Latest from Laurent Perpigna Iban
Iraq’s Fuel Crisis Exposes Its Oil Dependence
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has pushed Iraq into fuel shortages and a fiscal squeeze, while decades of war, corruption and stalled reform have left the country unable to turn its oil wealth into energy security.
Meet the Kurdish Militias Trump and Netanyahu Wanted To Enlist
As Israeli-American strikes pummel Iran, and discussion proliferates over whether Kurdish factions will enter the fight, Iranian Kurdish opposition groups in Iraqi exile are weighing a familiar dilemma: seize a historic opening, or risk being used and abandoned again.
Lebanon Is Still Haunted by Its Last War
Nearly a year after Lebanon’s war with Israel formally ended, the resulting peace feels fragile. Hezbollah faces intense international pressure to disarm, while Israeli strikes continue and fear of renewed conflict is spreading from Beirut’s suburbs to the southern border villages.
The Twisting Path to Syrian Reunification
Despite a landmark agreement between Syria’s new government and Kurdish-led factions, the country remains fractured and vulnerable to jihadist resurgence. Negotiations over security coordination and political integration have stalled amid deep mistrust, while Islamic State group attacks and U.S. pressure increase.