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Showing posts with the label Ali al-Zaidi

From the shadows to supreme power: why Iran chose Ahmad Vahidi to lead its confrontation with the United States

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By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj | Kurdish Policy Analysis Who Is Ahmad Vahidi? The Secretive IRGC Commander now shaping Iran's confrontation with the United States From the founding of the Quds Force to commanding the Revolutionary Guards, Ahmad Vahidi's rise signals a new era in Iran's military-led decision-making. As Tehran braces for a prolonged confrontation with Washington, one of Iran's most secretive and hardline military figures has emerged at the center of power—signaling a dramatic shift in how the Islamic Republic intends to wage its geopolitical struggle. Who is Ahmad Vahidi? Explore the rise of Iran's IRGC commander and how his growing influence could reshape Tehran's strategy toward the United States and the Middle East. For decades, Ahmad Vahidi remained largely behind the scenes, shaping Iran's military doctrine and regional strategy away from the public spotlight. Today, however, he stands at the heart of Iran's national security apparatus, overs...
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The empire of darkness – Part III: the fall of the shadow empire?

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  Operation Dawn, Iraq's Oil Networks, and the Political Battle to Dismantle the Alleged Financial Empire Behind the State The final chapter examines the investigations surrounding Iraq's oil sector, allegations of sanctions evasion and oil smuggling, the emergence of a mysterious "Blue Notebook," and whether Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi can dismantle what investigators describe as Iraq's most powerful parallel financial network. By Kurdish Policy Analysis Editor's Note: This investigation is derived from reporting originally published by Al Sharq Al Awsat . It has been extensively edited, refined, expanded and analysed by Kurdish Policy Analysis . Allegations discussed throughout this article remain attributed to the original reporting, interviews with officials and investigators, and ongoing judicial proceedings unless otherwise stated. Part III concludes our investigation into Iraq's alleged political economic bureaus, examining Operation Dawn, the ...
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Iraqi PM appoints new acting head of intelligence agency

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  By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj | Kurdish Policy Analysis   Iraqi PM reshuffles intelligence leadership as anti-corruption drive deepens Ali al-Zaidi appoints veteran intelligence official Falah Shaghati to lead the Interior Ministry's intelligence agency, signalling a renewed focus on counterterrorism and the government's expanding anti-corruption campaign. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi appoints Falah Shaghati as acting head of the Federal Intelligence and Investigations Agency amid Operation Dawn. Iraqi PM Appoints New Acting Head of Intelligence Agency SULAIMANI, Kurdistan Region of Iraq — Iraqi Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ali al-Zaidi has appointed Falah Shaghati as the acting head of the Federal Intelligence and Investigations Agency (FIIA) , a key security institution within the Ministry of Interior responsible for combating terrorism, organised crime, and corruption. According to Iraqi security sources cited by Shafaq News , the appointm...
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How U.S. pressure helped bring Ali al-Zaidi to power in Iraq

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By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj | Kurdish Policy Analysis How U.S. Economic Pressure Helped Bring Ali al-Zaidi to Power in Iraq  An analysis of how U.S. financial leverage, diplomatic pressure, and post-election politics helped shape Ali al-Zaidi's rise as Iraq's prime minister following the 2025 elections. From holding dollars to congratulations; How did Washington help Zaidi come to power? After the November 11, 2025 elections in Iraq, political conflict within the Shiite house reached its peak. The conflict was clearly focused on two main fronts: the front of Nuri al-Maliki and his allies, versus the front of Sudane Shiite Mohammed Mohammed. To stay in power, Sudanese made a political maneuver and reached a surprise agreement with Maliki, which resulted in the coordination framework officially nominating Nuri al-Maliki as prime ministerial candidate on December 24, This Coordination Framework decision immediately faced strong rejection from Washington. The Trump administration vetoed ...
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Why Iraqi Kurdistan is paying the price for the U.S.-Iran confrontation

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  By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj Why Iraqi Kurdistan Is Paying the Price for the Escalating U.S.-Iran Confrontation As Tehran Targets Erbil and Sulaymaniyah, the Kurdistan Region Finds Itself on the Frontline of a Regional Conflict It Did Not Choose The Kurdistan Region of Iraq has once again become one of the principal battlegrounds in the escalating confrontation between the United States and Iran. Although Kurdish authorities have consistently emphasized their neutrality, the region has endured an unprecedented wave of missile and drone attacks that Tehran says target American military assets and Iranian Kurdish opposition groups operating from Iraqi territory. The attacks underscore a harsh geopolitical reality: Kurdistan's strategic location—between Iran, Iraq, Turkey, and Syria—makes it one of the first regions to absorb the consequences whenever regional rivalries escalate. According to Kurdish media reports, since the latest conflict began on February 28 , the Kurdistan Region has ...
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Lindsey Graham Passing Reshapes Republican Foreign Policy—and Raises Questions for the Kurds

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  By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj | Kurdish Policy Analysis The sudden death of one of Washington's most influential Republican hawks removes a powerful congressional advocate for Ukraine, Israel, a hardline Iran policy, and Kurdish aspirations in the Middle East. The death of Senator Lindsey Graham removes one of Washington's strongest advocates for the Kurds, Ukraine, Israel, and a tougher US policy toward Iran. Lindsey Graham's Sudden Death Leaves a Strategic Void in Washington WASHINGTON — Senator Lindsey Graham , one of the Republican Party's most influential foreign policy voices and one of President Donald Trump's closest congressional allies, has died at the age of 71 following a sudden illness, according to a statement released by his office. His unexpected death comes at a particularly volatile moment in American and Middle Eastern politics. Graham had recently traveled to Ukraine, remained deeply involved in congressional debates over Iran and Israel, and was p...
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Lindsey Graham's Death Leaves a Void in US-Kurdish Relations

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  By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj | Kurdish Policy Analysis     The passing of Senator Lindsey Graham removes one of the most influential American advocates for the Kurdish people, raising questions about the future of bipartisan support for Kurdistan amid shifting US foreign policy priorities. The death of Senator Lindsey Graham removes one of Washington's strongest advocates for the Kurdish people, creating uncertainty for future US-Kurdish relations. The Loss of a Longstanding Friend of Kurdistan The sudden death of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham has prompted an outpouring of tributes not only across Washington but throughout the Kurdistan Region, reflecting the rare position he occupied as one of the most consistent and influential American advocates for Kurdish interests. The Washington Kurdish Institute described Graham as a steadfast supporter whose commitment to the Kurdish people extended beyond political rhetoric, offering condolences to his family while highlighting...
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Can the stateless Nation of Kurdistan help save the Global Order?

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By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj A new geopolitical analysis argues that Kurdistan's experience of survival, mediation, and pragmatic diplomacy offers unexpected lessons as the international order faces its deepest crisis since World War II. A new geopolitical analysis argues Kurdistan's experience offers vital lessons for rebuilding international order amid the Iran war and global instability. As the World Fragments, Kurdistan Offers an Unexpected Lesson The international system is under unprecedented strain.  Russia's war in Ukraine, escalating tensions between Iran and the West, the paralysis of the United Nations, and growing competition among major powers have raised a fundamental question: Who still defines the rules of international order? According to a new geopolitical analysis by Greg Mills and Basil Gavalas , the answer may not come from Washington, Moscow, Beijing, or Brussels—but from an unlikely place: Iraq's Kurdistan Region . While lacking international r...
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