EPOS Insights

In the aftermath of the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003, the Kurdish de facto state, that was born in 1992, was further consolidated. Iraq’s new constitution recognizes Kurdistan Region (KRG) as a federal unit and envisions significant competences bestowed to regions such as the right to export oil. The involvement in international affairs by KRG takes into question the realists’ view that states are the only units in world politics. A group of characteristics make Kurdistan Region an attracted factor in states’ strategy towards the Middle East. In the following exclusive article for EPOS WorldView, PhD candidate and EPOS analyst Idrees Mohamed analyses the role of KRG in the international arena, pointing out the most relevant aspects of the Kurdish issue

EPOS Insights

Kamaran Mohammad, expert in geopolitics, security issues and international relations, is an Assistant Lecturer of Political Science at College of Law and Politics, Salahaadin University, in Erbil. In the following exclusive article for EPOS WorldView, he discusses the future of Mosul, analysing the position of all the armed groups involved in the operation to retake the city after more than two years of Islamic State occupation. Mr. Mohammad tries to answer two questions: how can these forces participate in rebuilding and governing Mosul? Can they be reintegrated into formal army and state institutions? Rebuilding Mosul and all other liberated areas requires a national and comprehensive strategy but, at the moment, there is no vision and common understanding of the priorities, Mr. Mohammad states

Epos converses with Mr. Zainul-Abdeen and Mr. Ammash

EPOS Insights

The IS movement towards Erbil threatened the security of Kurdistan Region. People were panicked and large numbers rushed into Erbil airport to leave the region. The humanitarian catastrophe in Shingal and the threat of Erbil's fall to IS rang alarm bells worldwide. The situation is rather complicated. It does not look to be a short-term bottleneck. There is a need for a long-term strategy to deal with the situation

Epos converses with Dr. Dawood Atrushi

Epos converses with Idrees Mohammed