Wladimir van Wilgenburg
Wladimir van Wilgenburg is a reporter and analyst. He has covered the war against the Islamic State in northern Syria and Iraqi Kurdistan and other subjects for international media and has conducted research for several think tanks. He co-authored two books for I.B. Tauris on the Kurds of Syria: one on their experiment with self-rule in 2019 and the other on the U.S.-Syrian Democratic Forces partnership against the Islamic State in 2021. He holds an MA in Conflict Studies from Utrecht University and an MA in Kurdish studies from Exeter University. He is currently head of the news section at the Kurdistan Chronicle.
Contact Wladimir van Wilgenburg
Articles by Wladimir van Wilgenburg
Do the Suwayda Clashes in Syria Signal Future Clashes Between the Kurds and the New Syrian Regime?
Executive Summary: The Syrian government's attempted offensive on Suwayda appears to have been aimed at taking advantage of skirmishes between Bedouin tribal militias and Druze factions to dismantle local autonomy
The United States Faces Limited Options for Assault on Raqqa
The new U.S. administration has put on hold a plan proposed by former-President Barack Obama, and backed by the Pentagon, to directly arm the Syrian Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG, Yekîneyên
Why Islamic State Is Clinging on to the Syrian City of Manbij
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) officially launched its operation to take the city of Manbij on May 31. It is one of the most strategic and difficult operations the SDF
Islamic State’s Iraq ‘Caliphate’ on the Brink of Defeat
Islamic State’s self-styled caliphate in Iraq has been standing on its last legs since June 26 when the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and Shia Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) secured Fallujah.
U.S. Backing Gives Kurds Cover for United Federal Region in Northern Syria
After months of negotiation, the United States finally gave the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) - which is dominated by the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) and includes the Syrian
The Battle for the Euphrates: Turkey’s Response to Kurdish Expansion
In an unexpected move on December 26, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which is dominated by the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG), captured the Tishreen Dam close to Manbijin, Syria
The Kurdish Periphery
The Kurds play a key role in the war against the Islamic State as they are located on the periphery of the jihadist organization’s two de-facto capitals, Raqqa in Syria
Expressen Quotes Wladimir van Wilgenburg
Sweden's Expressen newspaper discussed Russia's accusation that Turkey is buying oil from the Islamic State with Jamestown analyst with Wladimir van Wilgenburg.
Wladimir van Wilgenburg Quoted by Business Insider
Wladimir van Wilgenburg, a Jamestown analyst of Kurdish political affairs, was quoted in a Business Insider article on Russia accusing Turkey of buying oil from the Islamic State.
Spearheading the Coming Assault on Raqqa: A Portrait of Abu Issa al-Raqqawi
Abu Issa al-Raqqawi is the head of the Liwa Thuwar al-Raqqa (Raqqa Revolutionaries’ Brigade) and a former manager of an agricultural company who could play a key role in defeating
The Kurdish Predicament in Syria: Balancing Russia, Turkey and the United States
Russia, on September 30, launched airstrikes in support of the Syrian government in order to stop the advance of the Turkish and Saudi-backed Islamist Sunni rebel group Jaysh al-Fatah (“Army
Turkey’s New Syria Policy: Preventing Islamic State and Kurdish Expansion
On June 16, the Kurdish militia group People’s Protection Units (Yekîneyên Parastina Gel—YPG) and its Free Syrian Army (FSA) allies captured the Islamic State-controlled Syrian town of Tal Abyad on
A Post-Mortem Analysis of Mullah Shwan, Islamic State’s Kurdish Mastermind
The Iraqi Kurdish cleric Mullah Shwan (a.k.a. Abu Haroon al-Kurdi) was killed in a coalition airstrike on July 28, in Kirkuk province (Basnews, July 29). Mullah Shwan was the second-highest
Wladimir van Wilgenburg Quoted by Irish Times
Wladimir van Wilgenburg, an analyst of Kurdish affairs for Jamestown, discussed the Islamic State's recruitment among Kurdish youth with The Irish Times.
Business Insider Quotes Wladimir van Wilgenburg
Business Insider discussed Turkish strategy against the Islamic State and against Kurdish groups with Wladimir van Wilgenburg, an analyst of Kurdish politics for Jamestown.
