Kurdish Global News Update: February 17, 2026

QAMISHLI / ERBIL / MUNICH – As the dust settles on the 2026 Munich Security Conference, the Kurdish world is grappling with a rapidly changing map. From the closing of the notorious al-Hol camp to the high-stakes political poker in Erbil, today’s headlines highlight a community navigating a "new normal" of integration and uncertainty.

1. The Great Relocation: Al-Hol Camp to Close

In a move that marks the end of a dark chapter in the war on ISIS, the Syrian government has begun the final phase of closing the al-Hol IDP camp in Hasakah.

• The Aleppo Pipeline: Residents are being transferred to Akhtarin camp in northern Aleppo. Syrian and Iraqi officials confirmed today that a deal reached on Feb 14 will also see the remaining Iraqi population repatriated across the border.

• Security Concerns: The UN remains on high alert following reports that over 10,000 residents escaped during the chaotic six-hour window between the SDF withdrawal and the Syrian Army’s arrival on January 20. There are fears that ISIS-affiliated networks may be using the relocation to embed cells in major urban centers like Hama and Damascus.

2. Kobane: A "Dangerous Health Phase"

Despite the overarching "Integration Agreement," the city of Kobane remains a glaring exception to the regional stabilization.

• Health Crisis: Local officials issued a dire warning today, stating the city has entered a "dangerous health phase." The 28-day siege has forced residents to rely on contaminated wells, leading to a massive outbreak of waterborne illnesses.

• The "Rubio Trilateral": In Bratislava, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described a recent trilateral meeting between the U.S., SDF, and the Syrian government as "historic." However, for those in Kobane, these high-level talks have yet to translate into the restoration of power or water.

3. Iraqi Kurdistan: The "Amedi" Nomination?

In Erbil, the political deadlock between the KDP and PUK is showing its first real signs of movement, though a final breakthrough remains elusive.

• Presidential Candidate: Reports surfaced today that the two parties may have finally agreed on Nizar Amedi as a joint candidate for the Iraqi Presidency. While not yet officially confirmed by party leadership, the news has sparked "cautious optimism" across the KRI.

• Economic Pivot: Amidst the political fog, the KRG is leaning into economic diversification. The Kurdistan Tourism Council was officially launched today in Erbil, aiming to position the region as a hub for investment and travel to offset fluctuating oil revenues.

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4. Turkey: The "Terror-Free" Initiative

In Ankara, the political discourse regarding the "Kurdish Question" is taking an unusual turn.

• Disarmament Talks: The MHP (Nationalist Movement Party) insisted today that their "terror-free Türkiye" initiative is not a "bargain" but a push for total disarmament.

• The Öcalan Factor: Following the PKK’s move to start burning weapons in northern Iraq last year—a response to Abdullah Öcalan’s historic call—Turkish officials are walking a tightrope between strengthening "Turkish-Kurdish unity" and maintaining a hardline stance against any form of political autonomy.

Daily Snapshot

Location	Current Status	Key Narrative
Al-Hol	Closing	Mass relocation to Aleppo; 10k escapees still at large.
Kobane	Critical	Siege persists; waterborne illness outbreak reported.
Erbil	Optimistic	Potential deal on Nizar Amedi for Iraqi President.
Ankara	Hardline	MHP pushes for total PKK disarmament without concessions.