SCFR Online – Opinion: The US military withdrawal from Iraq does not mean the end of the security relationship between Baghdad and Washington, but rather constitutes a test of the Iraqi government’s ability to manage internal threats and redefine foreign dependencies.
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that oil exports from the Kurdistan Region have resumed after a halt of over two years, following a tripartite agreement between Baghdad, Erbil, and oil companies. These exports had been suspended since March 2023 due to a ruling by the Paris arbitration court against Turkey. The court stated that Ankara had violated the 1973 pipeline agreement with Baghdad by allowing Erbil to export oil independently since 2014. The Iraqi Ministry of Oil announced that oil exports have commenced at full capacity and are continuing without any technical issues. The ministry described the recent move as a significant step toward strengthening the management of national wealth. Officials of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) also described this event as historic and a significant achievement for the whole of Iraq. On the other hand, the Baghdad government announced that the resumption of oil exports from the Kurdistan Region could add between $ 400 million and $ 500 million monthly to the federal budget and play a significant role in boosting national revenues.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: In recent days and at the same time as the beginning of the hot season, Turkish ground and air attacks have resumed in areas of northern Iraq, including Dohuk.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on Iraq issues said: As Turkey gets closer to the central government of Iraq, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) should overlook many of its claims about its autonomy in the future and will become more dependent on the central government.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Talks between the Iraqi and American officials for putting an end to the so-called “anti-ISIS” military mission of the coalition in Iraq officially started on Saturday, January 27. Of course, in the last six months, negotiations between the two sides have taken place informally and at expert level.
Barsam Mohammadi – Expert on regional affairs