"Iranian Strikes in Kurdistan: Dangerous Escalation Raises Regional Security Concerns
January 17, 2024, 11:24 pm

Shiyar Khalil

The Kurdistan region is currently experiencing heightened tension and concern following a ballistic missile attack carried out by Iranian Revolutionary Guard militias. Claiming that the attack, which resulted in casualties, including children, targeted an Israeli intelligence center in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, Iran's escalation occurs amidst rising regional tensions. Iran seeks to assert its influence and dominance over the area through unfounded allegations.

Not surprisingly, Iran once again alleged that its targeting of Kurdistan was aimed at activities conducted by Mossad in the region. However, this claim lacks any information, source, or evidence that can be verified, serving as a usual pretext Iran employs to destabilize the Kurdish region. Iran has previously compared Kurdistan to Israel, justifying aggression and interference in Iraqi affairs. The Iranian attack targeted residential neighborhoods, claiming civilian lives, including children.

In any case, Iranian attacks on Kurdistan are linked to settling political scores with the Kurds, especially after their success in local elections in Kirkuk. The Iraqi government's decision to reach an agreement with the Kurdish region on the general budget and recent positive developments in the relationship between Kurdistan and the Iraqi central government add to Iran's unease. Other reasons include pacifying the Iranian street after the attack on Kerman in Iran and the Iranian government's inability to handle the various issues it claims to champion, whether domestically or abroad, including Palestine and other matters.

The Kurdistan Democratic Party achieved a significant victory in the local council elections in Nineveh. The formation of local administration and the appointment of the governor now involve Kurds and Sunnis, the vast majority in the province. This Kurdish and Iraqi shift to regain administrative and economic control over the Nineveh region, including Mosul, is an additional factor Iran tries to exploit to undermine stability in the region. Iran seeks to impose compromise solutions, allowing it to appoint a governor for Nineveh, to maintain its control over the border with Syria and continue controlling resources in areas recently liberated from ISIS, living under the influence of Iranian militias.

Iran's violent behavior and continuous aggression against Kurdistan raise concerns about regional security and complicate the humanitarian situation in Kurdistan. The international community must intervene to ensure the rights and protection of Kurds from unjustified Iranian military escalation.

Escalating Side Conflicts in the Kurdistan Region:

In addition to military strikes, Kurdistan is witnessing a different form of escalation by Iran. It seeks to escalate side conflicts to destabilize the region and fuel tensions. This strategy relies on igniting ethnic and religious conflicts to influence political and security orientations in Kurdistan.

Kurds' Non-Involvement in Regional Policies:

Despite Iran's involvement in ongoing conflicts in the region, Kurds distance themselves from regional policies marked by escalation and tension. Kurds emphasize their independence and uniqueness as a culture and identity, refusing to engage in conflicts promoted by others. This stance reflects the Kurds' desire to maintain the safety of their region and focus on its development.

Impact of Escalation on Development in the Kurdistan Region:

These Iranian movements come in the context of hindering economic and political development in Kurdistan. Kurds suffer from limited trade in goods and economic instability due to continuous instability and security threats. The Iranian escalation adds extra pressure to the challenges faced by the Kurdistan Region, hindering its efforts to achieve economic and political progress.

Protecting the Kurdish Cause and Everyone's Responsibility:

It is clear that the Kurds hold rights and a history that deserves recognition and protection. Baghdad and the Iraqi government must take the lead in protecting this region from any external aggression. With Iran's hostile escalation and continuous threats, Baghdad bears full responsibility for protecting the Kurds and maintaining the region's safety. Neighboring countries, especially those sharing borders with the Kurdistan Region, must stand by the Kurdish people against security and economic challenges. They should bear their responsibilities in stopping Iranian escalation and ensuring the safety of the Kurdish people. Through cooperation and collaboration, a future based on peace and peaceful coexistence can be built.

In the urgent need for diplomatic solutions and the commitment of the world's nations to the rights and needs of the Kurds, the Kurdish situation remains a challenge requiring international intervention. The international community must intensify efforts to ensure the protection of Kurds and the people living in the region and provide the necessary support to achieve peace and justice in the area.

On its part, Iran must understand that its advances in invasion and interference in the affairs of neighboring countries constitute a violation of international laws, endangering the stability of the region. The international community should urge Iran to understand and commit to the rights of people, refraining from any escalation that could lead to further tensions.

In conclusion, seeking dialogue and cooperation among the involved parties remains the only way to achieve lasting stability and justice in the region. Committing to international laws and values that preserve the sovereignty and rights of nations is crucial to maintaining stability, security, and safety in the Kurdistan Region."

-By: Shiyar khaleal - levant news

In the absence of official representation, Lebanese feminists use digital tools to speak out Access Center for Human Rights

BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.