After a temporary hiatus, Minister of Peshmerga Affairs Shorish Ismael is poised to reclaim his position today, following his reinstatement. The development comes as the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) recently distanced Ismael from the ministerial role amidst internal party divisions.

Ismael is expected to be welcomed back to his post by Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani and several other government officials, according to a source from Ismael's office.

His return holds significance at a crucial juncture for the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), which has been actively engaged in efforts to consolidate and centralize the command structure of the Peshmerga forces. Ismael's temporary removal left a gap in the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs during a period when the KRG has intensified endeavors to unify Peshmerga forces under one central command.

The KRG cabinet, in collaboration with the International Coalition Forces, has made substantial progress in ongoing initiatives aimed at reforming, unifying, and institutionalizing the Peshmerga forces. The primary objective of these efforts is to centralize the command of these forces under the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs.

To date, 28 Peshmerga brigades have been successfully unified as part of this comprehensive initiative. The endeavor, overseen by the Coalition Forces and the Ministry of Peshmerga, is reportedly on track to be finalized within the next two years, according to statements from the KRG.

Ismael's reinstatement is anticipated to contribute to the continuity and efficiency of these unification efforts, as the KRG works towards a unified and strengthened Peshmerga force. The political developments surrounding Ismael's return highlight the intricate dynamics within the PUK and the broader efforts of the Kurdistan region to enhance the cohesion of its security apparatus.