'Kurdistan Great Example for Much of the Region,' Constantine Hails Timing of PM Barzani’s U.S. Visit

By Kamaran Aziz

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Tim Constantine, columnist for The Washington Times, described the recent Kurdistan Region–United States gas agreements as a significant development with far-reaching benefits, aligning perfectly with recent high-level U.S. engagement in the Middle East. Speaking to Kurdistan24 on Friday, Constantine stressed the strategic timing of the deal and the powerful message it sends about the strength of U.S.-Kurdistan relations.

"I think this new development is a really good one. The timing is great too," Constantine said. "Of course, with President Trump just being in the region and announcing big deals with the Saudis and with Qatar and with UAE, it's so fitting to have the Prime Minister in Washington signing a big deal."

Constantine emphasized that the attention generated by President Trump’s regional trip magnifies the visibility of the Kurdistan agreement. "America doesn't always focus on what's going on around the rest of the world. But when the President travels to the region... they pay attention. And now that their attention is focused... having the Prime Minister in Washington making another announcement... is perfect timing."

Reflecting on Kurdistan’s appeal to both the U.S. government and private sector, Constantine stated, "Kurdistan is a great example for much of the region. It's stable. It's strong. It has long-term goals... And so I think that's the kind of place that... oil companies want to be doing business with."

He further noted that the U.S.-Kurdistan relationship has deepened steadily since the George W. Bush era. "It's been twenty years since Kurdistan and America have felt a closeness, a good relationship... Erbil has developed and done so well... that boosts the confidence in the private sector."

Constantine asserted that the current U.S. administration under President Trump sees Kurdistan as a model of economic self-reliance and good governance. "President Trump's point of reference for almost everything is business... he admires those places that invest in their own people. When he sees... Kurdistan, I think you have a president who admires that very much."

Drawing an analogy from his time in Africa, Constantine noted how shared regional successes benefit all: "If my neighbor does well, I'm gonna do well... I think it's the same in nation-building... If Iran and Iraq and Kurdistan, if Syria develops... everyone benefits."

He added that President Trump has sought to reach out to traditional adversaries like Iran and Syria with offers of cooperation in return for development and stability. "That’s just a giant step forward... I hope that's the direction we're headed. It sure looks like that's the direction President Trump is trying to go."

On Kurdistan’s broader influence, Constantine remarked, "It’s an example of success... What’s most interesting here is Kurdistan had horrible challenges... but... it has built stability and it has built strength in an economy. So I think they're just a great example."

Speaking personally, Constantine said, "You had disagreements... between Kurdistan and Iraq, but they can be peaceful. They can be political disagreements... I think maybe there's some lessons to be taken from that as Egypt and Qatar and the United States try to cobble together some sort of agreement if Israel will at least listen."

Highlighting President Trump’s prioritization of the Middle East, Constantine pointed out, "He was elected in November, but... sent [a team] to work on a ceasefire proposal before he was even sworn in... It’s very clear that the Middle East region is his number one international priority."

Addressing U.S. military presence, he commented, "You have to really trust someone to put your children there... So I think the military presence that's growing and being fostered is an important one... it's a very, very strong message as to the level of comfort the United States has with Kurdistan."

Constantine also critiqued past U.S. foreign spending habits: "Some of the places we've been spending money are not necessarily close friends... there’s a lot of graft and corruption... President Trump is trying to tighten up the spending... That accrues to the benefit of those places that are our friends... where we see tangible results."

Constantine emphasized that Kurdistan's record of stability and growth enhances U.S. trust and willingness to invest: "When we see things going so well and developing so nicely in Erbil... it brings about a level of comfort that we want to partner and work with Kurdistan."