Kurdistan

On Friday, April 26, 2024, Rudaw Research Center, in collaboration with the Mada Foundation and Soran University, hosted an open discussion titled "Waves of Digital Change in the Kurdistan Region: How is Social Media Changing Society?" The event featured organized discussions on several key topics, including "Social Relationships in the Digital Age," "Online Harassment from Swearing to Sex: Obstacles and Solutions," "Social Media and the Economy in the Kurdistan Region," "The Impact of Social Media on Politics in the Kurdistan Region," "Searching for Truth in the Hustle of Social Media; Combating Misinformation and Disinformation," and "Laws to Combat Digital and Online Violence."

On Wednesday, May 22, the European Union Representative in the Kurdistan Region, Mr. Torkild BYG, visited Rudaw Research Center. During the meeting, we discussed significant political developments and the European Union's relations with the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.

On May 13, 2024, Ziryan Rojhelati, Director of Rudaw Research Center, met with Liu Jun, Consul General of the People's Republic of China in the Kurdistan Region.

Following Eid al-Adha, a new wave of military movements between Turkish forces and the PKK has erupted in Duhok province. The clashes are particularly intense in the northern district of Amedi, but there is a significant possibility of the conflict spreading to Mount Gara, located over 40 kilometers deep within the Kurdistan Region. This potential escalation marks a turning point, with implications for the region's political and military landscape. Given the current situation in the Middle East, this conflict is likely to persist longer than anticipated.

In April 2017, I visited Sinjar for research and met Shasho at the Sharaf Adin Temple. His proud demeanor revealed the mindset of a courageous Peshmerga, eager to declare, "I defended and stayed here when Sinjar was under ISIS's control." However, he is now being portrayed as an anti-Islamic figure who has offended the sentiments of the majority of Kurdish Muslims. When I met him, he spoke cautiously, carefully choosing his words to ensure that his criticisms of ISIS were not misconstrued as anti-Islamic.

This $800 million project, which is over three-quarters complete, is now abandoned or expected to be completed by the end of this year. This analysis explores whether the increase in gas production, which has significant demand both inside and outside the Kurdistan Region, represents an opportunity or a challenge for the region's future.

Turkey and Iran have expressed strong objections to a commemorative coin displayed during the Pope's visit to the Kurdistan Region, calling it a "big mistake" and an "unfriendly act," demanding its retraction. The coin features a map of Greater Kurdistan behind the Pope's head, which Turkey and Iran interpreted as an expression of the Kurdistan Region's territorial ambitions over parts of their countries. In 2017, Turkey, Iran, and Iraq suppressed the Kurdistan Region's referendum, denying the Kurds the basic right to determine their own future. However, officials in both Ankara and Tehran are well aware that there is no active political project to establish a Greater Kurdistan. So, what explains their strong reaction to this symbolic gesture?

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.