Power, pressure, and paralysis: the politics behind the PUK–NGM deal

The New Generation Movement has signed a power-sharing agreement with the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, marking a significant reversal for a party that built its identity on opposition to the Kurdistan Region's established ruling parties.

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What explains reduced US support for Peshmerga forces?

Long considered a staple US ally in the Middle East, a reduction in US support for the Kurdistan Region's Peshmerga in the Pentagon's 2027 budget request raises questions for Washington's future security posture in Iraq and the broader region.

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Lalezar inmate tells court of severe torture, forced confessions

Hama Rash, who served as a bodyguard in opposition leader Lahur Sheikh Jangi's entourage, told the court in Sulaimani that he was subjected to genital torture and extensive physical abuse during his detention following his arrest related to an August shootout at the Lalezar Hotel.

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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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