Global Kurdish Initiative for Peace
@kurdishsis.bsky.social
The Global Kurdish Initiative for Peace (GKIP) is a Research Initiative of the School of International Service @ausis.bsky.social at American University.
Join us at @ausis.bsky.social for "The Future of Kurds in Syria" to examine the new political and security dynamics for Syrian Kurds with Aliza Marcus, Dlshad Othman, Sirwan Kajjo, and @yerevansaeed.bsky.social. Register here: www.eventbrite.com/e/the-future...
February 6, 2026 at 2:37 PM
Join us at @ausis.bsky.social for "The Future of Kurds in Syria" to examine the new political and security dynamics for Syrian Kurds with Aliza Marcus, Dlshad Othman, Sirwan Kajjo, and @yerevansaeed.bsky.social. Register here: www.eventbrite.com/e/the-future...
In collaboration with GKIP, KRG Representation in the United States hosted students from @ausis.bsky.social to share an educational evening of Kurdish culture and history. KRG Representative Treefa Aziz welcomed the students and provided a brief history of the Kurdish people.
February 2, 2026 at 7:32 PM
In collaboration with GKIP, KRG Representation in the United States hosted students from @ausis.bsky.social to share an educational evening of Kurdish culture and history. KRG Representative Treefa Aziz welcomed the students and provided a brief history of the Kurdish people.
Speaking with The Jerusalem Post, @ausis.bsky.social Barzani Scholar @yerevansaeed.bsky.social commented on the situation in Syria and the Save the Kurds Act, which was introduced in the Senate last week.
www.jpost.com/middle-east/...
www.jpost.com/middle-east/...
Save the Kurds Act targets Syria regime abuses | The Jerusalem Post
The Save the Kurds Act calls for snapback sanctions if the Syrian regime recommences attacks on Kurds and demands that HTS be redesignated as a terrorist organization
www.jpost.com
February 2, 2026 at 2:56 PM
Speaking with The Jerusalem Post, @ausis.bsky.social Barzani Scholar @yerevansaeed.bsky.social commented on the situation in Syria and the Save the Kurds Act, which was introduced in the Senate last week.
www.jpost.com/middle-east/...
www.jpost.com/middle-east/...
Read our January newsletter to learn about the latest work of the Initiative. This issue includes a note from Director @yerevansaeed.bsky.social, recent Initiative and Barzani Peace Fellow highlights, and interviews on Kurdish art & student experiences. Read here: t.e2ma.net/webview/fwfq...
January 29, 2026 at 3:11 PM
Read our January newsletter to learn about the latest work of the Initiative. This issue includes a note from Director @yerevansaeed.bsky.social, recent Initiative and Barzani Peace Fellow highlights, and interviews on Kurdish art & student experiences. Read here: t.e2ma.net/webview/fwfq...
In a new piece for @thenationalnews.com, @ausis.bsky.social Barzani Scholar @yerevansaeed.bsky.social highlights the risks of prisons and camps of ISIS members falling under Damascus's control as the U.S. ends its support of the Syrian Democratic Forces.
www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/comm...
www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/comm...
By ending its partnership with Syria's Kurds, the West risks reviving the ISIS crisis | The National
The haste with which the US and others have ended their military support to the SDF could destabilise the region
www.thenationalnews.com
January 27, 2026 at 3:04 PM
In a new piece for @thenationalnews.com, @ausis.bsky.social Barzani Scholar @yerevansaeed.bsky.social highlights the risks of prisons and camps of ISIS members falling under Damascus's control as the U.S. ends its support of the Syrian Democratic Forces.
www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/comm...
www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/comm...
In a new editorial, @wsj.com comments on the U.S. and Amb. Tom Barrack's lack of support for the SDF in light of disputes with Damascus and how it impacts the fight against ISIS.
www.wsj.com/opinion/syri...
www.wsj.com/opinion/syri...
Opinion | Tom Barrack’s Not-So-Excellent Syrian Adventure
The U.S. envoy abandons the Kurds, jeopardizing the anti-ISIS mission.
www.wsj.com
January 23, 2026 at 8:19 PM
In a new editorial, @wsj.com comments on the U.S. and Amb. Tom Barrack's lack of support for the SDF in light of disputes with Damascus and how it impacts the fight against ISIS.
www.wsj.com/opinion/syri...
www.wsj.com/opinion/syri...
