Analysis
Mushtaq Abd Manaf Alhlu
The unique relationship between Iran and Iraq ensures that any significant political shift in Iran will have a direct impact on Iraq's political landscape. Under Article 110 of the Iranian Constitution, the Supreme Leader wields absolute authority over all internal and external state functions. Consequently, any transition in this role will significantly influence Iraq's political dynamics and processes.
21-11-2024
Analysis
Ziryan Rojhelati
The agenda for Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani’s visit to the Kurdistan Region may ostensibly include discussions on oil disputes, government formation, the Development Road Project, and the upcoming census. However, the underlying motive appears to extend beyond these issues.
14-11-2024
Event
Rudaw RC
On November 9, 2024, the Rudaw Research Center participated in the second meeting of directors of research centers across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. The event, organized by the Anki Institute for Research in Baghdad, was attended by prominent figures, including Ammar al-Hakim, leader of the al-Hikmah Movement.
12-11-2024
Analysis
Mahmood Baban
Two critical questions arise from this situation. First, are the international oil companies operating in the Kurdistan Region willing to hand over the total oil production at the newly increased cost? Second, how can Iraq export oil from the Kurdistan Region when it is required to reduce both its overall exports and production to comply with OPEC Plus agreements?
12-11-2024
Event
Rudaw RC
On Wednesday, November 6, 2024, the Rudaw Research Center hosted a roundtable discussion titled "The 2024 Census in Iraq: A Turning Point for Kurds – Risk or Opportunity?". The event brought together a diverse group of participants, including university professors, statistics and data experts, and representatives from political parties in Erbil.
11-11-2024
Analysis
Mahmood Baban
In its annual report, "World Economic Outlook,"[1] the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects a 4.1% GDP growth rate for Iraq in 2025. This forecast aligns with a stable global growth rate of 3.2% across 195 countries, although developing countries, including Iraq, are expected to experience a higher growth trajectory, from a low 0.1% to a notable 4.1%. Although this projection is optimistic, it raises an important question: what factors have led the IMF to foresee such growth for Iraq?
28-10-2024
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Research

Political Perspectives and Voter Priorities

Rudaw RC

Contrastingly, public sentiment toward the current cabinet reveals 48.8% dissatisfaction and 50.6% satisfaction. The highest dissatisfaction rates emerged in Sulaymaniyah province 82.9%, Halabja 80.6%, Raperin 72.3%, and Garmian 65.6%. In contrast, 50.6% voiced satisfaction, with 24.9% being highly satisfied and 25.7% somewhat satisfied. Notably, the administration of Soran displayed the highest satisfaction levels at 65.4%, followed by Duhok 41.7% and Erbil 37.1%.

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Analysis

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Analysis

The Case of Iran’s Supreme Leader’s Successor Amid Tensions with Israel

Mushtaq Abd Manaf Alhlu

The unique relationship between Iran and Iraq ensures that any significant political shift in Iran will have a direct impact on Iraq's political landscape. Under Article 110 of the Iranian Constitution, the Supreme Leader wields absolute authority over all internal and external state functions. Consequently, any transition in this role will significantly influence Iraq's political dynamics and processes.

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Analysis

Iraqi Government Pursue Kurdistan Region Oil Export Via Ceyhan Port?

Mahmood Baban

Two critical questions arise from this situation. First, are the international oil companies operating in the Kurdistan Region willing to hand over the total oil production at the newly increased cost? Second, how can Iraq export oil from the Kurdistan Region when it is required to reduce both its overall exports and production to comply with OPEC Plus agreements?

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Analysis

Iraq's Economy Set to Grow by 4.1% in 2025

Mahmood Baban

In its annual report, "World Economic Outlook,"[1] the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects a 4.1% GDP growth rate for Iraq in 2025. This forecast aligns with a stable global growth rate of 3.2% across 195 countries, although developing countries, including Iraq, are expected to experience a higher growth trajectory, from a low 0.1% to a notable 4.1%. Although this projection is optimistic, it raises an important question: what factors have led the IMF to foresee such growth for Iraq?

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Analysis

Election Outcomes and the Path to Government Formation

Ziryan Rojhelati

Contrary to predictions of a prolonged and arduous process of government formation, the likelihood of a government being established sooner than expected is quite high. However, before delving into that, it is crucial to examine the election results. While some parties have expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome, if we consider the preliminary results announced by the Election Commission, it is clear that the elections have not drastically altered the political landscape of the Kurdistan Region. Instead, they have solidified a powerful triangle of influence between the PUK, PDK, and the New Generation, positioning these three entities to have a greater impact on future events in the region than any other party.

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Analysis

China's Global Recipe: A Blend of Food, Roads, and Geopolitics

Ziryan Rojhelati

In ancient Chinese philosophy, the phrases "yīn" and "yáng" explain the fundamental rotation of the wheel of the universe. Accordingly, everything in existence derives its meaning from its opposite, and these forces are in a constant state of change and interplay. This philosophy of opposition and harmony extends even to Chinese cuisine. In cooking, some ingredients are believed to have a "cold" nature, while others are "hot," and they must be balanced. It’s common to find dishes that are both sour and sweet, or spicy and sweet, reflecting this blend of opposites.

Publications

Election Survey

Rudaw RC

Roughly 60.3% of the surveyed population expressed their intention to participate in the forthcoming parliamentary elections, displaying similarity in turnout rates when compared to previous elections. This inclination towards participation seems to arise from a combination of new voters entering the scene and a strong aspiration among young individuals to engage in the electoral process. Moreover, the prevalent political climate and heightened polarization could also be significant factors impacting individuals’ decisions to take part in the elections. The survey indicates that three distinct groups — non-participants, undecided voters, and those opting for blank ballots — are poised to play substantial roles in the upcoming elections. Particularly noteworthy is the 39.7% of voters who intend to refrain from voting, along with 29.2% who responded positively but withheld their voting choice and 3.7%, indicated a plan to cast blank ballots. This cumulative figure amounts to 2,167,252 voters.

Youth Perspective in the Kurdistan Region - 2023

Rudaw RC

Young people aged 15-29 constitute a significant portion of the population in the Kurdistan Region, accounting for 28% or 1,727,903 individuals. Additionally, approximately 35% of the population in the region is under the age of 15, accounting for 2,159,879, highlighting the continued presence and influence of the young population for the next two decades. This demographic dynamic has important implications for the labor force, wealth distribution, job opportunities, and political participation. Understanding the perspectives of young people on economic, social, and political matters is crucial as it can shape the future of society.

(2021-2019) Property Market in Kurdistan Region of Iraq; Price Trends

Rudaw RC

The Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) Property Market Report, including a survey, followed by several meetings of counselling and planning at the Rudaw Research Center. The report was accomplished by efforts and supervision of our colleague, Mahmood Baban and his team. It provides detailed information on the price trend in the KRI real estate market

Journalistic Trip from Norway to Kurdistan

Rudaw RC

This book was written by two Norwegian journalists and was published in 1975. The book includes reports and photos of the famous Norwegian journalist ‘’Egil Ulti’’ and his photographer Evarsn journey’s to Kurdistan which they spent time with Peshmerga forces in the mountains and tell the story of how Peshmerag defended the people and land of Kurdistan and, and also tell the story of Kurdish exodus due to Iraqi regime’s attacks.

Kurdistan and Post -ISIS

Rudaw RC

In August 2014 ISIS had launched attacks on Kurdistan region and captured some parts of Kurdistan land. ISIS has exploited the chaos of the Arab spring in Syria. According to geopolitical experts this is considered as geopolitical change therefore Kurdistan had to adapt with the new geopolitics of the region.

Events