, leftists, secularists and Islamists. Iraq
Congress warns Kurds against further steps after independence vote The Kurdistan Regional Government’s decision to go ahead with its referendum has tempered years of robust congressional support for the Iraqi Kurds. Iraq
Interview Syrian Kurdish commander: We're 'ready to engage' with Damascus In an interview with Al-Monitor, a Syrian Kurdish commander says the United States should stay in Syria during the post-Islamic State process. Mazlum Kobane SDF commander in chief
Iranian media say Barzani fixer for West, Israel Iranian officials accuse the West and Israel of being behind the independence referendum in Iraqi Kurdistan. Iraqi-Kurdistan
Some Turks blame US for Kurdish independence vote Sources close to Turkey's ruling party say the United States secretly supports Iraqi Kurds' bid for independence as part of US plans for a "second Israel" in the region. Iraq
Israel cheers on Kurds while ignoring Palestinians Senior Israeli politicians and the Israeli media have been showering the Kurds with warmth and support in their independence effort while ignoring the Palestinian aspirations for self-determination. Palestine
