Confederalism: Iraq’s last best option

With the distance between Baghdad and Erbil growing further in light of ongoing disputes regarding the Kurdistan Region's oil revenues and federal budget entitlements, this opinion piece explores how a confederal model could serve as a mechanism to ensure a brighter future of mutual cooperation.

Mohammed A. Salih

Opinion

What still connects us to Baghdad? Kurdistan's struggle for rights in a fading federation

This opinion piece explores the ongoing financial and political tensions between Iraq’s federal government in Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), questioning what links Erbil to Baghdad amid budget restrictions and fears of greater centralization.

Abdulla Reshawi

Opinion

A new era in US-Kurdish relations?

This commercial-centric worldview allows Kurdistan to be appreciated for what it has, not just whom it fights. It creates a broader foundation for bilateral relations that could prove more durable and impactful than past cooperation tied narrowly to security crises

Mohammed A. Salih

Opinion

Iraq’s 2025 elections: A chance for the opposition

As we approach new parliamentary elections in a few months, the question arises again: Is there a chance for a new political current to break into the scene? Have the rules of the game that shaped the 2021 elections changed?

Ahmed Saadawi

Opinion

PKK dissolves: Will lasting peace follow in Turkey and the wider region?

A seminal declaration by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) that the militant group would bring an end to four decades of insurgency against the Turkish state has ushered in a new era of both hope and uncertainty, with many details of the process to follow remaining hazy.

Mohammed A. Salih

Opinion

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

Hassan Ahmad Mustafa

Opinion

Baghdad's dry tourism: Alcohol ban raises questions  

As Baghdad promotes itself as the Arab Tourism Capital, a strict alcohol ban is raising questions about constitutional rights and cultural traditions.

Ahmed Saadawi

Opinion

The Syria of Sharaa and the Syria of Kurds and minorities

In the wake of a historic conference that saw Syria's most prominent Kurdish blocs gather to assert common demands for minority rights in the new Syria, their vision of a "multi-ethnic, multicultural, multi-religious" state faces challenges under the leadership of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Mohammed A. Salih

Opinion

Iran's nuclear gambit: Araghchi dangles a deal—will Trump bite?

Any success by the US and Iran in bridging their differences and closing an accord that equally addresses their core demands could mark significant shifts in the regional and global political landscape. Iran's chief negotiator has now offered President Trump a charming deal. Will it clear the immense hurdles ahead?

Hiwa Hawrami

Opinion

US-Iran talks: What does Iraq stand to gain or lose?

If the US manages to decouple Iraq from Iran’s grip—whether by neutralizing militias or weaning Baghdad off Iranian energy—it could help Iraq take more control of its own future. But if talks collapse, and tensions escalate into conflict, Iraq may once again become another battleground between the US and Iran; an outcome many Iraqis never asked for, but can’t avoid.

Mohammed A. Salih

Opinion