October 2017
Barzani Criticizes Lack of International Support for Kurdistan Independence Referendum
Masoud Barzani criticized the lack of international support, particularly from the U.S., for the Kurdistan independence referendum. He highlighted the betrayal by rival Kurdish groups…
Barzani Confirms His Resignation from Power
Masoud Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, has confirmed his resignation effective November 1, prompting discussions in the Kurdistan Parliament about filling the…
Barzani Steps Down from Presidency of Iraqi Kurdistan; Power Sharing to be Discussed in Parliament
Masoud Barzani is stepping down from the presidency of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq after November 1, following pressure from the central government and internal…
Kurdistan Region: Agreement Between Iraqi Forces and Peshmerga for Ceasefire
The Kurdistan Region of Iraq announced a ceasefire agreement between Iraqi forces and Kurdish Peshmerga to halt fighting in northern Iraq, although details remain unclear.…
Iraq Rejects Proposal to Suspend Results of Kurdish Independence Referendum
Iraq's Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi rejected the Kurdish proposal to suspend the independence referendum and called for its complete annulment. This rejection comes amid ongoing…
The Kurdistan Regional Government Suspends Independence Referendum Results
The Kurdistan Regional Government has suspended the results of its independence referendum to ease tensions with the Iraqi central government, proposing a ceasefire and dialogue.…
5600 Foreign Fighters Have Returned from ISIS-Controlled Areas to Their Countries
The Soufan Group reports that over 5600 foreign fighters have returned to their home countries from ISIS-controlled areas, presenting a security challenge for their nations.…
Meeting of the Coordination Council of Saudi Arabia and Iraq with the Presence of Tillerson
Rex Tillerson attended a meeting in Riyadh aimed at strengthening Saudi-Iraqi relations, with the presence of Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi and King Salman. The…
Trump: The Liberation of Raqqa is a Significant Advancement in the Global Campaign Against ISIS
Donald Trump announced the liberation of Raqqa from ISIS as a significant step in the global fight against the group. The Syrian Democratic Forces, supported…
A Century Ago in the Land of Lion and Sun
The article introduces Pierre Ponafidine's book 'Life in the Muslim East', published in 1911, which details his experiences as a Russian consul in Iran and…
Raqqa Completely Cleared of ISIS
Syrian Democratic Forces, backed by the U.S., have declared complete victory over ISIS in Raqqa, handing control to local leaders. This marks a significant milestone…
Representative of Ayatollah Sistani Calls on Iraqi Government to Protect Kurdish People
Ayatollah Sistani's representative called on the Iraqi government to protect the Kurdish people amid advancing central government forces in Kirkuk, leading to mass Kurdish displacement.…
Kurdistan Region Officials: 100,000 People Have Fled Kirkuk
Following the central government's takeover of Kirkuk, nearly 100,000 Kurds have fled the city, which has been a point of contention between the Kurdistan Region…
Parliamentary Elections in Iraqi Kurdistan Postponed
The parliamentary and presidential elections in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq have been postponed due to insufficient candidates and internal political disagreements. Masoud Barzani's leadership…
Barzani: Individual and Unilateral Decisions Were the Cause of the Kirkuk Events
Masoud Barzani criticized unilateral decisions by Kurdish political leaders that led to the retreat of Peshmerga forces from Kirkuk, which was swiftly captured by Iraqi…
Iraqi Forces Take Control of Kirkuk
Iraqi government forces have taken control of Kirkuk in response to a Kurdish independence referendum, altering the regional power dynamics. The operation has led to…
Iraqi Forces Capture Airbase and Industrial Areas from Kurdish Control near Kirkuk
Iraqi forces have captured key positions from Kurdish Peshmerga in southern Kirkuk, including an airbase and industrial areas. This escalation follows a referendum for Kurdish…
Reports of 'Gunfire Exchange' Around Kirkuk; Abadi's Statement on 'Cooperation' with Peshmerga
There have been reports of artillery exchanges between Iraqi government forces and Kurdish Peshmerga near Kirkuk, as Iraqi Prime Minister Abadi calls for cooperation to…
Iraqi Forces Begin Operations to Control Kirkuk Oil Fields
Iraqi forces have initiated operations to seize control of oil fields and an airbase in Kirkuk, currently held by Kurdish Peshmerga forces, amid rising tensions…
Kirkuk; Continued Standoff Between Government Forces and Peshmerga Following Baghdad's Deadline
Tensions continue to rise in Kirkuk as Iraqi government forces and Kurdish Peshmerga face off following a deadline issued by Baghdad for the Peshmerga to…
The 'Final' Battle of US-Supported Forces to Retake Raqqa is Underway
US-backed Syrian Kurdish forces are engaged in the final battle to reclaim Raqqa from ISIS, which has lost significant territory over the past year. The…
U.S. Defense Secretary Calls for Iraq and Kurds to Avoid Conflict
U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis urged Iraq and Kurdish forces to focus on defeating ISIS rather than engaging in conflict amid rising tensions around Kirkuk.…
The Kurdistan Region Government Reopens Roads to Mosul
The Kurdistan Regional Government reopened roads to Mosul after briefly closing them due to concerns over Iraqi military movements. This incident follows heightened tensions after…
Concerns of Iraqi Kurds Over Baghdad's 'Military Movements'; Abadi: We Will Not Attack
Tensions are rising between the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and the central government in Baghdad due to military movements and preparations for potential conflict. Kurdish…
The Underprivileged: The Main Victims of Executions
On October 10, the World Day Against the Death Penalty, human rights organizations highlight the ongoing use of capital punishment in Iran, linking it to…
Turkey, Iran, and Iraq Decide on Closing Oil Flow from Northern Iraq
Turkey, Iran, and Iraq are collaborating to potentially close oil exports from northern Iraq to Kurdistan in response to a recent independence referendum. This decision…
Iraqi Army Recaptures Hawija from ISIS
The Iraqi army has recaptured the city of Hawija from ISIS after 13 days of fighting, marking a significant loss for the group in Iraq.…
Rouhani Warns About Consequences of Changes in Regional Geographical Borders
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani warned against changes in regional borders during a meeting with Turkish military officials, emphasizing the need for cooperation against terrorism and…
ISIS Claims Responsibility for Las Vegas Attack Without Providing Evidence
ISIS claimed responsibility for the Las Vegas shooting that resulted in 58 deaths and over 500 injuries, but U.S. officials found no evidence linking the…
Participation of Iraqi Forces in Iranian Army Exercises
The Iranian Army's military exercise 'Haider Karar' commenced with the participation of Iraqi forces at the western borders of Iran. This exercise aims to reinforce…
Iran and Turkey Emphasize 'Common Positions on the Kurdistan Region Referendum'
Iran and Turkey reaffirm their shared opposition to the Kurdistan Region referendum, emphasizing military cooperation and border security. This meeting precedes Turkish President Erdogan's visit…