The Latest Breaking News from Kurdistan

Iraq’s Kurdish Region Warns against ‘Unlawful’ Stop to Funds

Iraqi Kurdish authorities on Thursday pushed back against a decision by Iraq's top court that blocked payments from state coffers funding the semi-autonomous region. Jutiar Adel, a spokesperson for Iraq's Kurdistan Regional Government said in a statement that the “unlawful decision from an illegitimate court will impact (the) mutual understanding”…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Jan 27, 2023

How a women's-led counter-revolution is reshaping Iran

In a special edition, we mark four months since protests erupted across Iran following the death of Mahsa Amini. The 22-year-old died shortly after she was arrested by the infamous morality police for improperly wearing her veil. In a rare opportunity, our colleagues at France 2 Television managed to speak…

France 24 · Jan 20, 2023

Leader of Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan: Establishment of Federal System Is Our Priority

Kurdish cities in western and northwestern Iran have again turned into protest hubs where the people have been demanding the ouster of the ruling regime. Similar to previous rallies, senior Iranian officials blamed foreign enemies, such as rival countries, of stoking the protests and being behind a “global conspiracy” against…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Jan 11, 2023

In Iraqi Kurdistan, Yazidi girls box their way to a new future after ISIS terror

After the 2014 ISIS genocide which left them reeling from the effects of mass abduction and rape, Yazidi refugee girls are rebuilding their lives with the help of boxing, art and music classes. Emma Loffhagen and Charline Bou Mansour report from Iraqi Kurdistan

Evening Standard · Dec 8, 2022

What will happen to the Iran World Cup team now?

Even before the World Cup, male athletes had been joining in the protests. But now they’ve done so at the foremost global tournament, and Iranian fans say they are worried for ‘Team Melli’ and what they might face on their return. Ari Honarvar reports

The Independent UK · Dec 6, 2022

An assassination, a feud and the fight for power in Iraq's Kurdistan

The marriage of convenience between Iraqi Kurdistan's political dynasties is on the rocks.

Reuters · Dec 5, 2022

Tight Security Measures in Iranian Kurdistan, Raisi Pushes for Calm

As the twelfth week of Iranian protests approaches, President Ebrahim Raisi headed on Thursday to the capital of Kurdistan Province, Sanandaj, amid tight security measures in the city that has become the cradle of demonstrations in the west of Iran. “During the recent riots, the enemies miscalculated in believing that…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Dec 2, 2022

Some in Iran celebrate U.S. victory at World Cup

Cheering fans hit the streets in Iran’s Kurdish-majority province of Kurdistan and fireworks lit the skies over the Bukan area of West Azerbaijan province to celebrate the Iranian team’s 1-0 loss.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 30, 2022

Boris Johnson given £4,000 second-hand bike by President of Kurdistan

The costly two-wheeler is just one of the lavish gifts bestowed on the former Prime Minister by donors since he stepped down - including £37,000 worth of rent-free accommodation in a luxury cottage

Daily Mirror · Nov 30, 2022

Iraqi Kurdistan under attack as Iran targets Kurdish opposition groups

For decades, Iranian Kurdish opposition groups have sought refuge in neighbouring Iraq. But in recent weeks, they have been targeted by dozens of missile and drone attacks launched by Tehran. Authorities there accuse them of supporting anti-government protests that have swept across Iran since the death in police custody of…

France 24 · Nov 30, 2022