Who really controls Kurdistan’s gas? The Dana Gas deal, the KRG’s silence and the hidden cost of selling energy to Iraq

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By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj | Kurdish Policy Analysis      A $2.239 billion arbitration settlement, a contract running until 2049, expanded rights for Pearl Petroleum and a new battle over gas sales to Baghdad are raising uncomfortable questions about who ultimately controls Kurdistan’s most strategic natural resource. The latest dispute over Khor Mor gas is exposing a much deeper problem in the Kurdistan Region’s energy sector: the public still does not appear to have a clear picture of who controls the region’s gas, who is authorized to sell it, and how much of its future value has already been committed to private companies. At the center of the controversy is Pearl Petroleum, the consortium led by Dana Gas and Crescent Petroleum, and a settlement agreement reached with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) on August 30, 2017. Kurdistan Parliament member Kawa Sheikh Ali has now sharply criticized that agreement, asking why a government would effectively commit its natural ...
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Inside the Barzani–Sharaa meeting: can Erbil bridge Damascus and the SDF?


By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj | Kurdish Policy Analysis

The high-level meeting comes as Damascus reportedly prepares to finalize an agreement with the SDF, with security, refugees, border crossings, and Kurdish political representation all on the agenda.

  • Damascus Pushes SDF Dissolution as Barzani Steps In to Mediate
  • Historic Damascus Talks: Barzani Seeks Political Deal Between Syria and the SDF
  • Barzani's Damascus Visit Signals New Push for Syria's Kurdish Settlement

Nechirvan Barzani met Syrian President Ahmed Sharaa in Damascus as mediation efforts continue over the SDF, security cooperation, refugees, and Syria's political future.

Mediation between Damascus and SDF; Details of the meeting between Barzani and Ahmad Sharaa Syrian President Ahmed Shara received Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) President Nechirvan Barzani at the People's Palace in Damascus. Barzani's official visit was at the invitation of Sharaa, in order to reflect the continuous relations between the two sides and the development of bilateral relations and enhance them in a way that serves the common interests of both sides. 

 According to SANA news agency, the two sides are expected to discuss a number of issues of common interest, in order to help support cooperation and strengthen coordination in various fields. According to media sources, Barzani has met with Sharaa to mediate between Damascus and SDF, while Damascus insists on announcing the dissolution of SDF this week. 

 The meeting will focus on a number of sensitive issues, including the future of the Simalka gate, the situation of the Peshmerga forces of Rozh, the issue of Syrian refugees in the Kurdistan Region, with ways to strengthen security and political coordination between Erbil and Damascus. Sources in Damascus said that a delegation led by Mazlum Abdi and Ilham Ahmad will arrive in Damascus, and the meetings will focus on the step of announcing the dissolution of "SDF" and completing the agreement to merge in Hasakah province.

Barzani stressed that the agreement is an important and right step towards a peaceful solution, and provides a strong basis for stability, social peace, peaceful coexistence between different communities, and the achievement of security and stability in Syria and the region in general. Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Spokesman Dilshad Shahab said : 

 The Kurdistan Region attaches special importance to relations between Damascus and Erbil. The stability of Syria has a direct impact on the stability of the entire region.President Barzani stresses the importance of Kurdish presence and participation in the institutions of the Syrian state.In addition to political issues, the visit will also discuss economic issues of mutual interest. The Iraqi Kurdistan Region is a safe haven for Syrian refugees.

#Syria #Kurdistan #SDF #Damascus #NechirvanBarzani


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