Al-Jazeera Quotes van Wilgenburg
Wladimir van Wilgenburg discussed Turkey's shift in the anti-Islamic State campaign to include strikes against Kurdish forces and the response that may come from Kurdish groups, such as the PKK, with al-Jazeera.
Wladimir van Wilgenburg Quoted by Sputnik News
Sputnik quoted Wladimir van Wilgenburg on Turkey's recent decision to let the anti-Islamic State coalition use Incirlik air base while the country targets Kurdish forces.
RFE/RL Quoted Wladimir van Wilgenburg
Van Wilgenburg, an analyst of Kurdish affairs for Jamestown, discussed Turkey's preference for fighting Kurdish forces as opposed to the Islamic State in Syria for RFE/RL's Under the Black Flag.
Chicago Tribune Quotes Wladimir van Wilgenburg
The Chicago Tribune quoted Wladimir van Wilgenburg on the difficulty in building militias in Syria and Iraq to fight the Islamic State and how the Kurdish groups fit into U.S.
The National Interviews Wladimir van Wilgenburg
Wladimir van Wilgenburg, an analyst of Kurdish affairs for The Jamestown Foundation, discussed whether or not Kurdish forces in Syria will be able to maintain the territory that they have
WSJ Quotes Wladimir van Wilgenburg
Wladimir van Wilgenburg discussed the Islamic State's attacks on Syrian Kurdish areas as a responsive to the Kurdish seizure of towns near the Islamic State capital of Raqqa with the
Wladimir van Wilgenburg Quoted by AFP
AFP quoted Wladimir van Wilgenburg, an analyst of Kurdish politics for Jamestown, on how the Kurdish groups' (like the PKK and YPG) past experiences enable them to fight against the Islamic State.
Wladimir van Wilgenburg Quoted by AFP
AFP discussed the recent military success of the Kurdish militias against the Islamic State with Wladimir van Wilgenburg.
AP Quotes Wladimir van Wilgenburg
Wladimir van Wilgenburg, a Jamestown analyst of Kurdish affairs, discussed the Islamic State's defeat at Tal Abyad by Kurdish forces with AP.
Wall Street Journal Quotes Wladimir van Wilgenburg
The Wall Street Journal discussed recent Kurdish offensives against theIslamic state in Tel Ebyad, Syria with Wladimir van Wilgenburg, an analyst of Kurdish affairs for Jamestown.
Wladimir van Wilgenburg Quoted by Haaretz
Wladimir van Wilgenburg discussed the future of the Islamic State with Haaretz on the anniversary of the militant organization's conquest of Mosul.
Wladimir van Wilgenburg quoted by International Business Times
International Business Times talked to Wladimir van Wilgenburg about the impact of the success of the Kurdish political party in the recent Turkish elections and how that impacts Abdullah Ocalan,
The Rise of Jaysh al-Fateh in Northern Syria
A new Islamist coalition called the Army of Conquest (Jaysh al-Fateh) has in the last few months have scored significant victories against the Syrian government, capturing most of Idlib province
Wladimir van Wilgenburg Quoted by RFE/RL
Wladimir van Wilgenburg discussed Yazidi and Kurdish militias fighting against the Islamic State in Iraq with RFE/RL.
Al-Jazeera Quotes Wladimir van Wilgenburg
The recent Turkish election and the electoral gains made by the Kurdish party were discussed by Wladimir van Wilgenburg, an analyst of Kurdish affairs for Jamestown, with al-Jazeera.
Wladimir van Wilgenburg Quoted by El Mundo
El Mundo, the Spanish newspaper, quoted Wladimir van Wilgenburg on Spanish snipers fighting against the Islamic State with Kurdish forces.
Wall Street Journal Quotes Wladimir van Wilgenburg
Wladimir van Wilgenburg discussed how Kurdish forces are asking for military equipment in light of the gains made by the Islamic State at Ramadi for the Wall Street Journal.
Wladimir van Wilgenburg Quoted by AP
Wladimir van Wilgenburg, an analyst of Kurdish affairs for Jamestown, was quoted by the AP on Kurdish fighters and their will to fight the Islamic State.
