How a volatile 24 hours edged the Middle East to a ceasefire

From an attack on a US air base to a fragile ceasefire

It has been a seismic 24 hours for the volatile Middle East. Tragically, it began with a suicide bombing at a bustling US air base in Iraq, leaving dozens dead and hundreds injured. The attack, claimed by ISIS, sparked fears of widespread regional conflict and renewed global terror concerns. Remarkably, however, amidst the rising international pressure and outcry, we have seen a desperate bid for a diplomatic solution leading to a fragile ceasefire.

The Journey to Ceasefire

The attack on the US air base presented a challenging test for the Biden Administration, pushing it to rethink its previous withdrawal plans and maintain a military presence in the region. The US swiftly launched airstrikes against ISIS targets, aiming to degrade its capabilities and deter future attacks. Simultaneously, the US government urged its allies to exert pressure on the Iraqi government to halt military operations against the Kurds, highlighting the need for a more inclusive governance that accommodates Kurdish interests. These international efforts intensified the debate over Iraq's political future, providing new impetus for a resolution.

Simultaneously, the region's actors played their part in de-escalating the crisis. The Iraqi Prime Minister undertook an ambitious diplomatic initiative, reaching out to the Kurdish leadership and hosting talks with the prominent Kurdish parties, seeking to bridge their differences and find a common ground. Remarkably, these talks bore fruit with the announcement of a provisional agreement that grants the Kurds greater autonomy and resource allocation, enticing them to rejoin the government. The progress further encouraged the Kurds to soften their stance on the disputed territories, paving the way for a comprehensive ceasefire.

A Fragile Peace

While the ceasefire holds, it is important to acknowledge that the underlying tensions have not been resolved. The situation remains fragile and could easily spiral into further violence if not carefully managed. On the heels of this breakthrough, the real challenge lies in upholding the deal and addressing the grievances that have long plagued the region. The ball now passes to the facilitators, the US and the Iraqi government, to find a way to coexist with the Kurds, and the Kurds to capitalize on this opportunity to forge a lasting peace.