Grenade attack on IRGC kills 2 in Iran’s Kurdistan province: What to know The deadly assault comes amid recurring tensions and clashes in Iran’s Kurdish-majority western region. Iran
Culture Turkey's women, LGBTQ artists top targets of Erdogan's drive for cultural hegemony From pop stars to performers, Turkey’s secular arts scene faces increasing pressure under Erdogan’s conservative push. Turkey
UK’s top spy uses farewell from Turkey to lure Russian recruits, sparks fury The outgoing MI6 chief called on Russians with "truths to share" to contact the agency, sparking diplomatic unease just days before Erdogan’s White House meeting. Turkey
Turkey’s spy chief in Damascus as Israel, Syria weigh new security map Ibrahim Kalin’s visit comes as Israel presses Syria on a buffer zone plan and Turkey frets over Kurdish autonomy. Turkey
Exclusive UK-based oil firm victim of standoff between Damascus, Syria’s Kurds By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis Iraqi Kurdish factional feuds erupt anew with violent arrest of Lahur Talabani By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
US, Russia mum as Turkey escalates attacks against Kurdish groups in Syria, Iraq Both the White House and the State Department remain silent as Turkey's military campaign against the PKK continues "full blast." Turkey
Iran declares 'efficient deterrence' against any military strike Iran has in recent years shown off its military advancements, particularly its drones and ballistic missiles, shrugging off Western worries that it is escalating tensions in an already volatile Middle East. Iran
Turkey extends flight ban on Iraqi Kurds' Sulaimaniyah airport over alleged PKK support Turkey said its latest ban is in response to "the intensification of activities by the PKK terrorist organization in Sulaimaniyah." Turkey
Analysis How Iraq’s new budget affects oil arrangement with Kurdistan region The success of Iraq's largest-ever budget is partially dependent on oil prices, and follows the federal government asserting more control over the Kurdistan Region's oil sector. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Turkey’s beleaguered Kurds weigh new strategies after Erdogan’s win The key question following the vote is whether the alliance between the HDP and the main opposition Republican People’s Party and its Table of Six partners can endure. Turkey
Turkey’s jailed Kurdish leader quits active politics after Erdogan’s victory Selahattin Demirtas' announcement comes amid heated public debate over whether Kemal Kilicdaroglu would resign after he was defeated by President Erdogan in Sunday’s runoff. Turkey
Erdogan vs. Kilicdaroglu: What to expect in Turkey's first ever election runoff Though polls give a lead to the incumbent president, a victory by the main opposition leader in Sunday’s presidential runoff seems still possible depending on a combination of challenging factors. Turkey
Turkey Elections: Kurds, far-right rally behind Kilicdaroglu ahead of Sunday’s vote Refuting speculation, Turkey’s largest Kurdish political movement announced it would continue to support the main opposition leader despite his alliance with the far right. Turkey
Intra-Kurdish tensions paralyze northeast Syria’s main border crossing Northeast Syria’s only external border crossing closed abruptly May 17 for an unknown period, disrupting trade, medical corridors and humanitarian access to the area. Syria
Iraqi Kurdish politician survives assassination attempt Tensions have been high for months between the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, though recent dialogue may have calmed the situation. Iraq
Iraqi FM expects continuity in ties with Turkey, no matter who wins election Fuad Hussein says TotalEnergies deal “would change character of Iraqi economy,” discusses relations with the United States, Iran, Syria and Arab states. Turkey
Iraq asks Turkey to resume oil exports as firms in Kurdistan region scale back Turkey has still yet to restart oil flows from northern Iraq following a controversial court ruling despite efforts by Iraqi and Kurdish authorities. The stoppage is threatening the Kurdistan Region’s oil sector. Turkey