Kurdish-Shi’a Tensions in Iraq Amid the Struggle Against the Islamic State
As part of their ongoing offensive against the Islamic State, Iraq’s coalition of mainly Shi’a militias, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), in cooperation with the Iraqi armed forces have recently
Wladimir van Wilgenburg Quoted by ES Global
Spanish news website ES Global discussed the improving inter-Kurdish relations since last year due to attacks by the Islamic State with Wladimir van Wilgenburg
Bild Quotes Wladimir van Wilgenburg on Kurdish-Yazidi Relations
Wladimir van Wilgenburg discussed how Kurdish and Yazidi militias are interacting in the fight against the Islamic State in Iraq with Bild.
Aawsat Quotes Wladimir van Wilgenburg on Iranian-Kurdish Relations
Wladimir van Wilgenburg discussed the relationship between Iran and Kurdish groups in light of the fight against the Islamic State with Aawsat.
Wladimir van Wilgenburg Quoted by Die Bild
Wladimir van Wilgenburg, an analyst of Iraqi and Kurdish politics for Jamestown, discussed the role that former Iraqi Baathists now play in the Islamic State for Bild.
Wladimir van Wilgenburg Quoted by AP
AP quoted Wladimir van Wilgenburg, an analyst of Kurdish affairs, on how Syrian Kurds, Turkey and the United States are interacting after victory at Kobane.
Islamic State Develops New Strategies to Destabilize the KRG
In recent months, the Islamic State militant group has started using ethnic Kurdish militants in operations against the security forces of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in Iraq and in
Bild Quoted Wladimir van Wilgenburg
Wladimir van Wilgenburg, an analyst of Kurdish politics for Jamestown, discussed the Islamic State's destruction of antiquities in a Mosul museum with Bild.
‘Fight Them Until There Is No Fitnah’: The Islamic State’s War With al-Qaeda
Recent events have raised fresh questions over the relationship between the Islamic State militant group and al-Qaeda. For instance, militants from the Islamic State and al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula
Bild Quotes Wladimir van Wilgenburg
Wladimir van Wilgenburg discussed the Islamic State with Bild.
Wladimir van Wilgenburg Quoted by Newsweek
An analyst of Kurdish politics, Wladimir van Wilgenburg discussed the United States stationing search and rescue teams in Iraqi Kurdistan, irritating Baghdad, with Newsweek
Wladimir van Wilgenburg Quoted by Bild
Bild discussed the Islamic State's kidnapping and brainwashing of Yazidi children to fight with the militant group with Wladimir van Wilgenburg.
Die Bild Quotes Wladimir van Wilgenburg
German newspaper Die Bild discussed the Islamic State's defeat in Kobane and what that means for the terrorist group and the anti-Islamic State coalition with Wladimir van Wilgenburg.
Wladimir van Wilgenburg Wrote an Op-Ed for al-Jazeera
Wladimir van Wilgenburg, an analysis of Kurdish politics for Jamestown, wrote an op-ed explaining that even though the Islamic State has been defeated at Kobane, the fight against the terrorist
Wladimir van Wilgenburg Quoted by Newsweek
Newsweek discussed the Iraqi Kurds land grab of territory that they have recovered from the Islamic State with Wladimir van Wilgenburg.
Al-Jazeera Quoted Wladimir van Wilgenburg
Wladimir van Wilgenburg, an analyst of Kurdish politics for Jamestown, was quoted in an article on Kurdish leaders not being invited to a meeting on how to defeat the Islamic
Bild Quotes Wladimir van Wilgenburg
The likelihood of the Islamic State operating a TV station out of Mosul was discussed by Wladimir van Wilgenburg, an analyst of Kurdish affairs for Jamestown.
Wladimir van Wilgenburg Quoted by Bild
Bild Zeitung, a German tabloid newspaper, quoted Wladimir van Wilgenburg on the recent public executions in Mosul by the Islamic State.
AP Quotes Wladimir van Wilgenburg
Wladimir van Wilgenburg, an analyst of Kurdish affairs for Jamestown, discussed the impact of U.S. and coalition airstrikes on the Kurdish defense of Kobane with AP.
Middle East Eye Interviews Wladimir van Wilgenburg
Wladimir van Wilgenburg discussed Kurdish politics and the fight against the Islamic State for Middle East Eye.
