Iraq’s survival depends on a Kurdish-Shiite reset

Iraq is at a critical turning point, and for it to survive in the medium to long run it needs a major reset. Such a reset can only come from a rejuvenated Kurdish–Shiite alliance as the core political relationship ensuring the durability of the post-2003 order amid a tumultuous regional climate that threatens Iraq’s current political arrangement.

Mohammed A. Salih

Opinion

PM Barzani meets Egyptian president in Cairo, stresses economic cooperation

Egypt and the Kurdistan Region have a long-standing economic and cultural relationship, with trade volume between Erbil and Cairo standing at around $150 million annually.

The New Region

Opinion

Will the Khor Mor attack and the new US Consulate in Erbil propel US-Kurdish relations into a new era?

Amid recent attacks on the Kurdistan Region's energy infrastructure and a clear sign of Washington's stake in Erbil seen in the opening of its largest consulate in the world, bilateral ties seem set to strengthen as mutual US-KRG interests become ever more salient.

Mohammed A. Salih

Opinion

Iraqi young men must not die in Putin’s war

Ukrainian Ambassador to Iraq Ivan Dovhanych cautions Iraqis against fighting in the Russia-Ukraine war and being lured by recruiters to fight on behalf of Moscow.

Ivan Dovhanych

Opinion

Erbil’s new US Consulate: Symbolism meets strategy

The new US Consulate General in Erbil represents a deepening of Erbil-Washington relations and is a testament to the longstanding partnership between the United States and the Kurdistan Region. The compound is also a strategic hub for diplomacy, security, economic engagement, cultural exchange, and enduring bonds.

Baxtiyar Goran

Opinion

Iraq’s Coordination Framework faces deep internal crisis amid regional instability 

A series of recent events in Iraq reveals a mounting internal crisis within the Shiite Coordination Framework, as its factions struggle to adapt to major regional and international changes that have upended old political rules.

Ahmed Saadawi

Opinion

Iraq’s presidency: Much ado about nothing?

In the aftermath of Iraq's recent parliamentary elections, there is talk the position of Iraqi president, traditionally reserved for a Kurd under the federal system's unwritten norms, might go to a Sunni Arab, posing implications for the country's political make-up and balance of power.

Mohammed A. Salih

Opinion

Iraq between the quest to end US military presence and fear of Iran-backed militia dominance

In the wake of recent parliamentary elections, Iraq's next government must walk a treacherous political tightrope in the quest to balance popular sentiment calling for the end of a US military presence in the country and the possibility of expanded Iranian influence in their absence, with pro-Iran factions having achieved considerable success in the vote.

Baxtiyar Goran

Opinion

Iraq’s election: A familiar game and plenty of drama ahead

In the aftermath of Iraq's 2025 parliamentary elections, an examination of the contents of the nation's ballot boxes offers insight into the current political dynamics at play, with the absence of a parliamentary majority for any party and likely interference from the judiciary complicating the upcoming government formation negotiations.

Mohammed A. Salih

Opinion

The impending reckoning between Washington and Iraq’s militias

Any attempt to forcibly disarm these groups would almost certainly ignite a civil war across Iraq’s Shiite heartland, stretching from Basra to Baghdad. US military intervention to assist such an effort is unlikely; there is no appetite in Washington for another Iraqi entanglement.

Mohammed A. Salih

Opinion