Kurdistan

Iraq's Kurds emerge as Middle East's key diplomatic players at Munich Security Council - analysis

The KRG has helped smooth the transition in eastern Syria by working with Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces, also hosting US forces and other anti-ISIS coalition forces.

|BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Nechirvan Barzani, President of Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan Region, gives a joint press conference with France's Foreign Minister in Arbil, the regional capital, on February 5, 2026.
Members of the Kurdish community and other protesters attend a demonstration against recent military clashes between the Syrian army and Kurdish forces, in Berlin, Germany, January 24, 2026.

Kurds’ monumental role in defeating ISIS deserves recognition - analysis

As the anti-ISIS Coalition embraces Syria, the Kurdish role in the war on ISIS in Iraq and Syria also deserves recognition.

|BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Members of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) after US-backed alliance led by Syrian Kurdish fighters captured Deir el-Zor, in Syria December 7, 2024

Rojava defeated: Why Kurdish leadership must adapt or risk extinction - opinion

Kurdish political weaknesses and bad strategies are highlighted as risks for the region and Israel.

|ByAMED MARDIN
A MEMBER of the Kurdish Internal Security Forces rides on a car, while vehicles of the internal security forces of the Syrian government arrive in the city of Qamishli during the curfew, following an agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Syrian government on Tuesday.

Syria’s Sunni Islamist regime consolidates power, ending Kurdish autonomy

BEHIND THE LINES: The arrival of Syrian forces to Qamishli sets the seal on the effective demise of the Kurdish-led Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES).

|ByJONATHAN SPYER

Kurdistan Region’s $110B gas deals spark controversy with Baghdad – analysis

The energy deals come as Kurdistan is trying to bolster its security and autonomy in Iraq.

MAY 22, 2025BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
A member of the Kurdish security forces looks at the wreckage of a vehicle belonging to Iraqi security forces in the outskirts of Kirkuk June 16, 2014.

Kurdistan Region looks to future with US ties - analysis

Kurdistan PM Barzani visits Washington to strengthen US ties and secure energy deals amid regional tensions.

MAY 21, 2025BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
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.

Historic Kurdish conference paves way for unity in Syria  - analysis

Kurdish parties in eastern Syria united to push for a decentralized, democratic Syria. They seek integration with Damascus after years of division and conflict.

APRIL 27, 2025BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Syrian Kurds make the peace sign as they gather after Turkey's jailed militant leader Abdullah Ocalan called on his Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) to lay down its arms in Hasakah, Syria February 27, 2025.

Turkey’s power game is maintaining control at home and beyond - opinion

Turkey is classified as a “brown country” with both democratic and authoritarian features, but democracy, legality, and citizenship rights effectively disappear in southeastern Turkey.

APRIL 13, 2025ByLOQMAN RADPEY
A RALLY takes place to protest the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu as part of a corruption investigation, in Istanbul, last month. The political climate in Turkey is reaching a boiling point, the writer warns.

After 45 year, will the Kurdish-Turkish conflict in Iraq come to an end?

The jailed founder of a Kurdish nationalist group has called for the movement to lay down its arms, but Kurdish forces seem unwilling to as long as Turkish strikes continue.

MARCH 26, 2025ByHUDHAIFA EBRAHIM/THE MEDIA LINE
Syrian Kurds hold flags as they gather after Turkey's jailed militant leader Abdullah Ocalan called on his Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) to lay down its arms on Thursday, a move that could end its 40-year conflict with Ankara and have far-reaching political and security consequences for the region,

Iraq, Turkey talk on energy cooperation, oil exports, and trade ties

Talks in Baghdad focus on energy ties, oil exports, and water concerns.

MARCH 18, 2025ByTHE MEDIA LINE STAFF
A Kurdish oil tanker is seen off the coast of Ashkelon

Kurdistan region marks 37 years since Halabja massacre

Kurdistan leaders mark 37 years since the Halabja massacre, demanding justice and recognition for victims.

MARCH 16, 2025BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
The Kurdish victims from wax show scenes of the 1988 chemical weapons attack in the Kurdish town of Halabja at Halabja Museum, Iraq September 22, 2017. Picture taken September 22, 2017.

Turkey’s old trick: Keeping Kurds off the new Mideast map - opinion

Strengthening ties between the Kurds and Israel could counterbalance Turkish and Iranian ambitions, promote regional stability, and redefine power dynamics in the Middle East.

MARCH 9, 2025ByLOQMAN RADPEY
A demonstrator holds a picture of jailed Kurdish militant leader Abdullah Ocalan during a rally in Diyarbakir, Turkey, February 27, 2025.

What does call for disarmament of Kurdish militants in Turkey mean for Middle East? - analysis

The big question now is whether the PKK will actually heed this call by Ocalan and if PKK affiliates will agree.

MARCH 1, 2025BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
A demonstrator holds a picture of jailed Kurdish militant leader Abdullah Ocalan during a rally in Diyarbakir, Turkey, February 27, 2025.

Kurdish rebels declare immediate ceasefire after jailed leader's peace appeal

If successful, the move could have wide-ranging implications for the region, while ending a conflict that has killed more than 40,000 people.

MARCH 1, 2025ByREUTERS
Supporters of pro-Kurdish Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) display flags with a portrait of jailed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Ocalan, during a rally to celebrate Nowruz, which marks the arrival of spring, in Istanbul, Turkey, March 17, 2024.