Wladimir van Wilgenburg Quoted by The National Post
Wladimir van Wilgenburg, an analyst on Kurdish politics, discussed Gill Rosenberg, a Canadian-Israeli woman who supposedly joined the YPG in Syria and then went missing, with The National Post
RFE/RL Quotes Wladimir van Wilgenburg
Wladimir van Wilgenburg, an analyst of Kurdish politics for Jamestown, discussed the role of women in the PKK.
Reuters Quoted Wladimir van Wilgenburg
Jamestown analyst Wladimir van Wilgenburg discussed the power-sharing deal that Syrian Kurds signed in order to better take advantage of international assistance
Jamestown Analyst Wladimir van Wilgenburg Quoted by The Irish Times
Wladimir van Wilgenburg, an analyst of Kurdish politics, discussed the evolution of Turkey's response to the Islamic State organization's siege of the Syrian Kurdish city of Kobane.
Wall Street Journal Quotes Wladimir van Wilgenburg
Wladimir van Wilgenburg discussed Kurdish unity in light of the Islamic State organization's attacks on Iraq and Syria.
Al-Jazeera Quotes Wladimir van Wilgenburg
Wladimir van Wilgenburg discussed the relationship between the Syrian Kurds, the PKK and the Turkish government with regards to the Islamic State organization's attacks on Kobane.
Jamestown analyst Wladimir van Wilgenburg Quoted by Middle East Eye
Wladimir van Wilgenburg discussed the recent airdrop of supplies to Syrian Kurds in Kobane by the U.S. and Iraqi Kurds.
Wladimir van Wilgernburg quoted by La Vanguardia
La Vanguardia, a Spanish newspaper, quoted Wladimir van Wilgenburg, an analyst on Kurdish politics for Jamestown, on Kurdish unity in the wake of the Islamic State organization's siege of Kobane.
Jamestown Analyst Wladimir van Wilgenburg Quoted by The Daily Star
The Daily Star, out of Lebanon, discussed with Wladimir van Wilgenburg, an analyst on Kurdish politics, the Kurdish militia (PYG) that is battling Islamic State militants in Kobane.
Washington Times Quotes Wladimir van Wilgenburg
Wladimir van Wilgenburg, an analyst on Kurdish politics, discussed the ongoing Islamic State offensive against the Syrian Kurdish city of Kobane.
Wladimir van Wilgenburg Interviewed by Syria Deeply
An analyst of Kurdish politics, Wladimir van Wilgenburg discussed the current siege of the Syrian Kurdish city of Kobani with Syria Deeply.
Kurdish Stronghold in Eastern Syria Defies Assaults by Islamic State
On September 15, the Islamic State, previously known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), launched a fourth siege on the Syrian city of Kobani (Ayn al-Arab in
Wladimir van Wilgenburg Quoted by National Geographic
National Geographic quoted Wladimir van Wilgenburg, an analyst on Kurdish politics, on the latest Islamic State siege of the town of Kobani.
Wladimir van Wilgenburg Quoted by BBC
The BBC discussed the financing and support of Islamic State with Jamestown analyst Wladimir van Wilgenburg.
Washington Post Quotes Wladimir van Wilgenburg
Wladimir van Wilgenburg, an analyst on Kurdish politics, discussed the recent fighting between Kurdish forces and Islamic State militants.
Wladimir van Wilgenburg published by Hurriyet
Wladimir van Wilgenburg, one of Jamestown's foremost experts on the Kurds, published an article in Hurriyet Daily News on the need for Turkey to protect Iraqi Kurds.
Wladimir van Wilgenburg Quoted by El Pais (Spanish)
Jamestown Iraq analyst Wladimir van Wilgenburg gave remarks on Kurdish sovereignty after the ISIS campaign in Iraq.
Hot Issue: Iraqi Kurdistan’s New Security Challenges
Executive Summary The recent advance of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and collapse of a quarter the Iraqi Army has created both opportunities and threats for the
WSJ Quotes Wladimir van Wilgenburg
Wladimir van Wilgenburg discussed the Kurdish takeover of Kirkuk, Iraq.
Wladimir van Wilgenburg Quoted by Syria Deeply
Wladimir van Wilgenburg, a Kurdish analyst here at Jamestown, discussed the Syrian Kurds' response to ISIS operations in Iraq.
