President Barzani and Victoria Taylor Discuss Developments in Syria and Syrian Kurdistan
ARK News.. President Masoud Barzani received Victoria Taylor, former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Iraq and Iran and head of the Iraq Initiative at the Atlantic Council, in Erbil on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
The meeting addressed the current regional situation, Iraq’s political process, and the latest efforts by political parties to form a new Iraqi government, in addition to relations between Erbil and Baghdad. Discussions also covered developments in Syria and Syrian Kurdistan.
Victoria Taylor highlighted President Barzani’s significant role and his sustained efforts through communication with Damascus, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), and the U.S. President’s Special Envoy for Syria to consolidate the ceasefire and promote dialogue as the path to resolving disputes.
She expressed strong appreciation for these efforts. For his part, President Barzani reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening peace and stability in Syria and Western Kurdistan, maintaining the truce and ceasefire between Damascus and the SDF, and ensuring both sides adhere to the terms of their agreement in order to end fighting and tensions.
He stressed that no effort has been spared in this regard, noting that all possible steps have been taken, including mediation between the two parties and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian assistance to those affected.
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U.S. Congressman Joe Wilson Praises President Barzani’s Role in Regional Security
ARK News.. U.S. Congressman Joe Wilson lauded the influential role of President Masoud Barzani in strengthening security and stability across the region.
In statements to the press, Wilson described the Kurdistan Region as a “model and symbol of security and peaceful coexistence amid a turbulent environment,” highlighting its strategic importance in maintaining regional balance.
He also expressed appreciation for the efforts of Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani in this regard.
Regarding Syria, Wilson emphasized the need to enhance cooperation between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Syrian government to achieve a lasting ceasefire agreement. He called for comprehensive coordination that includes all communities and ethnic groups in Syria.
Wilson further noted the U.S. role as a mediator and coordinator in bridging differences and resolving outstanding issues between Damascus and the SDF.
He also voiced concern over instability affecting Syrian communities, particularly Kurds, Druze, and Alawites, stressing the importance of protecting their rights and ensuring their security amid ongoing regional shifts.
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Barzani Charity Foundation Opens Offices Across Syria
ARK News.. Rawaj Haji, a member of the administrative board of the Barzani Charity Foundation, announced on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, that the foundation has opened a network of offices in several regions across Syria and Syrian Kurdistan.
Haji told Ark News that the foundation had completed the legal procedures to establish the new offices and obtained official work licenses from the Syrian government and the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The foundation now operates an extensive field network with official offices in Damascus, Aleppo, Afrin, Hasaka, Qamishlo, Derik, and Amouda, to manage and distribute humanitarian aid effectively.
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Iraq Receives 4,583 ISIS Fighters Transferred from Syria
ARK News.. Iraq has so far taken custody of 4,583 ISIS members detained in Syria, as the U.S. military began transferring them last month.
According to France Press Agency, Saad Ma’an, head of Iraq’s Security Media Cell, stated that these individuals are among up to 7,000 detainees of the group.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced last month the start of their transfer from Syria to Iraq, in a move aimed at ensuring the militants remain in secure detention facilities.
Ma’an previously confirmed that the transfers are being conducted by land and air in coordination with the U.S.-led international coalition, which has been combating ISIS since 2014.
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United Nations: Nearly 160,000 People Remain Displaced in Aleppo, Hasaka, and Raqqa
ARK News.. The United Nations has revealed that tens of thousands of people remain displaced within the provinces of Aleppo, Hasaka, and Raqqa, where they are living under extremely harsh humanitarian conditions.
Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, said on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, that UN teams have observed a noticeable decline in levels of fighting and killings in Syria since the agreement signed on the 30th of last month between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Government of Damascus.
Dujarric noted that despite the relative calm on the ground, nearly 160,000 people remain displaced across Aleppo, Hasaka, and Raqqa provinces, enduring severe humanitarian hardships.
He explained that significant challenges continue to hinder the delivery of aid to the city of Kobani, where water and electricity networks remain completely out of service, and educational activities and school attendance are largely suspended across most areas of the city.
Regarding relief efforts, Dujarric disclosed that 10 humanitarian convoys have so far been dispatched to the cities of Kobani and Qamishlo, comprising 154 trucks loaded with relief supplies. These convoys have assisted approximately 190,000 residents in those areas.
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Masrour Barzani Sends Congratulatory Message to Kurdish Politician Dilan Yashilgoz
ARK News.. Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani has sent a congratulatory message to Kurdish politician Dilan Yashilgoz on the occasion of her appointment as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
In a post published on his official account on the X platform, Barzani said: “I warmly congratulate Dilan Yashilgoz on assuming her duties as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense in the Netherlands.”
Barzani underscored the strength of bilateral relations, adding: “We highly value our relations with the Netherlands and look forward to continuing cooperation and joint coordination between the two sides across various fields.”
Dilan Yashilgoz, a Dutch politician of Kurdish origin, previously served as Minister of Justice and Security and is today regarded as one of the most prominent figures in the new Dutch government.
