Hoshyar Zebari Criticizes Injustice Towards Kurdish Salaries, Highlights Political Challenges in Iraq and Syria

Jan. 20, 2025

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In an interview with Dijla Channel, member of the Administrative Committee of the Political Bureau of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and former Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari highlighted key domestic and regional issues, critiquing the lack of fairness in holding Kurds accountable for salaries while ignoring billions stolen from the state.

Zebari also examined Iraq’s political dynamics, Kurdish relations with Baghdad, and the challenges facing Syria’s political transition.

Kurdish Salaries and Historical Context

Hoshyar Zebari defended the Kurdistan Region’s employee numbers, saying they are higher than other provinces because of the historical establishment of the Kurdish administrative entity, predating Iraq’s modern political system.

“Holding Kurds accountable for salaries while ignoring stolen billions is illogical,” Zebari remarked, calling for greater equity in Iraq’s financial policies.

Zebari underlined the specificity of the Kurdish entity in Iraq, highlighting its long-standing roots since the British occupation, which have molded its administrative and political framework.

Criticism of Iraq’s Political Dynamics

Zebari took aim at Shiite forces for trying to dominate the political arena following the formation of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF).

He labeled this approach as a "major mistake" that has made difficulties for relations with other political entities.

He also criticized the Coordination Framework, which he described as the central "kitchen" for decision-making in the State Administration Alliance.

Zebari lamented the feeble commitment to political agreements, compelling parties to depend on media channels to voice concerns.

Kurdish Representation in Baghdad

While Zebari acknowledged sustained coordination with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s government, he expressed discontent with the formal, limited nature of Kurdish participation in political decisions.

He highlighted the necessity for Kurds to have a more active and impactful role in shaping Iraq’s governance.

Syrian Political Challenges

Turning to Syria, Zebari cautioned of the challenges facing political transition, describing constitutional reform as the ultimate test.

He expressed concerns about the fate of Kurds in the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, highlighting geographical disconnection among Syrian Kurdish regions as a major impediment to employing a unified regional model.

Zebari also emphasized the PKK’s role as a complicating factor in both Iraq and Syria.

He stated that advice was given to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to distance themselves from the PKK to reinforce their position and prospects for international support.

Formation of the Kurdistan Regional Government

Zebari stated that the formation of the tenth cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) is imminent, with 85% of the political agreement paper completed.

He confirmed that the new government will be coalition-based between the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK).

The KDP’s Strong Position

Zebari commended the KDP for its internal cohesion and strong institutional framework, indicating that the party currently stands out among Iraq’s political entities.

He reiterated that the KDP’s unified approach and solid leadership have reinforced its position both domestically and regionally.

Dialogue as the Path Forward

Recognizing the growing challenges facing Iraq’s political landscape, Zebari underlined the significance of dialogue and consensus to surmount obstacles and ensure stability.

He restated his belief that cooperation among all parties is vital to tackling the country’s urgent issues.

Hoshyar Zebari’s statements present insight into the intricacies of Iraq’s political and financial dynamics, the unique challenges facing Kurds in Iraq and Syria, and the prospects for unity and progress within the Kurdistan Region.

His call for fairness, dialogue, and institutional strength underscores the critical steps needed to navigate Iraq’s evolving political landscape.