The Amargi
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News, Analysis, Opinions on the Middle East
In this episode of The Amargi Mosaic, Nadine Maenza speaks to The Amargi’s Elif Sarican following her testimony before the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee on Syria’s post-Assad trajectory.
Tap the link to watch the full interview: youtu.be/fZzzaOeVTXk
Tap the link to watch the full interview: youtu.be/fZzzaOeVTXk
February 18, 2026 at 7:31 PM
In this episode of The Amargi Mosaic, Nadine Maenza speaks to The Amargi’s Elif Sarican following her testimony before the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee on Syria’s post-Assad trajectory.
Tap the link to watch the full interview: youtu.be/fZzzaOeVTXk
Tap the link to watch the full interview: youtu.be/fZzzaOeVTXk
Erdoğan appointed Istanbul chief prosecutor Akın Gürlek as Turkey’s justice minister on 11 Feb, a move the opposition links to deepening judicial politicisation. The reshuffle sparked a brawl in Parliament as MPs tried to block his swearing-in. ✍️ Serap Güneş
www.theamargi.com/posts/erdoga...
www.theamargi.com/posts/erdoga...
Erdoğan Names Controversial Prosecutor as Turkey’s New Justice Minister
On February 11, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan appointed İstanbul Chief Prosecutor Akın Gürlek as the new justice minister, replacing Yılmaz Tunç in a long-awaited yet surprising cabinet…
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February 18, 2026 at 6:51 PM
Erdoğan appointed Istanbul chief prosecutor Akın Gürlek as Turkey’s justice minister on 11 Feb, a move the opposition links to deepening judicial politicisation. The reshuffle sparked a brawl in Parliament as MPs tried to block his swearing-in. ✍️ Serap Güneş
www.theamargi.com/posts/erdoga...
www.theamargi.com/posts/erdoga...
Christians and Yazidis on Syria’s frontlines say the SDF-Damascus integration deal offers no clear guarantees, and could accelerate an exodus already underway after ISIS, shelling, and renewed fighting. ✍️ Matt Broomfield
www.theamargi.com/posts/on-the...
www.theamargi.com/posts/on-the...
On The Frontlines, Christians And Yazidis Fear SDF-Damascus Deal
Syria’s Christian and Yazidi religious minorities, who have suffered deadly violence throughout the country’s 14-year civil war, once again find themselves caught amid both armed conflict and an…
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February 18, 2026 at 5:07 PM
Christians and Yazidis on Syria’s frontlines say the SDF-Damascus integration deal offers no clear guarantees, and could accelerate an exodus already underway after ISIS, shelling, and renewed fighting. ✍️ Matt Broomfield
www.theamargi.com/posts/on-the...
www.theamargi.com/posts/on-the...
US-Iran indirect talks ended in Geneva on 17 Feb with Iran citing agreed “guiding principles”, but no public US readout and heavy military signalling on both sides, from carrier deployments to drills near the Strait of Hormuz. ✍️ Sara Kermanian
www.theamargi.com/posts/geneva...
www.theamargi.com/posts/geneva...
Geneva Nuclear Talks End on Mixed Notes Amid Military Posturing
The second round of indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States concluded on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland, after three to four hours of talks held at the Omani…
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February 18, 2026 at 4:00 PM
US-Iran indirect talks ended in Geneva on 17 Feb with Iran citing agreed “guiding principles”, but no public US readout and heavy military signalling on both sides, from carrier deployments to drills near the Strait of Hormuz. ✍️ Sara Kermanian
www.theamargi.com/posts/geneva...
www.theamargi.com/posts/geneva...
DEM says Abdullah Öcalan warned that framing Turkey’s Kurdish question as “eliminating terrorism” could create political deadlock, arguing the next phase should focus on rights, democratic inclusion, and local governance. ✍️ Serap Güneş
www.theamargi.com/posts/pkk-le...
www.theamargi.com/posts/pkk-le...
PKK Leader Abdullah Ocalan Warns Against “Terrorism” Framing in Peace Process
Imprisoned Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Ocalan, has outlined his vision for the next phase of the Kurdish peace process, emphasizing that framing the Kurdish question in Turkey as…
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February 18, 2026 at 3:51 PM
DEM says Abdullah Öcalan warned that framing Turkey’s Kurdish question as “eliminating terrorism” could create political deadlock, arguing the next phase should focus on rights, democratic inclusion, and local governance. ✍️ Serap Güneş
www.theamargi.com/posts/pkk-le...
www.theamargi.com/posts/pkk-le...
#Exclusive | Rojava’s Future in Syria?
