The ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel could redefine Kurdistan's global political standing, according to an analysis by Ziryan Rojhelati, the director of Rudaw Research Center (RRC). The RRC is alleged to have ties to the KDP and Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani.
Rojhelati believes that the conflict may shift focus towards Kurdistan's geopolitical importance, especially following a period of marginalization after the ISIS crisis. The analysis suggests that Hamas’ recent actions highlight Iran's consistent pressure on Kurdistan, relating to opposition groups in the east. It’s emphasized that the conflict enhances Iran’s political maneuvering relevance in the region.
The unfolding conflict has been likened to the outbreak of hostilities in Gaza and Israel, with an added layer: the portrayal of the Iraqi supreme court as being influenced by Iran, as it faces accusations of executing Tehran’s interests.
Rojhelati also discusses the strategic importance of Kurdistan in the broader regional conflict. If Kurdistan were to take sides, it would significantly impact the region due to its strategic location and military capabilities. Kurdistan’s potential support is seen as influential, whether to Western powers, such as the United States and its ally Israel, or Iran, emphasizing its role as a critical land route accessing various conflict zones.
Interestingly, the analysis refers to a legal development where the Federal Court reversed a previous decision, allowing the KDP to return to its Kirkuk headquarters following the escalation in Gaza. This legal shift is perceived as having a strategic undertone linked to the broader conflict, where the court, believed to be packed with Iran sympathizers, seemingly plays a part in the geopolitical chessboard.
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Emergency meeting convened by PM Sudani over crisis in Israel and Palestine
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British ambassador visits the KRG's IT dept.
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More than one federal minister's in Erbil today
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PM speech on KRG's anti-narcotics drive
Prime Minister Masrour Barzani addressed the ongoing struggle against the illicit drug trade and usage in the Kurdistan Region. He emphasized that a robust effort is underway to mitigate this issue, mentioning a law passed in 2020 aimed at reinforcing anti-narcotics measures. This legislation seeks cooperation from various administrative offices across the region for effective implementation.
Barzani also highlighted that the Kurdistan Region is not isolated in facing this challenge, indicating that the issue of narcotics is a global predicament. He pointed out that drugs have been utilized as tools to destabilize societies, particularly targeting the youth. Barzani noted the geographic strategic importance of the region, explaining that it has unfortunately become a conduit for the narcotics trade to access wider markets. He revealed that regions under dispute in Article 140 have been particularly vulnerable due to legal and security uncertainties, creating spaces that drug traffickers have exploited.
In response to the issue, Barzani mentioned the formation of a dedicated committee tasked with addressing the root causes of drug addiction and extending support to those affected. The aim is to facilitate the reintegration of addicts into society through strategic support mechanisms, including the establishment of rehabilitation centers.
Barzani advocated for a comprehensive, societal approach to effectively combat narcotics. He called on various sectors, including the media, academia, religious institutions, and the educational sector, to contribute to this collective effort. While expressing the need to support recovery for addicts, Barzani emphasized a strict approach towards those involved in drug trafficking, promising stringent measures against such activities.
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Morning briefing
- The Iraqi interior minister is holding meetings with his KRG counterpart in Erbil this morning
- The PUK's former speaker of parliament, Rewaz Faiq, says her party is preparing for February elections, rejecting rumors that they're angling for another delay
- KRG PM Masrour Barzani delivers speech at anti-narcotics conference
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