Speaking with @news.dw.com, @ausis.bsky.social Barzani Scholar @yerevansaeed.bsky.social commented on a newly published scientific paper on the impacts of the 1988 chemical weapons attack in Halabja.
www.dw.com/en/unrecogni...
www.dw.com/en/unrecogni...
Unrecognized pain: Most Halabja Massacre survivors have PTSD
A new report finds ongoing trauma affects survivors of a 1988 chemical weapons attack on Kurdish Iraqis in Halabja and nearby communities, highlighting the need for better health and support services.
www.dw.com
January 20, 2026 at 7:43 PM
Speaking with @news.dw.com, @ausis.bsky.social Barzani Scholar @yerevansaeed.bsky.social commented on a newly published scientific paper on the impacts of the 1988 chemical weapons attack in Halabja.
www.dw.com/en/unrecogni...
www.dw.com/en/unrecogni...
Check out Kurdistan Chronicle's piece on the Barzani Peace Fellowship reaching a milestone of supporting 10 graduate students studying at @ausis.bsky.social. The Fellowship supports students passionate about Kurdish affairs.
kurdistanchronicle.com/babat/4415
kurdistanchronicle.com/babat/4415
Barzani Peace Fellowship Reach Historic Milestone at American University
Barzani Peace Fellowship Reach Historic Milestone at American University
kurdistanchronicle.com
January 20, 2026 at 5:23 PM
Check out Kurdistan Chronicle's piece on the Barzani Peace Fellowship reaching a milestone of supporting 10 graduate students studying at @ausis.bsky.social. The Fellowship supports students passionate about Kurdish affairs.
kurdistanchronicle.com/babat/4415
kurdistanchronicle.com/babat/4415
The Global Kurdish Initiative for Peace is pleased to welcome three new Barzani Peace Fellows: Susan Zibari, Aheen Hajibadri, and Prsha Othman. The Barzani Peace Fellowship has reached a historical milestone at @ausis.bsky.social, sponsoring 10 graduate students from diverse backgrounds.
January 16, 2026 at 4:50 PM
The Global Kurdish Initiative for Peace is pleased to welcome three new Barzani Peace Fellows: Susan Zibari, Aheen Hajibadri, and Prsha Othman. The Barzani Peace Fellowship has reached a historical milestone at @ausis.bsky.social, sponsoring 10 graduate students from diverse backgrounds.
Syria’s Kurdish-led SDF faces an uncertain future after withdrawing from Aleppo, with sources saying the US urged the group to hand over territories as Washington shifts its focus toward Damascus and regional relations, @thenationalnews.com reports.
www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
Once America's favourite in Syria, Kurdish-led militia faces extinction | The National
Syrian Democratic Forces risk losing remaining territory in the east after US went along with their defeat in Aleppo, sources say
www.thenationalnews.com
January 15, 2026 at 2:39 PM
Syria’s Kurdish-led SDF faces an uncertain future after withdrawing from Aleppo, with sources saying the US urged the group to hand over territories as Washington shifts its focus toward Damascus and regional relations, @thenationalnews.com reports.
www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
. @ausis.bsky.social Barzani Scholar & @atlanticcouncil.bsky.social Iraq Initiative Nonresident Senior Fellow @yerevansaeed.bsky.social explains the importance of leadership change to maintaining stability in Iraq as PM Sudani vies for a second term. www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/menaso...
January 8, 2026 at 6:36 PM
. @ausis.bsky.social Barzani Scholar & @atlanticcouncil.bsky.social Iraq Initiative Nonresident Senior Fellow @yerevansaeed.bsky.social explains the importance of leadership change to maintaining stability in Iraq as PM Sudani vies for a second term. www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/menaso...
FIFA named fans of Zakho SC as winners of the Best Fan Award, bringing international recognition to Zakho and Kurdish football in a historic achievement.
www.fifa.com/en/the-best-...
www.fifa.com/en/the-best-...
www.fifa.com
December 16, 2025 at 8:34 PM
FIFA named fans of Zakho SC as winners of the Best Fan Award, bringing international recognition to Zakho and Kurdish football in a historic achievement.
www.fifa.com/en/the-best-...
www.fifa.com/en/the-best-...
