Iraq in the Crossfire
Iraq was in crisis before Israel and Iran started trading blows. Now, it’s next door to a conflict.
Kurdistan Regional Government
US strike in Iraq eliminates top Islamic State leader
A March 13 airstrike in Iraq’s Anbar province by US Central Command (CENTCOM) eliminated Abdallah Makki Muslih al Rifai, a senior leader of the Islamic State (IS) who may have served as the...
Op-eds
Drone attack targets gas field in northern Iraq
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) targeted the Khor Mor gas field in northern Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan Region on February 2, 2025. It is the latest kamikaze drone attack on the gas field run by Dana Gas.
Op-eds
In 2025, Israel’s Gaza Campaign Is Not Over
Despite multiple IDF campaigns, Hamas continues to recruit fighters.
Op-eds
Kurdistan regional elections mark a step forward for Iraq’s stability
Elections in the Kurdistan region are important because they provide a beacon of democracy for the region.
Op-eds
Lessons, 10 years after ISIS took over Mosul
The defeat of ISIS took years. However, Iraq was able to mobilize against the extremists.
Op-eds
Secretary of Defense Austin Visits Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, and Israel
Latest Developments Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is scheduled to visit Israel tomorrow after trips to Jordan, Iraq, and Egypt this week. Originally slated to visit Israel today, Austin reportedly delayed...
Flash Briefs
Iran has Iraq’s Kurds in its crosshairs
After decimating Iraq’s Sunnis during years of political and military conquest, Iran and its Iraqi militias have now set their sights on Iraqi Kurdistan, harassing its government, targeting its energy...
Op-eds
Biden Faces a Decision on Our Presence in Iraq
Overcharged political rhetoric about 'endless wars' masks the reality of the situation.
Op-eds
Turkey
Joe Biden Will Be America’s Most Pro-Kurdish President
The real test of Biden’s pro-Kurdish sentiments will be whether the need to maintain pragmatic cooperation with Ankara and Baghdad will ultimately force him to temper his commitment to the Kurds that the mountains are not their only friends.
Op-eds
Trump can get both Turkish and Kurdish support in Syria by negotiating peace deal
President Trump’s strategy of getting out of Syria but keeping the oil continues to stir up policy debates and emotions. Opponents of the U.S. withdrawal see this as a betrayal of the Syrian Kurds,...
Op-eds
Russia’s Gas Web Ensnares Europe
New pipeline projects throughout the Middle East could boost Russian influence there while also ensuring the country’s role as the prime supplier of energy to Europe.
Op-eds
U.S. designates members of Rawi network for financing Islamic State
Op-eds
Saving Northeastern Syria
How Washington Can Help Strike a Deal Between Turkey and the Kurds
Op-eds
Midterm Assessment: Iraq
Iraq’s 2018 Budget Deadlock Deepens Tensions Ahead of Elections
On March 3, the Iraqi Parliament adopted...
Policy Briefs
Kurd Your Enthusiasm
On October 16, the world woke to footage of the Iraqi army barreling toward Kirkuk, several hundred miles n...
Op-eds
The Kurdish test
In a just world, the Kurds would have a state of their own. Their culture is ancient. They speak a distinctive language. They have a homeland, Kurdistan, ruled for centuries by Arabs, Turks and P...
Op-eds
Fearing an Independent Kurdistan, Erdogan Travels to Tehran
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan traveled to Iran on Wednesday for meetings with the...