Kurdistan is a region straddling northern Iraq, Western Iran, eastern Turkey and parts of Syria and Armenia. Some 30 million Kurds inhabit the region, and have struggled for decades recognition, influence, and an independent nation-state.
The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in northern Iraq held a referendum for independence on September 25, 2017, which passed overwhelmingly in favor.
Israel was the lone regional voice supporting an independent Kurdistan, while the U.S., U.K. and Russia favored a unified Iraq as well. "A stable and unified Kurdish entity in the middle of this swamp, is not a bad idea," Netanyahu said in September. The prime minister added that while Israel sees the Kurdish guerillas PKK as a terrorist organization, "it supports the legitimate efforts of the Kurdish people to achieve their own state."
After the referendum, the Iraqi government led a military campaign to retake areas held by the Kurds, the city of Kirkuk becoming the initial flashpoint. After several military defeats the Kurds have largely backed down in their bid for independence and have yet to declare their own state.
On the anniversary of the Sinjar massacre perpetrated by ISIS in Iraq, human rights advocates called on the international community to help survivors and rescue those still missing
The state news agency says the blast was caused by a car bomb while the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights claims the explosion was caused by a motorcycle rigged with explosives
Moscow promises to make the Kurds an integral part of the diplomatic process and partners in the Syrian government when the civil war ends, but the Kurds aren't biting
In new book, former U.S. national security adviser describes the chaos behind closed doors of the White House, and how Erdogan can take advantage of it ■ This offers important lesson for Israel’s decision makers
The U.S.'s toughest-ever sanctions targeting Assad aim to force him back to United Nations-led negotiations, but without exemptions, regional administrations worry of an increased 'economic siege'
The development came days after Turkey launched an air operation in the region
Erdogan's government has arrested elected officials from the People’s Democratic Party, which it claims has links to the outlawed PKK
Turkey regularly targets Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants, both in Turkey's mainly Kurdish southeast and in northern Iraq, where the group is based
The area has seen occasional fighting between Iranian forces and Kurdish separatists, as well as militants linked to the extremist Islamic State group
The mayors are being accused of links to the outlawed PKK and were removed from office and replaced with government-appointed trustees
Al-Kadhimi brings the promise of a democratic Iraq, but he must maintain the fragile balance of relations with both Iran and the United States to keep the country stable
The virus could hasten the U.S. withdrawal from Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria, while Turkish-Syrian clashes in Idlib subside. But some refugees have no means to tackle pandemic, not even running water
Discoveries at 'Paleolithic cemetery' in Shanidar Cave tilt towards mortuary rites among Neanderthals, and loving care of the sick as well
Even if there are no new fatalities on Saturday, the protests will undoubtedly continue to exert a great influence over the plight of a country unable to form a widely accepted government
Drone flights within the program, in place since 2007, often targeted Kurdish militants and zeroed in on mountainous territory in northern Iraq
Iraqi Kurdistan is stuck between a deadlock in Baghdad and a ballooning debt – but restaurants and hotels are packed and New Year’s celebrations were nothing less than spectacular
This is the first confirmed high-level meeting between the two countries, with potential joint action against YPG reportedly on the agenda
While Saudi Arabia seeks a foothold in the oil-rich region, Assad says he has offered China investment opportunities in his country – where Russia, Iran and Turkey already operate
Israel has been a strategic supporter of the Kurds for many decades, even speaking out on the ethnic group’s behalf after the recent Turkish incursion into Syria. Now, though, some Kurds are saying actions speak louder than words
Washington will step up its forces and expand the war on ISIS with the Kurds, who hope to win a seat at the negotiating table. Meanwhile, Russia’s efforts at ending the conflict have failed and Iran is watching closely
Kurds who were in the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria during Turkey’s military operation in October belie Ankara’s claims that it’s only fighting terrorists
Sergey Lavrov on Tuesday accused Syria’s Kurds of failing to abide by a Russia-Turkey deal that halted a Turkish offensive into Syria
Vice president reiterates 'strong bonds forged in the fires of war between the people of the United States and the Kurdish people across this region'
Four civilians from the same family were among those killed by the explosion, says Syrian Observatory for Human Rights
Deliveries should have begun under a deal agreed two years ago
Mevlut Cavusoglu quoted in Turkish state-owned Anadolu agency saying the U.S. and Russia have yet to do what was required under a brokered agreement
Female fighters symbolized the feminist revolution in the Kurdish enclave of Rojava. But since the Turkish invasion in October, they’re increasingly vulnerable to sexual violence on the frontline
Groups give differing casualty counts after explosion in al-Bab, with Turkey placing blame on Kurdish YPG
The deployment is part of a deal reached between Russia and Turkey in October
Former UN ambassador says Kurds lost a lot of blood in 'our fight' and troops should be kept for prevention