Iraqi Council of Ministers Establishes Joint Committee for Border Crossings, Welcomed by Kurdish Official, 23 NOV

 Iraqi Council of Ministers Establishes Joint Committee for Border Crossings, Welcomed by Kurdish Official, 23 NOV

In a significant development, the Iraqi Council of Ministers has decided to establish a joint committee to scrutinize border crossings operations, a move hailed by a Kurdish regional official in Iraq. The official emphasized the necessity of this decision, asserting the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) vital observations should inform all decisions and directives related to the border crossings.

Rojava Conflict: An Unending Story

The decision comes against the backdrop of the ongoing Rojava conflict, also known as the Rojava Revolution, in northern Syria, a region also known among Kurds as Western Kurdistan or Rojava. The conflict, rooted in the historical repression of Kurds and other ethnic minorities in Syria, has become an integral part of the larger Syrian civil war and the Arab Spring. The strife led to the formation of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) in 2016, a Kurdish-dominated coalition striving to establish a new constitution for the de facto autonomous region.

Implications of the Conflict: A Far-Reaching Impact

The conflict’s implications stretch beyond Syria and have recently manifested in the form of Turkish airstrikes on Iraqi territory. These attacks, specifically targeting the Kurdish region, resulted in the tragic loss of several members of the region’s counterterrorism force and Kurdish Peshmerga forces. The aftermath of these events has escalated the ongoing tensions between Iraq and Turkey, specifically concerning the Kurdish region.

Border Disputes: A Global Phenomenon

Border disputes are not a phenomenon exclusive to the Middle East. A relevant instance can be observed in the recent protocol signing between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan concerning disputed border areas. This agreement aims to resolve ongoing conflicts and clashes, thereby offering an interesting parallel to the formation of the joint committee in Iraq.

Alongside these developments, a six-hour reduction in electricity supply was reported in Penjwen, a town in the Kurdish region of Iraq. The official did not elaborate on the cause or implications of the power cut, leaving room for speculation and concern.

The Iraqi Council of Ministers’ decision to establish a joint committee to review border operations is a promising step forward. It underlines the importance of negotiation and collaboration in addressing territorial disputes and maintaining peace. The Kurdistan Regional Government’s inclusion in these discussions signifies recognition of their essential role in shaping policies and decisions related to border operations. Yet, the situation remains complex, with the Rojava conflict and power cuts in Penjwen adding another layer of intricacy to the already convoluted landscape of Middle Eastern politics.https://bnn.network/politics/iraqi-council-of-ministers-establishes-joint-committee-for-border-crossings-welcomed-by-kurdish-official/