Culture in the spotlight at London Kurdish Studies Conference

"Poetry and fiction in translation create alternative forms of representation because they allow Kurdish people to appear not only as political subjects, but as literary producers, lovers, critics, mystics, mourners, and dreamers," said Sarwar Efendi, Director of Special Projects at Kahskul, the Center for Arts and Culture at the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani.

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SDF-Damascus integration agreement moving forward slowly

The agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Damascus is moving forward slowly, as challenges and disagreements complicate the process.

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Sudani’s inner circle: Militia-linked aide positioned for Iraq’s premiership

As Iraq's controversial premiership race continues, sources told The New Region that incumbent premier Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani is positioning his chief of staff Ihsan al-Awadi as a potential successor, raising concerns over his ties to the shadowy, US-designated Asaib Ahl al-Haq.

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Ceasefire or strategy?: Why Iraq’s militias are pausing attacks

The announcement of a temporary pause in strikes on the US embassy in Baghdad by the powerful pro-Iran militia Kataib Hezbollah has led to an uneasy calm, with experts offering their takes on the nature of the ceasefire and the likelihood of renewed attacks.

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How Iraq’s PMF is getting increasingly involved in the Iran war

While the PMF leadership denies responsibility for attacks on US bases, several Iran-aligned factions within the PMF have claimed the strikes, prompting retaliatory strikes by the US, and putting the Iraqi government in a difficult position as it tries to balance relations with both Washington and Tehran.

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What happens with Iran’s Kurds after President Trump’s U-turn?

After US President Donald Trump walked back on the idea of Iranian Kurdish opposition groups launching a cross-border ground offensive in Iran, The New Region's Wladimir van Wilgenburg spoke with numerous opposition officials regarding the future awaiting Iran's Kurds.

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Iran-aligned Iraqi ‘Islamic Resistance’ groups resurface from the shadows

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a network of shadow pro-Iran militia groups, has resurfaced following the onset of the US and Israel's war with Iran, carrying out attacks on US bases in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

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Strikes, power cuts, uncertainty: US-Israel war with Iran impacts Kurdistan Region

It remains to be seen in the next few days if the Iranian attacks will continue in the Kurdistan Region, and if the current weakened Iranian regime stays or will fall. The outcome remains unclear, but the Kurdistan Region is working to uphold its peace despite missiles and drones flying overhead, and with the Region bordering Iran. 

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EXCLUSIVE: Iran’s Kurdish opposition has ‘no relationship’ with US, says PJAK co-chair

Five Kurdish opposition parties from western Iran (Rojhelat) on Sunday announced the formation of a joint coalition called the “Alliance of Political Forces of Iranian Kurdistan." Days after the agreement, The New Region interviewed Free Life Party of Kurdistan (PJAK) co-chair Peyman Viyan, who signed the agreement on behalf of PJAK.

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