The Natural Gas of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq Between Local and Regional Balances

Executive Summary• The recent global developments and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have spotlighted the natural gas sector in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) as a potential alternative to Russian natural gas for Europe.• The natural gas sector contributes to placing the KRI on the global energy map and attracts the attention of major countries […]

Scenarios and Obstacles of the Expected American Military Operation Towards the Iraqi Syrian Border Separation

(This text was translated from its original Arabic version which was published in August 2023.) Author: Firas Allawi Introduction Recently, there has been much discussion about the possibility of a military operation by the international coalition led by the United States targeting areas along the east and west of the Euphrates River, starting from the […]

How the Geopolitical Shifts Set up Turkey-Iran Rivalry in Iraq and Syria

Abstract This paper analyzes how Türkiye and Iran are in a nascent geopolitical power struggle for control and influence in the Middle East. The first part of this paper aims to explain the context for this rivalry and analyze how the United States deprioritizes its presence in the Middle East, creating a power vacuum for […]

How the Geopolitical Shifts Set up Turkey-Iran Rivalry in Iraq and Syria

Abstract This paper analyzes how Türkiye and Iran are in a nascent geopolitical power struggle for control and influence in the Middle East. The first part of this paper aims to explain the context for this rivalry and analyze how the United States deprioritizes its presence in the Middle East, creating a power vacuum for […]

Biden warns; “Iraq and Syria Mean More Danger to America than Afghanistan”

ISIS Takes on al-Qaeda’s Legacy (This text was translated from its original Arabic version.) Executive Summary        Introduction Many commentators underestimated the US president’s statements that Syria and Iraq pose a greater danger to American interests than Afghanistan, as they ignored the reality of the changes on the ground since the entry of America into […]

Iran’s Missile Diplomacy Towards the Kurdistan Region of Iraq: Local and Regional Messages

Preface Iran has achieved advanced economic advantages as a result of its relationship with the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). Despite these advantages and the historical relations between the two parties, Iran’s view has shifted to a concern over this experience, especially in recent years, as a result of the rapid expansion of the Region […]

The Kurdish National Council: The Impasse of the Political Movement

Executive Summary Introduction The KNC/ENKS, was formed on October 26, 2011. It was the natural result of political developments between the Kurdish parties in Syria. This was the first agreement between Kurdish political parties in Syria announced at an event in the Hilaliyah neighborhood of Qamishli.  The agreement was referred to as “The Nationalist Movement […]