Ilham Ahmed speaks to The Amargi’s Kamal Chomani as negotiations between AANES and Damascus enter a decisive phase. Can Kurdish rights, decentralization, and women’s political gains be secured within a unified Syrian state?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7Es...
Ilham Ahmed speaks to The Amargi’s Kamal Chomani as negotiations between AANES and Damascus enter a decisive phase. Can Kurdish rights, decentralization, and women’s political gains be secured within a unified Syrian state?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7Es...
Rojava’s Future in Syria? Ilham Ahmed on Decentralization, Women’s Rights & Guarantees
On the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, The Amargi’s Kamal Chomani speaks with Ilham Ahmed, Co-Chair of the Foreign Relations Department of the Autonomous Administration of North and East…
www.youtube.com
February 18, 2026 at 3:35 PM
#Exclusive | Rojava’s Future in Syria?
Ilham Ahmed speaks to The Amargi’s Kamal Chomani as negotiations between AANES and Damascus enter a decisive phase. Can Kurdish rights, decentralization, and women’s political gains be secured within a unified Syrian state?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7Es...
Ilham Ahmed speaks to The Amargi’s Kamal Chomani as negotiations between AANES and Damascus enter a decisive phase. Can Kurdish rights, decentralization, and women’s political gains be secured within a unified Syrian state?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7Es...
A joint statement signed by prominent academics and public figures urges governments to protect Rojava and recognise DAANES, warning the project is at risk amid renewed fighting and siege conditions around Kobane.
www.theamargi.com/posts/renown...
www.theamargi.com/posts/renown...
Renowned Global Intellectuals Call to Defend Rojava’s Democratic Experiment
A group of prominent world intellectuals, academics, activists and public figures have issued a joint statement urging governments and civil society to defend Rojava, the Democratic Autonomous…
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February 18, 2026 at 3:17 PM
A joint statement signed by prominent academics and public figures urges governments to protect Rojava and recognise DAANES, warning the project is at risk amid renewed fighting and siege conditions around Kobane.
www.theamargi.com/posts/renown...
www.theamargi.com/posts/renown...
DEM says a new “democratic integration” phase has begun in Turkey’s Kurdish peace process after its İmralı Delegation met Abdullah Öcalan on 16 Feb. A parliamentary commission debates its draft report on 18 Feb. ✍️ Serap Güneş
www.theamargi.com/posts/dem-pa...
www.theamargi.com/posts/dem-pa...
DEM Party Announces ‘Democratic Integration’ Phase in Kurdish Peace Process Following Öcalan Meeting
Turkey’s pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party has declared the start of a new “democratic integration” phase in the ongoing Kurdish peace process, following a key meeting between…
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February 18, 2026 at 10:31 AM
DEM says a new “democratic integration” phase has begun in Turkey’s Kurdish peace process after its İmralı Delegation met Abdullah Öcalan on 16 Feb. A parliamentary commission debates its draft report on 18 Feb. ✍️ Serap Güneş
www.theamargi.com/posts/dem-pa...
www.theamargi.com/posts/dem-pa...
Iranian Kurdish coalition talks hit a pause after 2 parties declined to sign a draft to formalise the Dialogue Centre. 5 parties backed it; leaders meet again soon to decide next steps. ✍️ Rojin Mûkrîyan and Kawe Fatehi
www.theamargi.com/posts/irania...
www.theamargi.com/posts/irania...
Iranian Kurdish Parties Delay Landmark Coalition Agreement
This article has been co-authored by Rojin Mûkrîyan and Kawe Fatehi Two Iranian Kurdish political parties have rejected a proposed draft aimed at transforming the existing joint front Dialogue Centre…
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February 17, 2026 at 8:10 PM
Iranian Kurdish coalition talks hit a pause after 2 parties declined to sign a draft to formalise the Dialogue Centre. 5 parties backed it; leaders meet again soon to decide next steps. ✍️ Rojin Mûkrîyan and Kawe Fatehi
www.theamargi.com/posts/irania...
www.theamargi.com/posts/irania...
From 1979 to today, Iranian protest language keeps returning to mythic figures such as Zahhak, Yazid, Newroz, and Ashura. This piece argues myths can mobilise, but also risk replacing one saviour story with another. ✍️ Mahtab Mahboub and Jîl Şwanî
www.theamargi.com/posts/how-my...
www.theamargi.com/posts/how-my...
