About the Peshmerga unification: How Can We Have an Army?

Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj How can Kurdish society build a modern army while balancing history, politics, technology, civil authority, and the Peshmerga's legacy? This may appear to be a straightforward institutional question, but it is not. The question of how to create an army in the Kurdistan Region is ultimately a question about political authority, social organization, historical experience, technology, and the relationship between the state and the forces that defend it. At the most basic level, there are two ways of thinking about this problem. We might call them thin theories and deep theories. Thin theory assumes that institutions can be separated from the societies that produce them. Under this approach, armies are broadly comparable institutions that can be constructed according to common models in different places. The assumption is that what works in one environment can, with sufficient administrative effort, be reproduced somewhere else. A similar logic is particularly domina...
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Editorial Policy

 Last Updated: June 2026

Kurdish Policy Analysis (KPA) is an independent platform dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, research, commentary, and reporting on political, security, economic, social, and strategic developments affecting the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Iraq, the Middle East, and international affairs.

Founded by Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj, who holds a Ph.D. in Arts and Humanities specializing in the literature of war, interventionism, and anti-interventionism, Kurdish Policy Analysis combines academic research with real-time geopolitical analysis of the Middle East.

Our mission is to contribute to informed public debate by publishing evidence-based analysis, expert commentary, and policy-oriented research that promotes understanding of complex regional and global issues.

Editorial Independence

Kurdish Policy Analysis operates independently of any political party, government, armed group, corporation, or foreign entity. Editorial decisions are made solely by the editorial team and contributors based on journalistic standards, analytical merit, public interest, and relevance to our readership. The views expressed by authors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Kurdish Policy Analysis as an institution.

Accuracy and Fact-Checking

We are committed to publishing accurate and reliable information. Before publication, articles are reviewed to ensure that:

  • Claims are supported by credible evidence.
  • Sources are properly cited whenever possible.
  • Facts are verified using reputable publications, official documents, academic research, expert interviews, or recognized news organizations.
  • Information is presented in its appropriate context.

Despite our best efforts, errors may occasionally occur. When inaccuracies are identified, corrections will be made promptly.

Sources and Attribution

Kurdish Policy Analysis values transparency and proper attribution. Our contributors may rely on:

  • Academic studies
  • Government documents
  • International organization reports
  • Expert interviews
  • Open-source intelligence
  • Reputable media outlets
  • Publicly available data

Whenever information originates from another source, appropriate attribution is provided. We do not knowingly publish plagiarized material.

Analysis, Commentary, and Opinion

Many articles published on Kurdish Policy Analysis are analytical or opinion-based in nature. Analysis and opinion articles:

  • Reflect the interpretation of the author.
  • May include forecasts, assessments, and policy recommendations.
  • Are clearly distinguished from factual reporting.
  • Are intended to encourage informed discussion and debate.

Readers should understand that policy analysis often involves interpretation and informed judgment rather than definitive conclusions.

Corrections Policy

Maintaining credibility requires acknowledging and correcting mistakes. If a factual error is identified:

  • The article will be reviewed by the editorial team.
  • Verified inaccuracies will be corrected promptly.
  • Significant corrections may be noted within the article.

Readers who identify potential errors are encouraged to contact us through our Contact Page.

Transparency and Disclosure

Kurdish Policy Analysis seeks to maintain transparency regarding potential conflicts of interest. Contributors are expected to disclose:

  • Professional affiliations relevant to the topic.
  • Financial interests related to the subject matter.
  • Any other circumstances that may reasonably influence their analysis.

Where relevant, disclosures will be included within published articles.

Use of Artificial Intelligence

Kurdish Policy Analysis may utilize artificial intelligence tools for research assistance, editing, formatting, language refinement, data organization, and content development.

However:

  • All published content is subject to human review and editorial oversight.
  • Authors remain responsible for the accuracy of their work.
  • AI-generated information is verified before publication whenever possible.
  • Editorial judgment remains under human control.

Nonpartisanship

Kurdish Policy Analysis welcomes diverse viewpoints and encourages constructive debate. Our platform does not endorse political parties, candidates, governments, or ideological movements. We seek to provide balanced analysis that contributes to greater understanding of regional and international affairs.

Intellectual Property

Unless otherwise stated, original content published on Kurdish Policy Analysis is protected by copyright. Limited quotations may be reproduced with proper attribution and a link to the original article. Unauthorized reproduction of entire articles without permission is prohibited.

Reader Engagement

We encourage respectful discussion and engagement. Comments, submissions, and correspondence should remain civil and focused on substantive issues. We reserve the right to remove content that is abusive, defamatory, discriminatory, or otherwise inappropriate.

Contact Us

Questions regarding this Editorial Policy, requests for corrections, or inquiries concerning published content may be directed through our Contact Page.

About Kurdish Policy Analysis

Kurdish Policy Analysis is an independent policy and geopolitical publication focused on the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Iraq, the Middle East, international security, energy, governance, diplomacy, and strategic affairs. Through research-driven analysis and expert commentary, we aim to provide readers with informed perspectives on the issues shaping the region and the world.

OUR EDITORIAL PRINCIPLES

Our editorial work is guided by the following core principles:

1. Independence

We are not affiliated with any political party, government, or organization. Editorial decisions are made independently based on analytical value and relevance.

2. Accuracy

We prioritize factual correctness and careful sourcing. Claims are verified where possible, and speculative assertions are clearly distinguished from confirmed facts.

3. Analytical Depth

We focus on explaining structural causes, strategic interests, and long-term consequences—not just reporting events.

4. Fair Representation

We aim to present multiple perspectives where relevant and avoid one-dimensional portrayals of complex political realities.

5. Responsibility

We recognize the sensitivity of reporting on conflict and political tensions. Content is written with care to avoid unnecessary escalation or misrepresentation.

EDITORIAL POLICY

Content Standards

All published content must meet the following standards:

  • Based on credible information and logical analysis
  • Free from plagiarism or misrepresentation
  • Clearly distinguishes fact from opinion
  • Avoids sensationalism or emotional distortion
  • Maintains professional and neutral analytical tone

Fact-Checking

We aim to verify information using multiple sources when available. In fast-moving situations, updates may be issued as new information becomes reliable.

Corrections Policy

If errors are identified:

  • Corrections will be made promptly
  • Updated content will be clearly revised
  • Transparency is prioritized over content permanence

Editorial Review

Articles may be reviewed for:

  • Analytical clarity
  • Structural coherence
  • Factual consistency
  • Tone and policy alignment

Final publication decisions rest with the editorial team.

SCOPE OF COVERAGE

We publish analysis on topics including:

  • Kurdish regional politics and governance
  • Iraq, Syria, Turkey, and Iran relations
  • Military and security developments
  • Geopolitical competition in the Middle East
  • Economic infrastructure and energy corridors
  • Civil society and identity politics
  • Strategic communication and propaganda analysis

We prioritize issues with long-term regional impact rather than short-lived news cycles.

Definition of an Original Geopolitical Analysis Article

A qualifying article must have the following criteria:

  • is original;
  • has a unique URL;
  • has a publication date;
  • is attributed to an identifiable author;
  • contains substantive analysis;
  • addresses geopolitics, international relations, security, political economy, energy, diplomacy, governance or related strategic issues;
  • meets a minimum word threshold;
  • excludes duplicates, corrections, announcements, advertisements and republished material.

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