Kurdish administration of northeast Syria hails PKK’s decision to lay down arms

The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) lauded the decision taken by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) to end its armed campaign, hailing the vision of PKK founder Abdullah Ocalan as "a roadmap for liberating the peoples of the region from the legacy of tyranny and national and religious violence."

Trump arrives in Saudi Arabia ahead of Gulf tour

US President Donald Trump touched down in Riyadh on Tuesday to kick off the first major diplomatic tour of his second administration, with trade and defense links set to top the agenda.

Iraq urges nationals in Libya’s Tripoli to remain indoors amid escalations

The Iraqi embassy in the Libyan capital has urged its citizens to express "extreme caution" amid violent clashes following the killing of a prominent militia leader.

PKK announcement to disband ‘worthy of respect’: SDF chief

Turkey considers the YPG, the backbone of the SDF, to be inextricably linked to the PKK and thereby sees the SDF as an extension of their now-disbanded domestic foe

The historical end of PKK’s armed struggle against Turkey; what is next?

The PKK has announced its disbandment, ending decades of armed struggle against Turkey. The move, driven by military setbacks and calls for democracy, opens a chance for peace—but risks remain if Turkey fails to enact meaningful reforms and address Kurdish rights

Syria’s Sharaa to skip Arab summit in Baghdad

The Syrian president will skip the upcoming Arab summit in Baghdad, after his invitation sparked controversy among Iraqi political and civil voices

Khazali urges Iraq to cancel security MoU with Turkey after PKK disbands

Qais al-Khazali, leader of Asaib Ahl al-Haq, urged the Iraqi government to cancel its 2024 security memorandum with Turkey following the announced disbandment of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

Features

Iraq's housing crisis deepens amid rising rents, failed promises

As Iraq faces a severe housing shortage, families are grappling with soaring rents, stalled government projects, and a lack of affordable options, leaving many young people viewing home ownership as an elusive dream always tantalizingly out of reach.

Iraq taps dormant tax funds to pay salaries amid oil price woes, budget deficit

Facing a deepening liquidity crisis and fluctuating oil revenues, the Iraqi government has authorized the withdrawal of over 3 trillion dinars from long-idle tax trust funds to cover public employee salaries.

Reviving Baghdad’s Jewish past: Isaac Gaon shrine restoration sparks both hopes and tensions

After decades of neglect, the shrine of Rabbi Isaac Gaon in Baghdad's historic Qanbar Ali neighborhood is undergoing restoration, reigniting conversations about Iraq’s Jewish heritage, interfaith coexistence, and national identity.

Blame game atop apocalyptic ruins: How Iran is reeling from its port inferno

A port in flames, a nation in mourning—and a ruling elite in denial. Behind Iran's recent port explosion lies a web of secrecy, military links, and a government increasingly estranged from its own people.

‘Duty to compensate’: echoes of tragedy spur Halabja on after accession to provincial status

In a tale of great sorrow and resilience, the people of Halabja have celebrated its recent accession to provincial status almost 40 years after the former Baath regime unleashed a brutal chemical attack on its residents. Despite the enduring scars of the past, families of the victims hope that the firm Kurdish political solidarity in pushing for the provincial accession bill will lead to the realization of long-awaited compensation from the Baghdad government.

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