How Mythology Shapes Revolution in Iran
This article was co-authored by Mahtab Mahboub and Jîl Şwanî Within both Persian and Kurdish framings of the 1979 Revolution and the current uprisings, a similar pattern is emerging: the use of…
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February 17, 2026 at 7:10 PM
From 1979 to today, Iranian protest language keeps returning to mythic figures such as Zahhak, Yazid, Newroz, and Ashura. This piece argues myths can mobilise, but also risk replacing one saviour story with another. ✍️ Mahtab Mahboub and Jîl Şwanî
www.theamargi.com/posts/how-my...
www.theamargi.com/posts/how-my...
In a timely interview, Scott Lucas speaks to The Amargi’s Rojîn Mûkrîyan as Iran and the United States resume nuclear talks in Muscat. As tensions linger after recent regional escalation, we ask: can diplomacy still prevent a wider conflict? Watch the full exchange in the comments👇
February 17, 2026 at 6:06 PM
In a timely interview, Scott Lucas speaks to The Amargi’s Rojîn Mûkrîyan as Iran and the United States resume nuclear talks in Muscat. As tensions linger after recent regional escalation, we ask: can diplomacy still prevent a wider conflict? Watch the full exchange in the comments👇
Displaced Afrin families may soon begin returning under the Jan 29 SDF Damascus agreement. A first phase of 400 to 500 families is planned for Jindires, Mabata, and Sheikh Hadid, with UN coordination and promised monitoring. Story by Abbas Abbas
www.theamargi.com/posts/displa...
www.theamargi.com/posts/displa...
Displaced Families Prepare to Return to Afrin
Qamishlo – The first group of displaced persons from Afrin are set to return to their homes, as part of the agreement signed on January 29 between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Syrian…
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February 17, 2026 at 5:34 PM
Displaced Afrin families may soon begin returning under the Jan 29 SDF Damascus agreement. A first phase of 400 to 500 families is planned for Jindires, Mabata, and Sheikh Hadid, with UN coordination and promised monitoring. Story by Abbas Abbas
www.theamargi.com/posts/displa...
www.theamargi.com/posts/displa...
20 days after the Jan 29 Syria-SDF deal, security integration is moving in Hasakah and Qamishlo, but Kobane’s siege and key provisions still lag. Returns to Afrin may begin soon, while Damascus pushes to take over resources ✍️ Eve Morris-Gray
www.theamargi.com/posts/20-day...
www.theamargi.com/posts/20-day...
20 Days In: Key Milestones in the Syria-SDF Integration Process
Fierce fighting in North and East Syria (NES) was brought to an end on January 29, when the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) reached a new agreement with Damascus, outlining the military, security and…
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February 17, 2026 at 4:00 PM
20 days after the Jan 29 Syria-SDF deal, security integration is moving in Hasakah and Qamishlo, but Kobane’s siege and key provisions still lag. Returns to Afrin may begin soon, while Damascus pushes to take over resources ✍️ Eve Morris-Gray
www.theamargi.com/posts/20-day...
www.theamargi.com/posts/20-day...
After 14 months of paralysis, KDP and PUK leaders met on 11 Feb 2026 to discuss a “Political Council” to break the deadlock on cabinet formation and parliament. Supporters call it coordination, critics warn it could sideline institutions. ✍️ Farman Rashad
www.theamargi.com/posts/can-a-...
www.theamargi.com/posts/can-a-...
Can a Political Council Break Kurdistan’s Year-Long Deadlock?
Following 14 months of parliamentary paralysis and a continuous stalemate in forming the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) tenth cabinet, a high-stakes meeting between the ruling PUK and KDP…
www.theamargi.com
February 17, 2026 at 3:10 PM
After 14 months of paralysis, KDP and PUK leaders met on 11 Feb 2026 to discuss a “Political Council” to break the deadlock on cabinet formation and parliament. Supporters call it coordination, critics warn it could sideline institutions. ✍️ Farman Rashad
www.theamargi.com/posts/can-a-...
www.theamargi.com/posts/can-a-...
Akbelen’s vigil grew into a national eco-resistance, led largely by local women and met with police intervention. Activists warn fast-track expropriation now targets olive groves and livelihoods. ✍️ Şilan Bingöl
www.theamargi.com/posts/akbele...
www.theamargi.com/posts/akbele...
Akbelen Eco-Resistance Against Fast-Track Expropriation in Turkey
The 2021 protests against Cengiz Holding’s mining projects in Akbelen Forest (İkizköy, Muğla) and the İşkencedere Valley (İkizdere, Rize) united environmental movements from across Turkey. Rights…
www.theamargi.com
February 17, 2026 at 1:21 PM
Akbelen’s vigil grew into a national eco-resistance, led largely by local women and met with police intervention. Activists warn fast-track expropriation now targets olive groves and livelihoods. ✍️ Şilan Bingöl
www.theamargi.com/posts/akbele...
www.theamargi.com/posts/akbele...
