The Role of Militias in Iraq: Evaluating their Impact and Strategies for Mitigation

For CFRI, Mohammad Salami provides insight into the Popular Mobilization Forces in Iraq and offers solutions to mitigate their detrimental impact on the nation.

Relations between the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and the United Arab Emirates: a mutual need

The main problem of the Kurdistan Region or Iraq (KRI) in benefiting from the opportunities of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the problems and differences that Erbil has with its internal groups or its neighbours. The UAE will never sacrifice its improved relations with Turkey, Iran, Syria, and the central government of Iraq for its short-term interests with the KRI, and the issues that it found with these countries, especially after the independence referendum in 2017 or the internal differences of the Kurds, will hinder the growing relations in the future or at least slow down its momentum.

The bilateral effect of currency exchange between Iran and Iraq

Preventing the smuggling of dollars from Iraq to Iran is one of Baghdad s greatest challenges, largely driven by pro-Iranian proxies. However, Prime Minister Shia Al-Sudani s determination to restore the economy by cracking down on smuggling could determine its future.

KRI-China Relations: Enthusiasm in Economics and Reluctance in Politics

In this article Mohammad Salami explores the foundations of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq’s (KRI) foreign policy, particularly through its relationship with China. Recently, China has become a major investor in energy, infrastructure, and services in the Kurdistan Region as part of its greater Belt and Road Initiative. However, China maintains an apolitical stance, refraining from formal political recognition or engagement with the KRI due to concerns about separatism and regional sensitivities involving Taiwan, Turkey or Iran. In this context, China attempts to maximise its economic gains in Iraq while the KRI carefully balances its ties between China and the United States, leveraging economic partnerships without political alignment.

What are the Potential Impacts of the Fall of Bashar al-Assad's Regime on Iraq?

Mohammed Salami presents a framework for understanding the current situation in Syria and its impact on Iraq’s security. He highlights that Iraq, already facing security challenges, is dealing with a crisis in Syria following the fall of Assad’s regime. This situation might undermines Iraq’s stability, exacerbating ethnic and sectarian tensions and threatening border security.

The Impact of a Potential Turkey-PKK Peace Agreement on the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

According to Mohammad Salami’s analysis, Turkey’s potential peace talks with the PKK, led by President Erdoğan, carry significant implications for the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). These negotiations could foster Kurdish unity and boost economic development, particularly by easing cross-border trade and reducing regional instability. However, Salami highlights that internal divisions between the KDP and PUK, as well as Turkey’s strategic interests, may complicate the path forward. The outcome will largely depend on how these political and geopolitical dynamics evolve, influencing the stability of Iraq and KRI’s relations with neighboring states.

The Decades-Long Antagonistic Psychology of Iran and Israel

This article explores the long-standing and increasingly hostile relationship between Iran and Israel, shaped by over four decades of competition, conflict, and ideological confrontation. Initially expressed through indirect proxy engagements, this animosity has been reinforced by both nations’ respective identities, with Iran framing the Israeli-Palestinian issue as a broader Islamic cause. The article highlights the shift in 2023, when direct confrontations emerged following events that heightened perceived threats to both countries’ domestic security.