Jerusalem Post Quotes Wladimir van Wilgenburg
Wladimir van Wilgenburg discussed the ongoing ISIS offensive in Iraq.
Wladimir van Wilgenburg Quoted by România libera (Romanian)
The Romanian paper discussed the ongoing crisis in Iraq caused by ISIS rapid gain of territory with Wladimir van Wilgenburg.
El Mundo Quotes Wladimir van Wilgenburg (Spanish)
Wladimir van Wilgenburg gave remarks on the ability of the Kurdish Peshmerga in Iraq to fight ISIS.
Jamestown Analyst Wladimir van Wilgenburg Quoted by Yeni Safak (Turkish)
Wladimir van Wilgenburg discussed the actions of terrorist group ISIS in Iraq for the Turkish newspaper.
Jamestown Analyst Wladimir van Wilgenburg Interviewed by TRT Turk (Turkish)
Wladimir van Wilgenburg was interviewed by Turkish television channel TRT Turk on the ISIS campaign against Iraqi forces.
WSJ Journal Quotes Wladimir van Wilgenburg
Wladimir van Wilgenburg was quoted in an article on Kurdish fighters being mobilized against the ISIS militia in Iraq.
Wladimir van Wilgenburg Interviewed by Deustche Welle
Wladimir van Wilgenburg was interviewed while on the ground in Iraq as the ISIS militia continues to gain territory.
VOA Quotes Wladimir van Wilgenburg
Jamestown analyst Wladimir van Wilgenburg was quoted in an article on Syrian Kurds and their relations with jihadist rebel groups.
Jamestown Analyst Wladimir van Wilgenburg Quoted by McClatchy
Wladimir van Wilgenburg was quoted on the fighting between ISIS and Kurdish militias in Syria which has led to 200 Kurds being taken hostage by the former.
Wladimir van Wilgenburg Quoted by Zenith (German)
Wladimir van Wilgenburg was quoted in an article by Zenith Magazine on how the Syrian Kurdish population is handling the refugee disaster as well as an expected attack by al-Assad's force
Wladimir van Wilgenburg Quoted in Die Wochenzeitung
Jamestown analyst Wladimir van Wilgenburg was quoted in an article on the relationship between the Kurdish areas of Iraq and the central government in Baghdad.
Al-Jazeera Cites Wladimir van Wilgenburg
Wladimir van Wilgenburg, a Jamestown analyst on the Middle East, was quoted in an article on the Kurdish perspective of Iraqi elections.
Wladimir van Wilgenburg quoted by Die Welt
Jamestown analyst Wladimir van Wilgenburg was quoted by German newspaper Die Welt on an article about the desire for Kurdish autonomy in Iraq.
Kurdish Enclaves in Syria Battle Islamist Militant Groups
The main Kurdish militia in Syria, the Yekîneyên Parastina Gel (YPG – Kurdish People’s Protection Units), has survived a siege of the town of Kobani (Arabic: Ayn al-Arab) by Islamist
Wladimir van Wilgenburg cited by Radio Sawa
Wladimir van Wilgenburg was cited by Radio Sawa in an article about Kurdish parties in Iraq.
Wladimir van Wilgenburg cited by al-Hurra (copy 1)
Wladimir van Wilgenburg was cited by al-Hurra in an article about Kurdish parties in Iraq.
“With These Guns We Will Return to Kurdistan”: The Resurgence of Kurdish Jihadism
Kurdish jihadist militants, who were dealt a devastating blow by the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, have recently made a powerful resurgence thanks to the absence of U.S. troops in
Wladimir van Wilgenburg quoted by Syria Deeply
Analyst Wladimir van Wilgenburg was interviewed by Syria Deeply in an article titled "Are Syrian Kurds Being Left Out in Montreux?"
Glen E. Howard and Wladimir van Wilgenburg featured by Kurdistan TV
Jamestown President Glen E. Howard and analyst Wladimir van Wilgenburg's discussion on the future of Kurds in Syria, which was hosted by the Jamestown Foundation, was featured by Kurdistan TV.