SDF's Mazloum Abdi spoke to The Amargi's Kamal Chomani in Munich as talks resume on integrating SDF units into Syria’s army after the January 29 ceasefire agreement. He admits miscalculations, and argues that Kurdish unity matters as much as military wins.
www.theamargi.com/posts/the-am...
www.theamargi.com/posts/the-am...
[The Amargi Exclusive] General Mazloum Abdi: Did Munich Change Syria’s Future?
Translated and edited by Justus Johannsen On the final day of the Munich Security Conference, I sat down with General Mazloum Abdi, Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). His…
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February 17, 2026 at 12:12 PM
SDF's Mazloum Abdi spoke to The Amargi's Kamal Chomani in Munich as talks resume on integrating SDF units into Syria’s army after the January 29 ceasefire agreement. He admits miscalculations, and argues that Kurdish unity matters as much as military wins.
www.theamargi.com/posts/the-am...
www.theamargi.com/posts/the-am...
#EXCLUSIVE: Is the era of Rojava evolving or ending?
General Mazloum Abdi speaks to The Amargi's Kamal Chomani regarding the decentralization roadmap and the future of SDF. We ask: Is Kurdish identity finally secure in the new Syria?
Full interview in comments👇
General Mazloum Abdi speaks to The Amargi's Kamal Chomani regarding the decentralization roadmap and the future of SDF. We ask: Is Kurdish identity finally secure in the new Syria?
Full interview in comments👇
February 16, 2026 at 8:45 PM
#EXCLUSIVE: Is the era of Rojava evolving or ending?
General Mazloum Abdi speaks to The Amargi's Kamal Chomani regarding the decentralization roadmap and the future of SDF. We ask: Is Kurdish identity finally secure in the new Syria?
Full interview in comments👇
General Mazloum Abdi speaks to The Amargi's Kamal Chomani regarding the decentralization roadmap and the future of SDF. We ask: Is Kurdish identity finally secure in the new Syria?
Full interview in comments👇
Munich hosted rival Iranian opposition rallies during the Security Conference, one aligned with Reza Pahlavi and another with NCRI/MEK, rejecting both monarchy and the Islamic Republic. Story by Mahtab Mahboub
www.theamargi.com/posts/munich...
www.theamargi.com/posts/munich...
Munich Becomes a Battleground For Iran’s Future
At the Munich Security Conference, rival visions for Iran’s political future clashed beyond the country’s borders, turning a diplomatic forum into a stage for competing claims to legitimacy and…
www.theamargi.com
February 16, 2026 at 5:39 PM
Munich hosted rival Iranian opposition rallies during the Security Conference, one aligned with Reza Pahlavi and another with NCRI/MEK, rejecting both monarchy and the Islamic Republic. Story by Mahtab Mahboub
www.theamargi.com/posts/munich...
www.theamargi.com/posts/munich...
After Iran’s 1979 revolution, Kurdish councils and civil society briefly filled the vacuum in Rojhilat. By August, Khomeini’s jihad fatwa triggered sieges, massacres, and executions, pushing resistance underground. ✍️ Kawe Fatehi
www.theamargi.com/posts/resist...
www.theamargi.com/posts/resist...
Resistance and Repression in 1979 Iranian Kurdistan: Chronology
February 1979 High Hopes for Autonomy On February 11, 1979, Iran’s Shah regime collapsed. Islamist revolutionary forces entered government, but central state authority was weakened. In the power…
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February 16, 2026 at 4:00 PM
After Iran’s 1979 revolution, Kurdish councils and civil society briefly filled the vacuum in Rojhilat. By August, Khomeini’s jihad fatwa triggered sieges, massacres, and executions, pushing resistance underground. ✍️ Kawe Fatehi
www.theamargi.com/posts/resist...
www.theamargi.com/posts/resist...
Tehran's revolution anniversary brought fireworks and chants of "Death to the dictator," a reminder that 1979's unfinished tensions, from oil-funded inequality to SAVAK repression and clerical exile, haven't gone anywhere. Story by Mahtab Mahboub
www.theamargi.com/posts/roots-...
www.theamargi.com/posts/roots-...
Roots of Iran’s 1979 Revolution
As the anniversary of Iran’s 1979 Revolution is commemorated, the moment invites a closer look at the deeper forces that brought down the Shah and reshaped the country’s political order.
www.theamargi.com
February 16, 2026 at 3:52 PM
Tehran's revolution anniversary brought fireworks and chants of "Death to the dictator," a reminder that 1979's unfinished tensions, from oil-funded inequality to SAVAK repression and clerical exile, haven't gone anywhere. Story by Mahtab Mahboub
www.theamargi.com/posts/roots-...
www.theamargi.com/posts/roots-...