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Masrour Barzani Announces Launch of “E-Psule” Electronic Services Project
ARK News.. Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani officially announced the launch of the “E-Psule” electronic services project, in the presence of Central Bank of Iraq Governor Ali al-Allaq, along with a large gathering of officials, investors, and business leaders from across Iraq.
During a panel discussion titled “The Digital Journey from Vision to Implementation,” Barzani stated that the E-Psule project represents a major national achievement that goes beyond the Kurdistan Region to serve all of Iraq. He stressed that the primary objective is to simplify procedures for citizens and enhance transparency. Barzani explained that modern economies cannot develop through full reliance on cash payments, making the advancement of digital systems an urgent necessity to create a seamless relationship between citizens, merchants, and the state.
As an incentive measure, the prime minister announced a 20 percent discount on electricity bills for any citizen who settles payments through the E-Psule platform within the next 30 days, taking into account the financial conditions of the population.
Barzani also praised the role of Central Bank Governor Ali Al-Allaq, describing banking reform as a cornerstone of economic development and calling for a stronger role for banks in driving economic growth.
On basic services, the prime minister highlighted the successes of the “Ronaki” (Light) project, confirming that approximately 80 percent of the region’s population now enjoys continuous 24-hour electricity supply. He noted that full coverage across all areas of the Kurdistan Region is expected by next summer.
Barzani pointed to the positive environmental impact of these measures, noting that more than 4,000 private neighborhood generators—previously a major source of air and water pollution—have been phased out. He emphasized that citizens have become partners in managing their energy consumption, with electricity bills now based on individual usage patterns, without government interference in pricing.
In concluding his remarks, the Kurdistan Regional Government prime minister delivered a message of reassurance to citizens, affirming that the government has fulfilled its promises, thereby strengthening mutual trust. He said: “We are at the beginning of a path to develop all sectors. We have ambitious plans for the future of Kurdistan that require everyone’s cooperation and patience. The journey of progress and prosperity has no ceiling.”
E-Psule is a secure digital platform launched by the Kurdistan Regional Government to enable electronic payment of bills and receipts. The platform allows fast and highly secure transactions and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Payments made through the platform are completely free of charge, with no additional fees or commissions imposed on users.
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Syrian Petroleum Company Delegation Inspects Oil Fields in Rmelan and Suwaydiyah
ARK News.. A Syrian media source reported that a delegation from the Syrian Petroleum Company (SPC), accompanied by the Head of Internal Security in Hasaka province, Brigadier General Marwan Al-Ali, conducted a visit on Monday, February 9, 2026, to the Hasaka Fields Directorate, where they met with its management. The visit comes in implementation of the agreement provisions concerning the handover of the Rmelan and Suwaydiyah oil fields to Syrian state institutions.
The delegation held a press conference during which it responded to journalists’ questions regarding the future of the fields, management mechanisms, the possibility of reducing fuel prices after the start of full production, and whether part of the revenues could be allocated to the local area.
The delegation also toured the Awda oil field, part of the Rmelan fields in the countryside of Qamishlo, where they reviewed the status of the fields and listened to the demands of workers.
Deputy Executive Director of the Syrian Petroleum Company, Walid Al-Youssef, stated that the visit included meetings with the staff of the Hasaka Fields Directorate and inspections of several oil fields. He noted that a number of agreements have been concluded with the company, which will contribute to supporting the oil and gas sectors and, consequently, to developing infrastructure in the town of Rmelan.
Al-Youssef emphasized that the Syrian Petroleum Company will retain existing staff in their positions while increasing their salaries, expressing gratitude to the workers in the oil fields for preserving these facilities due to their importance.
Since January 24, 2026, the Syrian Petroleum Company has begun pumping raw gas from the Jibsa fields in Hasaka to the Furuqlus Gas Plant in the countryside of Homs at a pressure of 35 bar, as part of steps aimed at boosting production and securing gas supplies designated for electricity generation.
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President Barzani Meets with the Presidential Body of the Kurdish National Council in Syria
ARK News.. President Masoud Barzani met on Monday, February 9, 2026, in Pirmam, with the Presidential Body of the Kurdish National Council in Syria.
The meeting discussed the political situation and the latest developments in Syria. It also highlighted the need to achieve unity among Kurdish parties in the coming stages, while underscoring the importance of dialogue and consultation to address problems and resolve differences.
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Details of the Phone Call Between President Barzani and the U.S. President’s Envoy for Syria
ARK News.. A phone call took place on Sunday, February 8, 2026, between President Masoud Barzani and Tom Barrack, the envoy of U.S. President Donald Trump for Syria and the United States Ambassador to Turkey.
During the call, the two sides exchanged views on the political situation in the region in general, as well as the latest developments and changes in Syria. They agreed on the importance of continuing all necessary steps to prevent tensions, unrest, and armed conflict, and to work toward achieving peace and consolidating stability in the region.
Both sides also expressed mutual appreciation for the effective roles they have played in advancing peace and stability in the region.
While expressing his appreciation for the role of the United States, President Barzani emphasized the need to maintain and strengthen the ongoing alliance between the people of Kurdistan and the United States.
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