Kurdish Policy Analysis

By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj / Kurdish Policy Analysis Iran's network of allied armed groups has long been viewed through the lens of its regional "Axis of Resistance." Organizations such as Lebanon's Hezbollah, Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), and Yemen's Houthis have become synonymous with Tehran's strategy of projecting power beyond its borders. Yet beneath this well-known network lies another, less-discussed pillar of Iran's security architecture: the Fatemiyoun Division , composed largely of Afghan Shiite fighters, and the Zainabiyoun Brigade , made up primarily of Pakistani Shiite volunteers. Originally established to fight alongside the Syrian government during the Syrian civil war, these formations have evolved beyond expeditionary forces. Increasing evidence suggests that Tehran is increasingly relying on these foreign fighters not only to support operations abroad but also to reinforce internal security, protect strategic infrastructure, an...

By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj / Kurdish Policy Analysis   Abdul Aziz al-Muhammadawi, better known as Abu Fadak, has emerged as one of Iraq's most influential militia leaders, openly resisting government efforts to bring armed factions under state control. Who is Abu Fadak? Explore the rise of Abdul Aziz al-Muhammadawi, his ties to Iran, leadership of the PMF, and his challenge to Iraq's plans to disarm armed factions. Introduction As Iraq moves toward implementing plans to strengthen state control over armed groups, one figure has once again moved to the center of the country's security landscape: Abdul Aziz al-Muhammadawi , widely known by his nom de guerre Abu Fadak . The powerful chief of staff of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) , also known as Hashd al-Shaabi , has publicly rejected calls for armed factions to surrender their weapons, highlighting the growing tension between Baghdad's efforts to consolidate state authority and the determination of powerful...

By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj Kurdish Policy Analysis A leaked account from a closed-door Coordination Framework meeting suggests Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is facing growing resistance from influential Shiite political leaders as Iraq confronts one of its most dangerous security dilemmas since the defeat of ISIS. A leaked Coordination Framework meeting reveals sharp disagreements over militia disarmament, with Iraq's prime minister warning he may resign if armed groups remain beyond state control. ‘Resignation Is Not Bad’: Leaked Meeting Exposes Deep Divisions Over Iraq's Militia Disarmament Plan A leaked account of a high-level Coordination Framework meeting has offered a rare glimpse into the increasingly tense political struggle surrounding one of Iraq's most sensitive national security issues: the future of armed groups operating outside full state control. According to information circulated by the Kurdish social media outlet TPanjara, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi...

  Coalition forces shot down another explosive-laden drone over Erbil, marking the second consecutive day of aerial attacks and reinforcing concerns over the growing campaign targeting the Kurdistan Region. By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj | Kurdish Policy Analysis Coalition forces intercepted another explosive-laden drone over Erbil, one day after shooting down five drones, highlighting persistent security threats facing the Kurdistan Region. Another drone attack targets Erbil Coalition forces intercepted and destroyed an explosive-laden drone over Erbil on Saturday afternoon, preventing what could have become another attack on the Kurdistan Region's capital. According to information reported by Kurdistan24, the drone was shot down at approximately 3:20 p.m. local time while flying over Erbil's airspace. Officials confirmed that no casualties or material damage were reported, continuing a pattern in which defensive systems have successfully neutralised incoming threats before the...