Kurdish Strategy Towards Ethnically-Mixed Areas in the Syrian Conflict
Kurdish fighters in Syria have taken greater control of areas inhabited by both Arabs and Kurds since July 16, and aim to capture three other mixed areas in the governorates
Wladimir van Wilgenburg cited by Hurriyet
Jamestown analyst Wladimir van Wilgenburg was cited by Hurriyet in an article about Kurds in Syria.
Wladimir van Wilgenburg quoted by NOW
Jamestown Foundation analyst Wladimir van Wilgenburg was quoted by NOW in an article about an offensive recently launched by the YPG in direct retaliation to ajoint ISIS-Jabhat al-Nusra suicide attack in al-Qahtaniyah, in
Snapshots of Abd al-Hamid Hajj Darwish and Abdulhakim Bashar: The KDP and PUK’s Kurdish Proxy Leaders in Syria
The Syrian government has routinely harassed, repressed and discriminated against the Syrian Kurds for decades. Since the Arab Spring arrived in Syria, the country’s government forces have abandoned many Kurdish
Wladimir van Wilgenburg quoted by International Business Times
Jamestown analyst Wladimir van Wilgenburg was quoted by International Business Times in an article concerning the Kurdistan Parliamentary Election.
Wladimir van Wilgenburg quoted by Irin News
Jamestown analyst Wladimir van Wilgenburg spoke with Irin News about aid agencies in Iraq that are grappling with an influx of Syrian refugees.
Wladimir van Wilgenburg quoted by The National
Jamestown analyst Wladimir van Wilgenburg was quoted by The National in an article titled "A rare welcome for Syria's Kurdish refugees."
Wladimir van Wilgenburg discusses PKK militia on TAZ
Wladimir van Wilgenburg discusses PKK militia fighting against Islamists in Syria on TAZ.
Jamestown analyst Wladimir van Wilgenburg featured in Hurriyet
Jamestown expert Wladimir van Wilgenburg was a featured commentator in an article published by Hurriyet about clashes between Islamists and Syrian Kurds.
Wladimir van Wilgenburg spoke on al-Jazeera
Jamestown analyst Wladimir van Wilgenburg was a featured speaker on al-Jazeera in a discussion about the Kurds in Syria.
Kurdish Rebels Look to Form Transitional Government in Syria
It has recently become clear that the Kurdish nationalist Partiya Yekîtiya Demokrat (PYD - Democratic Union Party) wants to form an interim government in the Kurdish regions of Syria on
Succession Scenarios after Talabani: The Irreplaceable PUK Leader
Jalal Talabani, president of Iraq and leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK—Yeketî Nistîmanî Kurdistan), was admitted to a hospital in Baghdad on December 17, 2012 after he reportedly suffered
Hot Issue: New Arab-Kurdish Front Could Strengthen Assad
Summary Clashes between Kurdish militias and armed Syrian opposition groups in Aleppo starting at the end of October in Ras al-Ayn near the Turkish border have raised the specter of
Jamestown Analyst Wladimir van Wilgenburg Quoted by AP
Jamestown analyst Wladimir van Wilgenburg was quoted by AP in an article about a recent bomb attack in Turkey. AP quoted his analysis in an article published by Jamestown Foundation in
Assessing the Threat to Turkey from Syrian-Based Kurdish Militants
Kurdish militias recently took control of several towns in northern Syria, raising fears in Turkey that in addition to their camps in the mountainous border areas in Iraq, the Partiya
Jamestown analyst Wladimir van Wilgenberg was quoted by Egypt Daily News
Jamestown analyst Wladimir van Wilgenberg was quoted by Egypt Daily News in an article about "The Battle for Control in Syria."
Syrian Kurds Play the Russia Card in Pursuit of Autonomy
The ongoing political and security crisis in Syria has provided unexpected opportunities for Syria’s Kurdish community to initiate diplomatic discussions with Russia, China and Iran in its pursuit of regional
Jamestown Analyst Wladimir van Wilgenburg Interviewed by Southern European Times
Jamestown Foundation's analyst Wladimir van Wilgenburg was interviewed by Southern European Times on February 29 about the return of Kurdish Hizbullah.
