PUK leader’s public insults of journalists spark press freedom concerns in Kurdistan

Earlier this week, PUK leader Bafel Talabani publicly insulted two journalists during separate events after they posed questions on sensitive political issues, prompting criticism from media rights advocates and civil society organizations.

Features

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.

Features

If Baghdad fails to halt groups attacking Kurdistan ‘we will deal with them ourselves’: PUK leader

"‎‏We have submitted the names of certain individuals and parties to Baghdad who are carrying out attacks against the Kurdistan Region. We await Baghdad to take serious steps toward implementing the necessary measures," said Bafel Talabani.

News

PUK leader, SDF chief, US envoy affirm support for inclusive Syria

The “main focus” of the meeting “was on the need to implement the January 29th agreement, and to work together to remove any obstacles that prevent the implementation of the agreement,” Talabani said in a statement. 

News

Militias must be ‘disbanded or destroyed’ after Khor Mor attack: PUK leader

“The terrorist attack on the Khor Mor field is unacceptable and we condemn it in the strongest terms. Its aim is to hurt the livelihood of our fellow citizens in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and undermine the stability of our country,” Talabani said in a statement. “Militias which operate outside of the rule of law must either be disbanded or destroyed.”

News

Sudani congratulates Kurdish leaders for oil export resumption

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani spoke with President Masoud Barzani, Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) leader Bafel Talabani via telephone to thank them for their efforts in reaching an agreement to resume the Kurdistan Region's oil exports.

News

Battle of Lalezar: Cousins' feud takes toll on Kurdistan's culture capital

Once tranquil Sulaimani streets recently became the frontlines of a bitter feud between cousins Bafel Talabani and Lahur Sheikh Jangi, with the violent confrontation proving worrisome for a city hailed as a bastion of free expression and civil liberties

Dilan Sirwan

Opinion

PM Barzani, PUK’s Talabani say held ‘very positive’ meeting on gov’t formation

The New Region understands that PM Barzani, who is also deputy president of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), and Talabani will discuss the matter of the distribution of posts and the two parties' shares in the next cabinet in today’s meeting.

News

DEM Party delegation meets PUK leader, KRG deputy PM in Sulaimani

The PUK leader stressed that resolving the Kurdish issue can only be done through “serious discussions and dialogue,” not weapons

News