500 Drones Launched From Iraq Toward Saudi Arabia — Region on Edge

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Iraq Becomes Drone War Battlefield as Iran-Backed Militias Strike Gulf States. Five Hundred drone attacks from Iraqi territory hit Saudi Arabia and beyond, raising fears of a hidden regional war spiraling out of control By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj, SULAIMANI,   Kurdish Policy Analysis , April 21--  Iraqi militia groups close to Iran have fired dozens of drones at Saudi Arabia and the Gulf countries during the war; This has created a “silent” war in the midst of the Great War. According to a report in the Wall Street Journal on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, half of the 1,000 drone strikes against Saudi Arabia were from within Iraqi territory. The report cited a Saudi security assessment that said the attacks targeted sensitive positions, including the Yanbu refinery on the Red Sea and oil fields in eastern Saudi Arabia. The report said the drones hit not only Saudi Arabia, but also Kuwait's only civilian airport. Even after US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire earlier this...
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Kirkuk Governor Rebwar Taha Resigns, Mohammed Samaan Appointed Successor

On Thursday, during its official meeting, the Kirkuk Provincial Council approved a series of fundamental changes to the structure of the province's local administration.

Kurdish Policy Analysis / ERBIL —  Rebwar Taha's resignation as Governor of Kirkuk has been approved, and Mohammed Samaan has been appointed as the new Governor.

On Thursday, during its official meeting, the Kirkuk Provincial Council approved a series of fundamental changes to the structure of the province's local administration.


At the beginning of the session, the council formally accepted the resignation of Rebwar Taha from his position as Governor of Kirkuk. This action was taken in accordance with a political agreement reached on August 10, 2024, at Baghdad's Rasheed Hotel between the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), the Babylon Movement, and a faction of Arab representatives.


Following this, a vote was held to elect a new governor. Out of the 14 council members present, 12 voted in favor of Mohammed Samaan, the head of the Iraqi Turkmen Front, to assume the role of the new Governor of Kirkuk. During the same meeting, the council made another significant decision, appointing Nashat Shawez as Deputy Chairman of the Kirkuk Provincial Council, thereby completing the council's legal and administrative structure.


The August 10, 2024, agreement, which outlined the process for selecting the governor and the head of the Kirkuk Provincial Council, was finalized at the Rasheed Hotel in Baghdad.

This action was executed through an alliance between the PUK faction, a group of Arab representatives, and a representative of the Babylon Movement, in the absence of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), the Iraqi Turkmen Front, and another Arab coalition.

This is not just a local administrative reshuffle — it has serious ethnic, political, and geopolitical implications for Kirkuk and the wider Iraq–Kurdistan balance.

Here’s a clear breakdown of what it actually means:

 1. Shift of Power Away from Kurdish Control

The resignation of Rebwar Taha (PUK) and appointment of Mohammed Samaan marks a major shift in Kirkuk’s power balance. The governorship moves from a Kurdish party (PUK) to a Turkmen figure. This weakens Kurdish administrative control over Kirkuk Symbolically, it signals that Kurdish dominance in disputed territories is no longer guaranteed, Bottom line: Kurdish political influence in Kirkuk is being diluted.

 2. PUK’s Strategic Trade-Off (and Risk)

The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) agreed to this as part of a 2024 deal in Baghdad.

Why? Likely to secure influence elsewhere (council positions, alliances) Maintain relations with Arab and minority blocs. Avoid total exclusion from governance

But the risk is clear: It may be seen as conceding Kurdish leverage in Kirkuk. Could trigger domestic backlash among Kurdish voters. This could politically cost PUK credibility in Kurdish politics.

 3. KDP Exclusion = Deepening Kurdish Division

The absence of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) from the deal is critical. The agreement was made without KDP participation. Reinforces KDP–PUK rivalry. Weakens the overall Kurdish negotiating position in Iraq. Baghdad benefits when Kurds are divided — and this is a textbook example.

 4. Rise of Turkmen Political Leverage

The appointment of a figure from the Iraqi Turkmen Front is significant:. First time in years Turkmen gain this level of control. Signals greater inclusion of non-Kurdish actors. Could reflect regional influence (especially Turkey’s indirect interest in Turkmen politics). Kirkuk is becoming more multi-polar, not Kurdish-led.

 5. Baghdad Strengthens Its Hand in Disputed Territories

This outcome indirectly strengthens the federal government in Iraq:. Local governance is now shaped through Baghdad-mediated deals. Reduces chances of Kurdish unilateral control. Fits a broader pattern: Oil disputes, Budget pressure, Security fragmentation. Kirkuk is increasingly being pulled back into Baghdad’s orbit.

6. Potential for Ethnic & Political Tensions

Kirkuk is one of Iraq’s most sensitive cities (Kurds, Arabs, Turkmen). This shift could: Trigger local dissatisfaction (especially among Kurds). Increase political instability in the province. Complicate future elections and governance. Not immediate conflict—but tensions could rise quietly over time.

 7. Strategic Big Picture

This move fits a larger trend: Kurdish fragmentation, Federal consolidation, Rising role of smaller ethnic blocs, Governance through fragile alliances Kirkuk is becoming a test case for post-ISIS Iraq power-sharing.

Bottom Line

This is not just about a governor. It signals: Weaker Kurdish unity, Stronger Baghdad influence, More fragmented local power structure. And most importantly: Kirkuk is shifting from a Kurdish-dominated city to a contested, power-shared arena.

#Kirkuk #Iraq #Kurdistan #Breaking #Geopolitics #MiddleEast #IraqiPolitics

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