Exclusive US troops in Syria's Kurdish northeast will remain in single base near Rmeilan oil fields The consolidation comes as tensions rise between Iran and Israel, heightening risks for remaining US forces. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Exclusive Ankara’s direct talks with Syrian Kurds began last year in Europe, continue in Turkey The talks are part of a sweeping effort to end Turkey’s decades-long war with the PKK and reshape Ankara’s relationship with Kurdish-led forces in Syria. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Exclusive US Syria envoy Barrack calls Kurdish SDF chief Kobane as Turkey mulls meeting Sources tell Al-Monitor that Turkish officials have proposed a high-level meeting with SDF commander Mazlum Kobane in Damascus, contingent on the outcome of ongoing talks with Syria’s interim government. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Turkey unveils prison reform bill, but Kurds say it falls short The proposed changes would expand conditional release for some inmates but fail to meet demands of the pro-Kurdish DEM Party amid peace efforts. Turkey
Iraqi Kurds look to open new chapter with Iran The Iraqi Kurdish leadership forges ahead with efforts to improve ties with Iran, both in hopes of reviving their economy and also to regain lost clout in Baghdad. Iraq
Is Iraqi PM counting on Sunni, Kurdish votes for re-election? Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi appears to be counting on Sunni and Kurdish votes to win the next election, with visits to traditional Kurdish and Sunni strongholds. Iraq
Candidates' past ties to Saddam create uproar in Iraq's Kurdistan Region Despite the Kurdistan Regional Government's strong rhetoric against Saddam Hussein and his collaborators, several Kurdish figures who worked with the former Iraqi president's Baath regime are participating in the upcoming elections. Iraq
Iranian sculptor's desire for artistic freedom takes him across region Iranian Kurdish sculptor Seywan Saeedian's life takes him across borders in a conflict-torn region, where artistic independence often comes at a steep price. Turkey
Expect change in Iraq when embattled Kurds cast ballots Iraqi Kurds have made it clear in recent protests that they will make their voices heard and their votes count. Iraq
Fall of Afrin: Turkey’s Vietnam or Washington’s nightmare? Following the fall of the Syrian city of Afrin to Turkish forces March 18, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's threats to expand operations to other regions controlled by Syrian Kurdish forces seem credible. Syria
Turkish firms welcome return of air access to Iraqi Kurdistan Now that Baghdad has lifted the ban on international travel to the Iraqi Kurdistan region, experts say the Turkish government needs to resume mutual flights as soon as possible. Iraq
Turkey poised to open a military front in Iraq Improved relations between Iraq and Turkey have raised the possibility of a joint offensive against Kurdish militants in northern Iraq. Iraq
Iraqi budget drives another wedge between Baghdad, Kurds Baghdad's parliament cut Kurdistan's budget this week, adding fuel to the fire regarding their disputes. Iraq
Police video of sex workers causes uproar in Iraqi Kurdistan A video circulated on Kurdish social media showing a police filming of a group of women and men apparently caught in a brothel in Erbil stirred controversy in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. Iraq
Assassinations mount as Iranian Kurdish militants clash with Tehran Tension builds in northern Iraq as the conflict between Iranian-Kurdish militants and Tehran seems to escalate. Iraqi-Kurdistan
Czechs release Syrian Kurdish leader, won't extradite to Turkey Syrian Kurdish leader Salih Muslim has been released from detention in Prague, leaving Turkey fuming. Syria
