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
Armed disputes reveal Iraqi Christians' discord Run-ins between Christian factions' armed units in Iraq expose growing gaps in the parties' visions for their future. Iraq
Is Barzani backing away from independence referendum? Iraqi Kurdistan's president expects "guarantees and alternatives" from Washington; Hamas diplomatic surge with Iran and Russia. Palestine
Iraq's Turkmen areas become battlefield in Kurdish referendum debate Turkmen areas in Iraq have become a battleground between Arabs and Kurds to exert influence over them, while the Turkmens are concerned about the inclusion of these areas in the Kurdistan referendum on independence. Iraq
Not all Kurds on board with Kurdish independence vote Some residents of Sulaimaniyah are fed up with the Iraqi Kurdistan government's poor management of the economy and may take their frustration out in the upcoming independence referendum. Iraq
Iran steps up pressure on Iraqi Kurds to halt referendum Iran is stepping up pressure on Iraqi Kurdish political parties to refrain from holding their upcoming referendum on independence. Iraq
KRG not concerned by Turkey's reactions to independence vote Although Kurdistan Regional Government officials are optimistic about the Turkish government's ultimate position on the independence referendum, the Turkish president's recent remarks say differently. Iraq
Iraqi clerics fuel dispute over Kurdish independence As the Kurdistan region is preparing for a referendum on independence, the religious authorities from both Kurdish and Arab sides are fueling the political dispute over the issue. Iraq
Maliki’s visit to Moscow reflects many facets Iraq’s vice president may have had upcoming elections and Iranian influence in mind when he visited Moscow recently. Iraq
Disputed territories pose major challenge to Kurdish referendum The upcoming Iraqi Kurdistan’s referendum will include the disputed territories, but given the practical and technical challenges, holding the referendum on Sept. 25 will be highly unlikely. Iraq
Arab Sunni areas of Iraq see demands to join Kurdistan Region The secessionist wing in Iraqi Kurdistan is working on using demands from some Sunni Arabs to join the region to support the upcoming referendum and independence. Iraq
As war on IS continues, Iraqi Kurdish journalists face suppression Kurdish activists complain of suppression and limitation of independent journalistic freedom in the Kurdistan Region. Iraq
