Kurdish politician| PM Barzani's Diplomatic Outreach to Washington Strengthens Kurdistan’s Regional Standing
Kurdish politician backs PM Barzani's US diplomacy, stresses salary crisis resolution. Urges KDP-PUK unity, cites President Barzani's regional vision amid Baghdad disputes.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Kurdish political figure Mala Bakhtiyar praised the recent diplomatic initiative of Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani to the United States, describing the visit as a timely and effective move that aligns with the broader geopolitical transformations in the Middle East.
In an interview aired on Wednesday, on Kurdistan24’s Basi Roj program, Bakhtiyar addressed a range of political developments in Baghdad and Erbil, emphasizing the significance of Kurdistan’s diplomacy, the fractured state of Iraqi politics, and the enduring relevance of Kurdish unity.
Diplomatic Momentum
Mala Bakhtiyar affirmed that Prime Minister Barzani’s diplomatic engagement with Washington was “a positive step,” stating: “The Kurdistan Region’s strategic agreements with the United States stem from the broader regional transformations. America officially supports these ties, and the Prime Minister’s diplomatic initiative to Washington was timely and effective.”
He warned, however, that opposition parties should not politicize or sabotage these agreements—particularly those related to energy—stressing: “The capitalist system always renews itself. We must not turn hostility to the energy agreements into a platform for opposition.”
Fragility in Baghdad
Bakhtiyar also addressed the broader challenges facing Iraqi governance, noting the entrenched divisions among Shiite factions: “Shiite blocs have never agreed on appointing a prime minister. In every election, there is conflict over forming the cabinet.”
He questioned Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani’s ability to resolve the disputes between Erbil and Baghdad, especially in light of the Iraqi parliament’s failure to pass the vital oil and gas law, stating: “Sudani cannot settle the Erbil-Baghdad disputes. The unresolved oil and gas law remains a serious concern.”
Misreading the Referendum
Touching on the 2017 Kurdistan independence referendum, Bakhtiyar noted what he sees as a deep misjudgment among Iraqi factions: “Iraqi parties fundamentally misunderstood the referendum. They lack a proper understanding of federalism and are deeply centralist in mindset. Iraq is not prepared for regional change, and the democratic culture is weak.”
Regional Shifts and Kurdish Disadvantage
He pointed to significant geopolitical changes in the region, observing: “These transformations are encouraging and hopeful for the Kurdish people, touching all four parts of Kurdistan. The Kurds must be able to make decisive choices in the context of these developments.”
At the same time, Bakhtiyar cautioned that “Kurds across all parts remain politically unsupported,” calling for greater internal unity and strategic vision.
President Barzani’s Vision and Intra-Kurdish Relations
Reflecting on a past meeting with President Masoud Barzani, Bakhtiyar said: “President Barzani’s worldview regarding the region’s transformations is refined and forward-looking.”
He also voiced support for a rapprochement between the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), stating: “I support reconciliation between the KDP and PUK. It’s unfortunate that the obstacles between the two have not yet been overcome.”
Bakhtiyar, a senior figure in Kurdish politics, added that the current iteration of the PUK is no longer the party of Mam Jalal Talabani, describing the late leader as “a symbol of loyalty and unity.”
He also criticized the Kurdish opposition for not attending the recent political meeting in Pirmam, asserting: “It was necessary for opposition groups to participate in the meeting of parties and political factions. It’s a missed opportunity.”
Mala Bakhtiyar’s comments underscored the Kurdistan Region’s growing diplomatic and political significance amid a changing Middle East. He emphasized the need for stronger Kurdish unity, a realistic approach to federalism in Iraq, and strategic engagement with international partners to ensure the Region’s rights and stability.
