Kurdistan has ability to succeed as independent state: US businessman

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – It is an exciting time for Kurdistan’s history and the time for an independent nation is now, according to an American businessman.

Kenneth Abramowitz, a Harvard Business School graduate, spoke to Kurdistan 24 about the Kurdistan Region’s upcoming referendum on independence.

Abramowitz said he was enthusiastic about the future of the Region and was confident the vote was being held at the right time.

“I’m very excited about the future of an independent Kurdistan,” he stated. “It’s been a long time coming.”

The US businessman urged Kurds to “focus on what’s good” for themselves in the hostile Middle East.

Abramowitz added he was certain the Kurds had the means to succeed after voting on independence despite objections from neighboring countries.

An independent Kurdistan will have the “ability to grow an economy, the ability to protect their culture, [and] the ability to protect themselves physically,” he explained.

Regarding their economy, Abramowitz said the Kurdistan Region has always been welcoming to investors from around the world.

“The country has a long tradition of being welcoming to businessmen,” he stated. “With over five million people, it’s enough to attract businessmen from around the world.”

He also pointed to the strength of Kurdish culture and said the people of the Kurdistan Region know "how to protect their culture [and] educate their children.”

Abramowitz mentioned the Kurds’ capability to protect themselves from outside threats such as the Islamic State and other terror organizations.

“Your army is well-tested and can protect Kurdistan,” he said referring to the Peshmerga.

The businessman also mentioned the need to build basic infrastructure so the country can continue to flourish post-independence.

Editing by G.H. Renaud

(Kurdistan 24 team in Washington, DC conducted the interview)