KRG Mourns the Passing of Longtime Ally Stafford Clarry
Clarry, originally from Hawaii, United State, played a pivotal role in humanitarian affairs in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani on Saturday expressed heartfelt condolences over the death of Stafford Clarry, a prominent humanitarian advisor and staunch supporter of the Kurdish cause, who passed away on Friday.
“It was with sadness that I learned of the death of Mr. Stafford Clarry, a great friend of Kurdistan. I extend my deepest condolences to his family, and friends in the United States and Kurdistan,” President Barzani stated in a post on X.
It was with sadness that I learned of the death of Mr. Stafford Clarry, a great friend of Kurdistan. I extend my deepest condolences to his family, and friends in the United States and Kurdistan.
— Nechirvan Barzani (@IKRPresident) May 24, 2025
Mr. Clarry served in positions with significant contributions to the Kurdistan…
Clarry, originally from Hawaii, played a pivotal role in humanitarian affairs in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. He served as a senior advisor to the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and was notably the first director of Erbil International Airport, contributing to the region’s post-conflict infrastructure and civilian recovery.
He previously headed the United Nations’ Oil-for-Food program in Iraq, which was established under UN Security Council Resolution 986. The initiative allowed Iraq to sell oil in exchange for humanitarian goods during the sanctions era following the invasion of Kuwait—an assignment that placed him at the heart of international relief operations in a critical period for the Iraqi people.
A Life Committed to Humanitarian Service
Throughout his years of service, Clarry remained a vocal advocate for Kurdistan’s development and a steadfast friend to the Kurdish people. His enduring commitment to the region earned him widespread respect across both diplomatic and civil society circles.
Safeen Dizayee, head of the KRG’s Department of Foreign Relations, also commemorated Clarry’s enduring legacy. In a tribute posted on X, Dizayee wrote:
“Deeply saddened by the passing of Stafford Clarry, a great friend from Hawaii and a longtime supporter of Kurdistan.
My condolences to his family and loved ones. His contributions and affection for our people will never be forgotten.
Kurdistan will always remember him. RIP.”
Deeply saddened by the passing of #StaffordClarry, a great friend from Hawaii and a longtime supporter of Kurdistan.
— Safeen Dizayee (@SafeenDizayee) May 24, 2025
My condolences to his family and loved ones. His contributions and affection for our people will never be forgotten.
Kurdistan will always remember him. RIP pic.twitter.com/AnhUuWTC9u
