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Showing posts from July, 2019

Trump’s Iran Strategy Faces Collapse as Kurds Enter Washington’s Blame Narrative

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  As Washington’s Iran policy struggles to define success, Kurdish actors risk being pulled into a shifting blame narrative amid escalating Middle East tensions.  Trump Finds His Scapegoat for a Failed Iran Strategy: the Kurds By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj | Sulaimani, Iraq | 12 May 2026 — Kurdish Policy Analysis The United States’ Iran policy has entered a phase of strategic uncertainty, as escalating tensions across the Middle East continue without a clearly defined political or military end state. Amid this instability, Kurdish actors in Iraq and Syria risk being absorbed into a shifting narrative in Washington that increasingly seeks to explain the lack of progress in containing Iran’s regional influence. Analysts argue the central issue is not Kurdish behavior, but the absence of a coherent long-term U.S. strategy toward Iran. A strategy built on pressure, not resolution Since Washington shifted toward a “maximum pressure” framework, U.S. Iran policy has relied heavily on ...
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Establishing a Basra Province in Iraq is a local dream but difficult to implement

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By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj The people of Basra region are complaining and demanding to know what is happening in Basra,; their eyes are looking at what has been achieved in the province of Kurdistan, of tangible development at the service, construction and urban levels. For nearly 16 years, the idea of ​​establishing the Basra region has been raised from time to time without being realized on the ground. In contrast, other alternative projects have been proposed by the central government in Baghdad, which have not been successful either and or translated into reality. These projects include Basra as the economic capital of Iraq, along with the project of the three oil-rich provinces of Basra, Dhi Qar and Maysan, but all of these proposals are used as pressure papers and nothing else. Activists who demand the establishment of an independent Basra region often take advantages of various political, social, athletic and sporting events in the region to announce their demands. They a...
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Can Iraq maintain a neutral position between Washington and Tehran?

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By Pshtiwan Faraj When Shiite factions and parties declare that it will stand with Iran, it is actually defending itself and its existence, and the same applies Sunni forces and parties that see the US withdrawal from Iraq as the loss of their own influence and political interests. "Iraqi neutrality according to the status quo means to be with Iran not to provoke the anger of America, it is definitely distorted, but this is the reality" In this statement, a senior Iraqi politician shortens the position of Iraq from the burning crisis between Washington and Tehran.  In the past few hours, tension between the United States and Iran has escalated to a dangerous level, after Iran dawned a US $ 120 million reconnaissance plane drone. The United States was almost near to retaliate to Iraq by a military strike, but President Donald Trump announced it was canceled at the last minute, Before the incident, the two sides entered into tough diplomacy by targeting camps with US...
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Why is reintegrating of the Popular Mobilization Forces "PMF" in the Iraqi Security Forces impractical?

Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj Seeking to merge Popular Mobilization Forces with the Iraqi Security Forces is not applicable for several reasons, notably that the factions of the PMF are not homogeneous, and even if they are merged, who will take the military salutation to the other party? In February 2016, former Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi, the then most popular man among the Iraqis, ran the government and the army that won victories over Daesh "ISIS". He tried to strengthen his image as a statesman and decided to merge the "PMF" with the Iraqi Security Forces, but he received a harsh slap with a strong rejection from the factions of PMF and paid a heavy price when he lost his post as premiership of government. The current prime minister Adel Abdul Mahdi is aware of the tragedy of his predecessor, Abadi. Since taking office, Abdul Mahdi has been trying to avoid the mistakes of Abadi, who is accused of standing by the United States at the expense of Iran. Abdul Mahdi de...
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Iranian Media Unveils ‘Lord of the Straits’ Animation Amid Hormuz Tensions

     Iran Drops “Lord of the Straits” Animation — A Chilling Signal Over Hormuz Control March 23, 2026 Iranian state-affiliated media outlets have released a stylized animation titled “Lord of the Straits,” centered on the strategic Strait of Hormuz , as tensions in the region continue to escalate. The animation, which has circulated widely on social media, depicts a dramatized narrative emphasizing Iran’s control and influence over the narrow maritime passage, a critical artery for global oil shipments. While the video does not include official military statements, analysts say its messaging aligns with Tehran’s broader strategic signaling amid the ongoing confrontation involving the United States and its allies. The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly a fifth of the world’s oil trade, making any perceived threat to its security a major concern for global energy markets. Recent weeks have seen heightened rhetoric from multiple sides, including warnings over potential di...
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Did Japan just send Godzilla to the Strait of Hormuz? As global tensions rise, a viral meme captures the chaos of 2026’s geopolitical crisis.

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       Godzilla escorts an oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz in a viral meme capturing the chaos of rising global tensions in 2026 Japan Deploys Legendary Asset to Secure Strait of Hormuz: Godzilla Now on Escort Duty As tensions surge in the Strait of Hormuz —a critical artery for nearly 20% of global oil—an unexpected viral moment has taken over the internet: Japan has “deployed” Godzilla . What started as a joke is now one of the most shared reactions to a rapidly escalating geopolitical crisis in 2026. Why This Matters The Strait of Hormuz handles nearly 20% of global oil Any disruption impacts fuel prices worldwide Escalation could affect Iraq, Kurdistan, and global markets In a move that has stunned military analysts and delighted meme lords everywhere, Japan has apparently answered the call to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz —by sending its most fearsome maritime guardian straight from the silver screen. A now-viral image shows the King of the Mo...
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U.S.–Iran 45 Day Ceasefire Bid Emerges as War Nears Breaking Point

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  ANALYSIS — Last-ditch diplomacy tests limits as U.S.–Iran war nears escalation point.  Backchannel diplomacy scrambles for a 45-day pause as threats escalate and the fate of the region hangs on a rapidly closing window. Kurdish Policy Analysis , April 6 (Analysis) — A flurry of high-stakes diplomacy aimed at halting the U.S.–Iran war has emerged as what officials describe as a “last realistic opportunity” to prevent a far wider regional conflict, even as military threats intensify and timelines compress. At the center of the effort is a proposed 45-day ceasefire , structured as a two-phase process: an initial pause in hostilities followed by negotiations toward a permanent settlement . A narrow diplomatic window The urgency reflects a rapidly closing window. U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed a deadline—extended slightly to Tuesday evening— warning of major strikes if Iran fails to meet key demands, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz , a vital artery for glo...
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