Former Iraqi president Barham Salih is slated to become the first Kurd to lead the @unhcr.org. Secretary-General António Guterres will propose Salih for approval by the UN General Assembly for a five-year term starting on January 1, @afp.com reports.
www.yahoo.com/news/article...
www.yahoo.com/news/article...
Former Iraqi president Salih picked as new UNHCR chief
Former Iraqi president Barham Salih is set to become the next United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, according to a document seen by AFP on Friday, taking over an agency tackling swingeing bud...
www.yahoo.com
December 12, 2025 at 8:22 PM
Former Iraqi president Barham Salih is slated to become the first Kurd to lead the @unhcr.org. Secretary-General António Guterres will propose Salih for approval by the UN General Assembly for a five-year term starting on January 1, @afp.com reports.
www.yahoo.com/news/article...
www.yahoo.com/news/article...
NextGen Voices: Diyar Kurda discusses his work as a journalist for Rudaw Media Network and how his move to Washington, D.C. gave him direct access to U.S. policymakers and expanded his coverage of Kurdish-related U.S. foreign policy issues.
www.american.edu/sis/research...
www.american.edu/sis/research...
NextGen Voices: Diyar Kurda
NextGen Voices: Diyar Kurda
www.american.edu
December 12, 2025 at 6:39 PM
NextGen Voices: Diyar Kurda discusses his work as a journalist for Rudaw Media Network and how his move to Washington, D.C. gave him direct access to U.S. policymakers and expanded his coverage of Kurdish-related U.S. foreign policy issues.
www.american.edu/sis/research...
www.american.edu/sis/research...
Barzani Peace Fellow Anthony Avice Du Buisson (@stoicviper.bsky.social)’s analysis on the importance of civilian decision-making surrounding U.S. troop presence in Syria was published by American University's Journal of International Service. Read his paper here: ausisjournal.com/2025/11/26/w...
December 11, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Barzani Peace Fellow Anthony Avice Du Buisson (@stoicviper.bsky.social)’s analysis on the importance of civilian decision-making surrounding U.S. troop presence in Syria was published by American University's Journal of International Service. Read his paper here: ausisjournal.com/2025/11/26/w...
Last week, the US inaugurated its new consulate in Erbil. The consulate is the largest American diplomatic building in the world and underscores the “deep and longstanding partnership” between the Kurdistan Region and the US, @thenationalnews.com reports. www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
US unveils world’s largest consulate in Iraq’s Kurdistan region | The National
Vast compound in Erbil underscores Washington’s enduring ties with Iraqi Kurds and its intent to maintain lasting presence there
www.thenationalnews.com
December 9, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Last week, the US inaugurated its new consulate in Erbil. The consulate is the largest American diplomatic building in the world and underscores the “deep and longstanding partnership” between the Kurdistan Region and the US, @thenationalnews.com reports. www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/20...
Art and Culture: Pedram Baldari details his artistic practice, which goes beyond a single discipline, incorporating social research, sound, data, and technology to depict the Kurdish people with a sense of their reality. www.american.edu/sis/research...
Art and Culture: Pedram Baldari
Art and Culture: Pedram Baldari
www.american.edu
December 4, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Art and Culture: Pedram Baldari details his artistic practice, which goes beyond a single discipline, incorporating social research, sound, data, and technology to depict the Kurdish people with a sense of their reality. www.american.edu/sis/research...
Take a look at our November newsletter to learn about the latest work of the Initiative. This issue includes a message from Director @yerevansaeed.bsky.social, recent highlights, and interviews on Kurdish art & student experiences. Read here: t.e2ma.net/webview/zf0a...
December 3, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Take a look at our November newsletter to learn about the latest work of the Initiative. This issue includes a message from Director @yerevansaeed.bsky.social, recent highlights, and interviews on Kurdish art & student experiences. Read here: t.e2ma.net/webview/zf0a...
Contributing to MEPS Forum, read Director @yerevansaeed.bsky.social's take on the recent attack on the Khor Mor gas field in the Kurdistan Region and its implications for U.S. policy.
www.mepsforum.org/post/the-kho...
www.mepsforum.org/post/the-kho...
