Kurdistan

Haibat al-Halbousi elected Iraq’s parliament speaker as new legislature convenes

Iraq continues to face challenges as it navigates between the Iranian influence on the country and a push by the US and others to roll back Iranian-backed militias.

Adnan Faihan, nominated by the Coordination Framework for the position of first deputy speaker, speaks to the media on the day of the first session of the newly elected parliament, where members are set to be sworn in and begin the process of electing a speaker and two deputies, in Baghdad, Iraq Dec
Lahur Talabany, co-leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan party, is seen during an interview with Reuters in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq May 3, 2021; illustrative.

A Kurdish crisis and a missing American: Iran’s expanding influence in Iraqi Kurdistan - opinion

 Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani meets with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (not in picture) during the Munich Security conference in Munich , southern Germany February 14, 2020.

Kurdish PM Barzani meets with Egypt's Sisi to discuss Middle East stability, trade deals

A drone view shows people carrying a giant, long flag on the day of a military parade, as Syrians mark the first anniversary of Bashar al-Assad's fall, in Damascus, Syria December 8, 2025.

Syrian government, Kurdish-led SDF edge closer toward security agreement - analysis


Kurds mark Kurdistan flag day with calls for unity, freedom

Kurdish communities across the globe honored their national symbol on Wednesday, reflecting on decades of struggle, pride, and the ongoing fight for autonomy.

Flag of Kurdistan.

SDF blames Damascus-linked groups for deadly drone attack in Syria

This is a serious incident and is part of a number of clashes over the last year between SDF fighters and groups backed by the new government in Damascus.

A Coalition convoy of US-led international coalition against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) stops to test fire their M2 machine guns and MK19 grenade launcher in the Middle Euphrates River Valley in the Deir ez-Zor province, Syria, November 22, 2018

Drones hit Iraq's Khor Mor gas field, Baghdad deploys air defense in Kurdish region

This reflects a longstanding paradox in Iraq, a country with vast oil reserves that should be able to cover its electricity needs.

A fire blazes at Khor Mor Oil and Gas field following a drone strike, November 26, 2025.

Iran-backed drone strikes on US oil sites push Iraq closer to Washington over Tehran - analysis

Iraq is the second-biggest producer in the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, which Trump has regularly criticized for trying to keep oil prices high.

Smoke rises above an oil field following a drone attack, on the outskirts of Zakho city in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq on July 16, 2025.

US, Israel, don’t abandon us to Iran, Kurdistan Freedom Party leader, military chief tells 'Post'

Iraqi Kurdistan-based General Yazdanpanah says calls for “decentralization are meaningless, as they will not ensure Kurdish rights in Syria being upheld, nor will they provide Kurds with freedom."

Kurdistan National Army commander Hussein Yazdanpanah

Iran denies launching ballistic missiles towards Kurdistan region of Iraq - report

The Islamic Republic has denied that it launched an attack.

AN IRANIAN ballistic missile on display in Tehran.

At least two killed, three wounded by security forces outside Lanaz refinery near Iraq's Erbil

Security sources claimed the protesters were holding a protest to demand job opportunities within the refinery, during which the security forces assigned to guard the site opened fire.

A view of a damaged building following missile attacks, in Erbil, Iraq, January 16, 2024

Drone attack suspends operations at major Iraq gas field, power cuts occur across Kurdish region

A drone attack on the Khor Mor gas field in Iraq causes major power outages in northern regions, damaging key infrastructure and halting gas supplies to power stations.

A fire blazes at Khor Mor Oil and Gas field following a drone strike, November 26, 2025.

As US moves against the Muslim Brotherhood, Middle East pays close attention - analysis

Regional governments are responding cautiously to Washington’s move against the Muslim Brotherhood, as concerns grow over its effect on regional balance and influence.

Former US President Donald Trump speaks to the press as he arrives for his trial for allegedly covering up hush money payments linked to extramarital affairs, at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City, on May 3, 2024. Trump, 77, is accused of falsifying business records to reimburse his lawyer, M

Iraq pushes for Syrian border wall, threatening Iran's regional influence - analysis

Iranian-backed militias used to infiltrate into Syria via the unguarded border - as such, any wall would actually hurt Iran’s project to control the Middle East.

An Iraqi army post stands along a section of the 600-kilometer  Iraqi border with Syria, on December 26, 2024

Israel must deepen its alliance with Kurds as Syria fractures - opinion

As long as Turkey and Qatar continue interfering in Syria’s internal affairs, the threat against minorities, including the Kurds, the Druze, and the Alawites, will continue.

 Commander-in-chief of the SDF, General Mazloum Abdi, in his military uniform.