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Many European soccer teams are owned by Gulf states. But why?

MENASource Apr 4, 2022

Many European soccer teams are owned by Gulf states. But why?

By Hezha Barzani

With a lucrative and rapidly growing European soccer market, it’s safe to say that Gulf nations will continue to invest in the beautiful game and reap benefits economically and socially.
Middle East Politics & Diplomacy
My family was part of the US evacuation of Kurds in 1996. The US must do the same for Afghans.

MENASource Aug 23, 2021

My family was part of the US evacuation of Kurds in 1996. The US must do the same for Afghans.

By Hezha Barzani

The US has the means and know-how to save Afghan lives with air evacuations as they have done previously through Operation Pacific Haven in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and other campaigns, like Operation New Life in Vietnam during 1975 and Operation Open Arms in Kosovo during 1999.
Afghanistan Iraq
An “illiterate generation”—one of Iraq’s untold pandemic stories

MENASource Jul 26, 2021

An “illiterate generation”—one of Iraq’s untold pandemic stories

By Hezha Barzani

The devastating impacts of COVID-19, coupled with years of spillover effects of violent conflict and extremism, have already proved to be detrimental to students whose education and future career ambitions already receive limited attention.

Education Iraq

Events

Public Event Mon, March 20, 2023 • 9:00 am ET

Trajectories of Iraqi youth two decades after the 2003 Invasion
Economy & Business Energy & Environment Iraq Middle East

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IranSource

Sep 28, 2023

Ronaldo’s visit to Iran was a temporary reprieve from the realities on the ground

By Hezha Barzani

The timing of the match is what stood out the most, as it took place two days after the one-year anniversary of the anti-establishment protests.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Jun 14, 2023

How the Saudi Pro League transformed from being unknown to inescapable

By Hezha Barzani

Saudi Arabia is levying its soccer investments both at home and abroad as its main push to make a bigger splash in the international sports world; but it’s not stopping at soccer.

Economy & Business Middle East

Event Recap

Mar 24, 2023

Trajectories of Iraqi youth two decades after the 2003 invasion: Between aspirations and reality

By Britt Gronemeyer

On March 20, 2023, the Atlantic Council’s Iraq Initiative hosted a discussion with a number of young Iraqi civil society activists and prospective leaders to reflect on the 20th anniversary of the 2003 Iraq invasion.

Economy & Business Education
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Hezha Barzani is an assistant director at the Atlantic Council’s empowerME Initiative. He holds an undergraduate degree from Virginia Commonwealth University where he double majored in international relations and homeland security. He has interned at the US House of Representative’s Foreign Affairs Committee; at the US Consulate General in Erbil, Iraq; for US Representative Susan Wild (D-PA-7); at the Wilson Center; and at the Kurdistan Regional Government Representation in the United States.