As the US withdraws from Syria, the shift away from the SDF is exposing gaps, from breaches at al-Hol to reported prison escapes in Shaddadi, while the UN estimates ISIS still has around 3,000 militants in Syria and Iraq. Story by Justus Johannsen
www.theamargi.com/posts/isis-r...
www.theamargi.com/posts/isis-r...
ISIS Resurgence Looms as Syria Transitions Away from SDF Partnership
As alliances shift in northeast Syria, the structures that once contained jihadist networks are weakening, raising urgent questions about who now holds the line against renewed militancy.
www.theamargi.com
February 16, 2026 at 2:49 PM
As the US withdraws from Syria, the shift away from the SDF is exposing gaps, from breaches at al-Hol to reported prison escapes in Shaddadi, while the UN estimates ISIS still has around 3,000 militants in Syria and Iraq. Story by Justus Johannsen
www.theamargi.com/posts/isis-r...
www.theamargi.com/posts/isis-r...
Stay tuned for two exclusive interviews with Mazloum Abdi, the commander-in-chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces, and Ilham Ahmed, co-chair of the Syrian Democratic Council, conducted in Munich during the 62nd Munich Security Conference by The Amargi’s Kamal Chomani.
February 15, 2026 at 6:54 PM
Stay tuned for two exclusive interviews with Mazloum Abdi, the commander-in-chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces, and Ilham Ahmed, co-chair of the Syrian Democratic Council, conducted in Munich during the 62nd Munich Security Conference by The Amargi’s Kamal Chomani.
A school building in Qamishli is now a shelter, part of a wider crisis after renewed fighting in northern Syria. Isabel Krokat follows a family that has been displaced four times since Afrin in 2018, facing winter, poverty, and disrupted schooling.
www.theamargi.com/posts/four-t...
www.theamargi.com/posts/four-t...
Four times Displaced: A Kurdish Family’s Struggle for Safety in the Wake of War
In the heart of Qamishli, directly across from the city library, stands the Reverberiya Dibistanên Qamişlo, the school administration building of the city. Normally, this building would coordinate…
www.theamargi.com
February 15, 2026 at 8:49 AM
A school building in Qamishli is now a shelter, part of a wider crisis after renewed fighting in northern Syria. Isabel Krokat follows a family that has been displaced four times since Afrin in 2018, facing winter, poverty, and disrupted schooling.
www.theamargi.com/posts/four-t...
www.theamargi.com/posts/four-t...
Iran’s crackdown relies on targeted shooting, intimidation, & coercive control, backed by courts, media, & digital surveillance. Rights groups cited a report of 5,002 confirmed deaths and 26,852 arrests, with minority regions hit hardest. ✍️ Kawe Fatehi
www.theamargi.com/posts/irans-...
www.theamargi.com/posts/irans-...
Iran’s Protest Crackdown Relies on Targeted Force and Intimidation, Says Sociologist
Iranian authorities have responded to recent protests with a coordinated strategy of “targeted shooting, intimidation and coercive control,” sociologists and human rights advocates monitoring the…
www.theamargi.com
February 14, 2026 at 8:38 PM
Iran’s crackdown relies on targeted shooting, intimidation, & coercive control, backed by courts, media, & digital surveillance. Rights groups cited a report of 5,002 confirmed deaths and 26,852 arrests, with minority regions hit hardest. ✍️ Kawe Fatehi
www.theamargi.com/posts/irans-...
www.theamargi.com/posts/irans-...
Bamo Nouri argues that Kurdish foreign policy has relied on patronage over doctrine, misreading American power as a stable commitment. In a post-liberal order, he says agency requires unity, leverage, and independent knowledge institutions.
www.theamargi.com/posts/rethin...
www.theamargi.com/posts/rethin...
Rethinking Kurdish Foreign Policy Through the American Experience
For over a century, Kurdish foreign policy has been shaped less by strategic choice and more by structural vulnerability. Stateless, fragmented, and encircled by hostile powers, Kurdish leaders…
www.theamargi.com
February 14, 2026 at 7:17 PM
Bamo Nouri argues that Kurdish foreign policy has relied on patronage over doctrine, misreading American power as a stable commitment. In a post-liberal order, he says agency requires unity, leverage, and independent knowledge institutions.
www.theamargi.com/posts/rethin...
www.theamargi.com/posts/rethin...