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

The biggest threat to Iraq's future: A drop in oil prices

In simple terms, Iraq exports roughly 3.2 to 3.4 million barrels per day; a drop in oil prices of only one dollar per barrel would lose Iraq between 3.2 and 3.4 million dollars per day.

Peshraw Mirany

Opinion

Federalism or secession for Iraq’s Shiites: Genuine political project or tactical rhetoric?

This kind of talk is unprecedented in Iraqi politics—at least in recent memory—given both its nature and the stature of those articulating it. Given its growing frequency, it can no longer be dismissed as mere personal opinion.

Mohammed A. Salih

Opinion

Syria’s new constitution: Dashing hopes for progress

While many in Syria initially extended goodwill to Sharaa, hoping his actions would align with his rhetoric of inclusivity and tolerance, the interim constitution—arguably the most critical document in shaping the post-Assad transition—delivers a serious blow to that goodwill and the prospects for a stable and peaceful Syria.

Mohammed A. Salih

Opinion

Iraq’s power brokers stumble in the shadow of US sanctions

Iraq’s political system stands at a crossroads: it must either sacrifice its current relationship with Iran to evade US sanctions or risk a popular uprising that could destabilize it. Strengthening ties with neighboring states and forging new partnerships may be the only way to reduce reliance on Iran and shield Iraq from sanctions without triggering internal collapse.

Alfadhel Ahmad

Opinion

Turkey-PKK peace talks, its regional dimensions

If the peace process fails, even if due to Turkish inflexibility, the Erdogan government may use it as political justification to escalate military operations against the SDF in Syria and the PKK in Iraq, claiming it pursued peace, but the Kurdish side was not serious.

Mohammed A. Salih

Opinion

Iraq’s legal reforms; A battle for justice, land, freedom

If Iraq is to move forward, justice cannot come at the expense of security, nor can it be manipulated for political gain. 

Rejna Alaaldin

Opinion

Iraq-US relations under strain amid changing power dynamics

What is clear is that trust in Baghdad within the current US administration is far lower than it was under its Democratic predecessor. The prevailing view in Washington sees Iraq through the lens of its ties to Iran.

Mohammed A. Salih

Opinion