US Envoy Lauds Meeting with Masoud Barzani

WASHINGTON DC, United States (Kurdistan 24) – The long-time Kurdish leader, Masoud Barzani, now head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), paid his first visit in nearly six years to Baghdad on Wednesday and Thursday.

During his two-day trip, Barzani held an extensive series of meetings with the major figures and groups in Iraqi politics, both Sunni and Shi’ite, as well as with senior figures from the embassies of 15 countries. 

Barzani’s meetings with foreign envoys included individual meetings with ambassadors from seven countries: the U.S., U.K., France, China, Russia, Iran, and Turkey. In addition, he met with eight Arab envoys in a group meeting: Kuwait, Qatar, Egypt, Bahrain, Oman, and UAE ambassadors, as well as the Jordanian and Saudi Charges d’Affaires.

An informed source advised Kurdistan 24 about Barzani’s agenda in Baghdad.

One key issue was to emphasize the importance of a continued U.S. military presence in Iraq. No one wants to repeat what happened after President Barack Obama’s premature withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq in 2011. That was followed by the emergence of ISIS—and Obama was obliged to correct his mistake and send U.S. troops back to Iraq.

ISIS remains a threat, and it could re-emerge. The pro-Iranian militias represent another threat, particularly those that might entangle Iraq in the conflict with Israel. Indeed, the so-called “Islamic Resistance in Iraq '' has threatened to attack Israel, if Israel should launch a major assault against Hizbollah in Lebanon.

Read More: Radical Iraqi militia threatens to expand operations amid Israeli-Lebanese tensions

Thus, helping to ensure that Iraq remains outside of the conflict with Israel was another important issue in Barzani’s discussions. If Iraq were to get entangled in that war, it would be quite bad for the country and its stability.

Barzani’s meetings also dealt with domestic issues. Above all, he focused on consolidating the improving ties between Erbil and Baghdad.

The large number and broad scope of Barzani’s meetings in his brief trip reflect the high regard in which he is held, both within Iraq and internationally.

Alina Romanowski’s Meeting with Masoud Barzani

The U.S. ambassador to Iraq, Alina Romanowski, tweeted, “Always a pleasure to meet with KDP President Masoud and discuss our important relationship,” following their meeting on Wednesday.

“Talked about the regional situation and continued U.S. engagement in the IKR [Iraqi Kurdistan Region],” she continued, “and our support for free and fair IKR elections on October 20.”

Always a pleasure to meet with KDP President Masoud and discuss our important relationship. Talked about the regional situation and continued U.S. engagement in the IKR, and our support for free and fair IKR elections on October 20.

— Ambassador Alina L. Romanowski (@USAmbIraq) July 4, 2024

Barzan Headquarters similarly issued a statement about the meeting. It explained that Barzani’s trip was prompted by a positive shift in the willingness of Iraqi officials to resolve long-standing issues, adhere to the constitution, and foster a constructive atmosphere in Baghdad.

Barzani also stressed that the presence of U.S. and other Coalition forces is a national issue transcending party lines, vital to ensuring Iraq's stability and promoting its national interests.

Read More: KDP President Masoud Barzani meets with US Ambassador to Iraq