Why the Arab Spring Passed By Contested Kirkuk
Kirkuk’s Sunni Arab parties are not happy over the recent decisions of the Iraqi PM Nuri al-Maliki and the Iraqi cabinet to turn the U.S. military base at Kirkuk into
Jamestown Analyst Wladimir van Wilgenburg was interviewed by Now Lebanon
Lebanese news source and forum Now Lebanon interviewed Jamestown analyst Wladimir van Wilgenburg about Kurds in Syria.
Jamestown Analyst Wladimir van Wilgenburg cited in an article on Turkish Hizbullah in SES Turkiye
Jamestown Analyst Wladimir van Wilgenburg cited in an article on Turkish Hizbullah in SES Turkiye
Turkey Afraid Syria Will Target Its Kurdish Achilles’ Heel
Syria ended its support for the Kurdish rebels of the Partiya Karkeren Kurdistan (PKK) in 1998 and expelled PKK-leader Abdullah Ocalan, a move that ultimately led to his arrest in
Duran Kalkan: The Turk Fighting for Kurdish Irredentism
The Partiya Karkerên Kurdistan (PKK – Kurdistan Workers Party) is a highly centralized organization guided by an almost cult-like worship of its imprisoned leader Abdullah Öcalan. There are however other individuals
Iran Uses Cross-Border Incursions to Pressure Iraqi Kurds to End PJAK Insurgency
Iran has recently shelled border villages and launched cross-border raids into northern Iraq to step up pressure on the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to stop the anti-Iranian operations of the
The Man Who Knew Bin Laden: A Biographical Sketch of Hassan Ghul
There is not much known about Hassan Ghul, the alleged conduit whose information led to the killing of former al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden in Pakistan. The mysterious Hassan Ghul
Jamestown Interview: Iraqi General in Mosul Under Pressure From Islamist and Nationalist Groups
The commander of the Mosul-based Second Division of the Iraqi Army, Major General Nasser al-Ghannam, claims he has improved security in the former insurgent hotbed of Mosul and does not
Is Syria Cooperating Militarily with Turkey Against the PKK?
Recent media reports suggest that a new phase of Syrian-Turkish military cooperation has begun against Kurdish militants of the Parti Karkerani Kurdistan (PKK - Kurdistan Workers Party) in Syria. However,
Kurdish PKK Using PJAK to Isolate Turkey
The rising tension and provocative rhetoric surrounding Iran’s alleged pursuit of nuclear weapons are a matter of public record. Yet, are there other agendas being played out amidst the larger
Kurdish Counterterrorism Group Works to Prevent Terrorism in Kurdistan and Iraq
With an intelligence and military wing of over 1,000 people, the Sulaymaniyah-based Counter Terrorism Group (CTG) collects intelligence and carries out operations to prevent terrorists in Iraq from destabilizing the
Iraq’s Security is Kurdistan’s Security: An Interview with KRG Intelligence Chief Masrour Barzani
According to Masrour Barzani, director of the Ajansi Parastini Asayishi Heremi Kurdistan (Kurdistan Region Security Protection Agency) of northern Iraq, Kurdish security agencies have the legal right to operate outside
Exclusive Interview with the Head of the Militant Arm of the Separatist Group PKK
Murat Karayilan is the acting commander of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (Partiya Karkeren Kurdistan - PKK) and chairman of the executive council of the Kurdish Democratic Confederation (Koma Civaken Kurdistan
PKK Forces Await Orders from Imprisoned Leader Abdullah Ocalan
Reports indicate that Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers Party (Parti Karkerani Kurdistan - PKK), will release a “roadmap” for resolving Turkey’s decades-old Kurdish insurgency on August
Rival Islamist Groups Vie for the Support of Southeast Turkey’s Conservative Kurdish Population
The enigmatic figure of Fethullah Gulen, a Turkish-born U.S. resident who runs an extensive Islamic movement in Turkey, has been warned by the Kurdish Hezbollah (Hezbollahi Kurdi - HK) against
Assyrian Nationalists Cooperate with Kurdish PKK Insurgents
For many people in the West, mention of the “Assyrians” brings to mind the relentless empire-builders of northern Iraq who conquered most of the Middle East, including Egypt and large
Is Ankara Promoting Zaza Nationalism to Divide the Kurds?
Until recently, speakers of the Zaza language within Turkey have been considered part of the vast Kurdish ethnic group spread over Turkey, Iraq, Iran, and Syria. In the 1980s, the