Analysis
Ziryan Rojhelati
Trump's two-month deadline for an agreement or confrontation with Iran, the Iranian leader's hope that in the future "by divine grace" a miracle will occur and his opponents will fall, Turkey's rush to dismantle the PKK, Qandil's requests for "an appropriate opportunity" to hold a congress, or Ahmed Shara's initiatives for "rebuilding Syria" - all these express that in the current geopolitical issues of the Middle East, accelerating, speediness or moving slowly has become a strategic option.
29-04-2025
Event
Rudaw RC
At the beginning of the seminar, the organization provided a brief overview of UNICEF's origins and history in the world and in Iraq, then highlighted the organization's goals and activities. Throughout the seminar, UNICEF emphasized the importance of children's rights and the necessary measures and requirements that reporters and media professionals should observe when dealing with or interviewing children.
28-04-2025
Event
Rudaw RC
The President of the Kurdistan Region, on a broader level, emphasized that the solution to the events after October 7, 2023, despite Israel's tactical success, needs a long-term solution that passes through the door of dialogue; otherwise, the problems will recur because the Palestinian people have a cause that, like the Kurdish cause, will never disappear.
12-04-2025
Event
Rudaw RC
We have an issue in the Kurdistan Region; we are familiar with the national struggle and its consequences, the role of armed movements, and how to engage with such groups. We have always emphasized that taking up arms for a cause—even if it is just—should not be the starting point unless it is absolutely necessary. Especially in this era, armed struggle is not a safe beginning, and when the beginning is unsafe, the end may be unsafe as well. After all, no one produces their own weapons—arms come from somewhere.
12-04-2025
Event
Rudaw RC
There’s a saying in Turkish: “One who has no doubts about their ablution has no doubts about their prayer.” Even if the President hasn’t explicitly stated such intentions, this tendency may have been observable for quite some time. Still, I cannot say that we, as the DEVA Party, are particularly concerned. However, let me clarify: In the DEVA Party, some individuals—including myself—have roots in the AK Party. Naturally, this background gives rise to certain suspicions, which can be unsettling.
11-04-2025
Event
Rudaw RC
For centuries, the Middle East has been a battleground for competition between Russia and other superpowers. In this context, Russia has many interests in the region. These interests continue to shape and drive Russia’s policy, even in the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, war between Israel and Hamas.
11-04-2025
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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

Kurds in the Shadow of the Slow and Fast Rhythms of Today's Middle Eastern Politics

Ziryan Rojhelati

Trump's two-month deadline for an agreement or confrontation with Iran, the Iranian leader's hope that in the future "by divine grace" a miracle will occur and his opponents will fall, Turkey's rush to dismantle the PKK, Qandil's requests for "an appropriate opportunity" to hold a congress, or Ahmed Shara's initiatives for "rebuilding Syria" - all these express that in the current geopolitical issues of the Middle East, accelerating, speediness or moving slowly has become a strategic option.

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Analysis

Gas Flaring: A Field-by-Field and Province-by-Province Analysis in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region

Mahmood Baban

In 2023, 214 oil production fields and oil refinery locations were identified in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region that had high temperature and carbon dioxide emission density levels, which was a result of the burning of associated gas from these locations. During field visits to these sites located in the governorates of the Kurdistan Region, it was observed that the amounts reported in the data reflected the intensity and density of the flames from the pipes that were installed for burning the gas.

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Analysis

"A Turning Point for Tehran: Iran's Situation in the Shadow of War Talks"

Ziryan Rojhelati

Many countries around the world have expressed their positions on the possibility of a war between Iran and the United States, indicating that the world sees it as more than just a war of words. Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has stated that he does not believe attacks from abroad will occur, but that Iran will respond strongly if they do. Militarily, this suggests that Iran has prepared for war, just as the United States is deploying aircraft and weapons to its military bases and allies in the Middle East. Alongside Iranian officials, the resistance front has intensified its rhetoric against the United States, and some Iraqi officials have warned that any potential conflict would draw them in and devastate the region.

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Analysis

Iraq’s Climate Crisis is a Human Rights Crisis

Sarah Sanbar

Today, water scarcity, extreme temperatures, and desertification threaten an astonishing percent of Iraq’s agricultural land, resulting in increasing rates of crop failures. In a 2023 study by the Norwegian Refugee Council, 60 percent of farmers interviewed said they cultivated less land or had to use less water due to extreme drought. In 2023, Iraq reported a decline in the harvest of 8 out of the top 10 crops, including vegetables and legumes.

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Analysis

Review of the Kurdistan Region Oil Production in 2024 and the obstacles to its export in 2025

Mahmood Baban

All eyes were on the tripartite meeting in Baghdad that took place last week between international oil companies (IOC) and officials from Erbil and Baghdad, which ended without results. This comes after Baghdad had previously announced that the resumption of Kurdistan Region oil exports via pipeline would happen in the coming hours. This did not happen because the international oil companies that have invested in the Kurdistan Region and produce approximately two-thirds of the total Kurdistan Region oil are not willing to put oil into the pipeline under the current terms agreed upon between Baghdad and Erbil.

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Analysis

"Unveiling the Syria-SDF Deal: What’s Really Happening behind the Scenes"

Ziryan Rojhelati

The 8-point agreement between Syria and the SDF marks an important historical turning point for the future of Syria. Hypothetically speaking, the gains that Kurds might achieve through this agreement could be less than what happened since 2011. However, given the current circumstances, it represents a significant win, especially considering that this is the first time in recent history that a Syrian authority has acknowledged Kurdish identity and their political and military participation. For Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, this agreement is also a victory. It allows him to approach future challenges with a calmer mindset, especially since the deal affirms the supremacy of Syria’s interim government in the main pillars of SDF-controlled areas, which had previously been a potential source of conflict. Given the events of the past few days in Syria's coastal areas, where hundreds were killed, and the growing threat of extremist Islamic groups, many countries are reluctant to see the authority of al-Sharaa’s Syria become centralized. At the same time, for SDF commander Mazloum Abdi, considering Öcalan's message, the evolving situation in Syria, and pressure from the United States and the international coalition, this agreement is the best available option.

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