The Khor Mor Terrorist Attack: Experts React
Experts react to the terrorist attack on Khor Mor by assessing its domestic implications for Kurdistan, relations with Baghdad and the role of the United States.
www.mepsforum.org
December 1, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Contributing to MEPS Forum, read Director @yerevansaeed.bsky.social's take on the recent attack on the Khor Mor gas field in the Kurdistan Region and its implications for U.S. policy.
www.mepsforum.org/post/the-kho...
www.mepsforum.org/post/the-kho...
On Wednesday, the Khor Mor gas field was targeted by a drone attack, halting all gas deliveries to power stations. Speaking with Kurdistan Chronicle, Director @yerevansaeed.bsky.social commented on the potential motivation behind the attack. Read here: kurdistanchronicle.com/babat/4268
December 1, 2025 at 2:40 PM
On Wednesday, the Khor Mor gas field was targeted by a drone attack, halting all gas deliveries to power stations. Speaking with Kurdistan Chronicle, Director @yerevansaeed.bsky.social commented on the potential motivation behind the attack. Read here: kurdistanchronicle.com/babat/4268
In this piece for @thenationalnews.com, Director and @ausis.bsky.social Barzani Scholar @yerevansaeed.bsky.social sets out key steps toward achieving a sustainable peace in Turkey.
www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/comm...
www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/comm...
What happens after militants hang up their guns? | The National
As the PKK pulls out of Turkey, many are watching to see what lessons can be learnt
www.thenationalnews.com
November 21, 2025 at 8:42 PM
In this piece for @thenationalnews.com, Director and @ausis.bsky.social Barzani Scholar @yerevansaeed.bsky.social sets out key steps toward achieving a sustainable peace in Turkey.
www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/comm...
www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/comm...
. @ausis.bsky.social Barzani Scholar @yerevansaeed.bsky.social joined @warontherocks.bsky.social’s The Warcast to discuss the implications of Iraq’s parliamentary election results and post-election politics. Listen here: warontherocks.com/episode/warc...
Iraq's Elections and U.S.-Iranian Competition - War on the Rocks
warontherocks.com
November 17, 2025 at 2:36 PM
. @ausis.bsky.social Barzani Scholar @yerevansaeed.bsky.social joined @warontherocks.bsky.social’s The Warcast to discuss the implications of Iraq’s parliamentary election results and post-election politics. Listen here: warontherocks.com/episode/warc...
@ausis.bsky.social Barzani Scholar and @atlanticcouncil.bsky.social's Iraq Initiative Nonresident Senior Fellow @yerevansaeed.bsky.social discusses the preliminary results of Iraq's parliamentary elections and their implications. Read Saeed and other experts' insights here: tinyurl.com/xushm54p
November 14, 2025 at 6:47 PM
@ausis.bsky.social Barzani Scholar and @atlanticcouncil.bsky.social's Iraq Initiative Nonresident Senior Fellow @yerevansaeed.bsky.social discusses the preliminary results of Iraq's parliamentary elections and their implications. Read Saeed and other experts' insights here: tinyurl.com/xushm54p
NextGen Voices: Author Ava Homa details the process of writing her award-winning novel, Daughters of Smoke and Fire, and stresses the importance of telling genuine Kurdish stories that capture her people's strength, struggles, and spirit.
www.american.edu/sis/research...
www.american.edu/sis/research...
NextGen Voices: Ava Homa
NextGen Voices: Ava Homa
www.american.edu
November 13, 2025 at 3:00 PM
NextGen Voices: Author Ava Homa details the process of writing her award-winning novel, Daughters of Smoke and Fire, and stresses the importance of telling genuine Kurdish stories that capture her people's strength, struggles, and spirit.
www.american.edu/sis/research...
www.american.edu/sis/research...
Check out @politico.com’s Playbook today to see @ausis.bsky.social Barzani Scholar and Director @yerevansaeed.bsky.social’s latest piece highlighted. Read here: politi.co/47OSRub
November 11, 2025 at 6:12 PM
Check out @politico.com’s Playbook today to see @ausis.bsky.social Barzani Scholar and Director @yerevansaeed.bsky.social’s latest piece highlighted. Read here: politi.co/47OSRub