... long-term diplomatic influence concentrated in more stable geographic regions than on direct military engagement
In an initiative that goes beyond conventional diplomacy, the United States opened a sizeable consulate building in Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, on Wednesday, December 3. This opening has significant political and security ramifications and occurs at a pivotal moment in the context of the region. As stated in the
U.S. National Security Strategy 2026
, the event represents a purposeful ...
... instance, their
support
of Iraq's current constitution two decades ago enabled it to overcome Sunni disagreements. To gain more political clout, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), the two ruling parties in Iraqi Kurdistan,
ran
together in 2010. Four years later, Nouri Al-Maliki was overthrown as prime minister thanks to an
agreement
between Haidar Al-Abadi and the Kurds. This time, none of those scenarios exist; in fact, since the Ba'ath Party's government ended in 2003, the Kurdish parties have seldom ever been weaker in comparison to Baghdad.
Election Outcomes: Kurdish Parties Win 17.6% of Legislative Seats
Fahil ...
Working Paper #46 / 2019
This working paper looks into the complex issue of Russia–Iraq relations. It provides a detailed analysis of the foundations of the bilateral ties between the two countries, Russia’s approach to the Kurdish issue, and the future of cooperation between Russia and Iraq now that both countries have completed their respective electoral cycles.
After the Caliphate: The Prospects of Russia–Iraq Relations
, 3.8 Mb
... the KRI’s oil and natural gas export pipelines via Turkey.
These developments have been very welcome, particularly by the Kurds, not only for the generated income but also for drawing Russia into the security dynamics which was believed to have helped ... ... energy blockade on the KRI in the aftermath of the KRG referendum for independence.
What is the attitude of the major forces in Iraqi Kurdistan to Russia's policy in the region? How can the parties develop their relations while still taking into consideration ...
... Kurdistan has also increased in a number of different areas, including the energy sector.
Thus, in addition to developing oil fields, Rosneft has acquired a transport infrastructure that consists primarily of the pipeline to Turkey, which is key for Iraqi Kurdistan. This approach has given the Kurds protection from the actions of the Turkish authorities, while at the same time affording Moscow yet greater leverage over Ankara. Rosneft is also investing in a new gas pipeline from Kurdistan to Turkey, the construction of which should be completed ...
