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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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Iraq exported 42.5 million barrels of oil in July as SOMO rejects discount claims

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By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj | Kurdish Policy Analysis Baghdad says Iraqi crude is sold at market prices despite Hormuz disruptions, while Kurdistan's exports remain severely constrained by security concerns. Iraq exported 42.5 million barrels of crude oil in July as SOMO denied selling oil at discounted prices, while Kurdistan's exports remained sharply reduced amid security concerns. Iraq's oil exports remain resilient despite regional turmoil Iraq exported 42.5 million barrels of crude oil in July , demonstrating the country's continued ability to maintain exports despite months of regional instability and heightened security risks in the Persian Gulf. According to Iraq's State Organization for Marketing of Oil (SOMO), the overwhelming majority of exports continued to flow through the country's southern terminals and the Strait of Hormuz, while exports from the Kurdistan Region remained sharply below normal levels because of security concerns. The figures highlight ...
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Iraq moves to expand oil exports through Türkiye as Baghdad revives strategic Ceyhan corridor

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  Senior Iraqi energy officials have opened negotiations with Türkiye to increase crude exports through the Iraq-Türkiye Pipeline, signalling Baghdad's determination to diversify export routes, restore Kirkuk-Ceyhan flows, and strengthen energy security amid regional instability. By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj | Kurdish Policy Analysis Iraq is negotiating with Türkiye to expand crude oil exports through the Iraq-Türkiye Pipeline, aiming to boost export capacity and strengthen energy security. Baghdad Revives a Strategic Energy Lifeline Iraq has renewed efforts to transform the Iraq-Türkiye Pipeline into one of its principal energy export corridors, opening fresh negotiations with Ankara aimed at expanding crude oil flows to the Mediterranean. The discussions reflect Baghdad's broader strategy of reducing vulnerability to regional instability while restoring export capacity from northern Iraq following years of political disputes, security threats, and infrastructure disruptions. ...
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Drone Threats Disrupt Iraq's Energy Lifeline as Basra Exports Resume and Khor Mor Gas Field Shuts Down

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  By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj   Security Fears Spread From Southern Oil Terminals to Iraqi Kurdistan, Exposing the Fragility of Iraq's Energy Infrastructure.  Drone Threats Shake Iraq's Energy Sector as Basra Resumes Exports and Khor Mor Suspends Production Iraq's energy sector faced another day of heightened uncertainty on Thursday after separate security incidents disrupted operations at two of the country's most strategically important energy facilities. While crude oil exports from the southern Basra terminals resumed shortly after a temporary suspension caused by a reported drone sighting, the Kurdistan Region suffered a more serious setback as the Khor Mor gas field halted production following what operator Dana Gas described as credible security threats. Although neither incident resulted in physical damage, together they underscore the increasingly fragile security environment surrounding Iraq's energy infrastructure. The events come as regional tensions continu...
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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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