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Showing posts with the label Peace Process

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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Öcalan urges optimism: 'We are at the beginning of a democratic path'

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By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj |   Kurdish Policy Analysis Imprisoned Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Ocalan has called for no pessimism about drafting a "framework law" for the "peace process and democratic society," based on dissolving the PKK, laying down arms and ending nearly half a century of armed conflict. The Turkish government is intensifying efforts to prepare a draft law that includes the return of PKK fighters and their integration into society, after ensuring that all weapons are dismantled and laid down. Ocalan has sent a new message from his prison in western Turkey's Imrali prison, urging PKK members and the Kurdish community not to be pessimistic about the delay in submitting the bill to the Turkish parliament for approval. pace "We are at the beginning of a democratic path in which the efforts are no less than those made during the establishment of the Republic of Turkey (in 1923 under Mustafa Kemal Ataturk)," Ocalan said. ...
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PKK withdraws from 81 border positions in major step toward Turkey's peace process

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  By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj | Kurdish Policy Analysis The Kurdistan Workers' Party has reportedly evacuated dozens of strategic positions along the Turkey-Iraq border as Ankara advances its "terror-free Turkey" initiative, raising hopes for the most significant breakthrough in decades of conflict. The PKK has reportedly withdrawn from 81 positions along the Turkey-Iraq border, marking a significant step in Turkey's evolving peace process. PKK Reportedly Vacates 81 Border Positions The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) has reportedly withdrawn its fighters from 81 camps and military positions along the Turkey-Iraq border, marking one of the largest reported redeployments since the organization announced its decision to dissolve and disarm. According to Turkish media and security sources, Turkish military and intelligence units verified the evacuation after conducting inspections and reviewing satellite imagery. The reported withdrawal forms part of Ankara's b...
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Öcalan renews call for legal framework to advance Turkey-PKK peace process

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  By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj | Kurdish Policy Analysis Abdullah Öcalan's renewed call for a legal framework has reignited hopes for the most ambitious Kurdish peace initiative in a decade. Yet behind the rhetoric lies a complex geopolitical struggle involving Ankara, Iraqi Kurdistan, Syria, Iran, and the future of Kurdish politics across the Middle East. Abdullah Öcalan's latest call for a legal framework could reshape Turkey's peace process with the PKK. Here's what it means for Kurdistan, Iraq, Syria, Iran and regional stability. A Historic Moment—or Another Missed Opportunity? Nearly four decades after the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) launched its insurgency against the Turkish state, Abdullah Öcalan has once again placed himself at the center of one of the Middle East's most consequential political questions. From his prison cell on Ä°mralı Island, the jailed PKK leader has renewed his appeal for a comprehensive legal framework that would transform the curre...
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Can Hamas be disarmed? the real challenge facing Gaza's post-war future

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  By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj Hamas' offer to relinquish governance raises a far more difficult question: can the organization surrender its military power, or will Gaza repeat Lebanon's Hezbollah model? Can Hamas truly be disarmed? Gaza's future depends not only on new governance but on whether armed groups relinquish military power after decades of conflict. Governance Is Easier Than Disarmament Hamas' announcement that it may step away from administering Gaza has generated cautious optimism among diplomats seeking to stabilize the territory after years of devastating conflict. However, surrendering administrative authority is fundamentally different from surrendering military capability. History demonstrates that armed organizations frequently retain their weapons even after relinquishing formal political responsibilities. Consequently, the central challenge for Gaza is no longer simply who governs—but who controls force. The Missing Piece of Every Peace Plan The...
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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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