Withdrawal of Kurds an 'Earthquake That Would Destabilize Iraq,' Says Iraqi Politician
“Their withdrawal from the political process is not merely a retreat,” he continued, “but the collapse of a core pillar of national legitimacy. It would be extremely difficult for Iraq to bear the responsibility of such a decision.”
By Kamaran Aziz
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Iraqi politician Mashaan al-Jubouri issued a stark warning on Saturday, stating that the potential withdrawal of the Kurds from Iraq’s political process would amount to a national political earthquake that could destabilize the entire country.
His statement came as high-level political leaders and representatives of the Kurdistan Region convened in Pirmam under the supervision of the Kurdistan Democratic Party’s (KDP) Executive Committee to forge a united response to Baghdad’s recent financial measures against the Kurdistan Region.
Writing on the social media platform X, al-Jubouri stated, “The withdrawal of the Kurds from Iraq’s political process is not an event that will pass easily; rather, it would be an earthquake that would destabilize Iraq.”
He underlined the central role Kurds played in the post-2003 political transformation of Iraq, noting their instrumental contribution in overthrowing the Baathist regime and supporting the opposition’s efforts to gain international legitimacy.
“Their withdrawal from the political process is not merely a retreat,” he continued, “but the collapse of a core pillar of national legitimacy. It would be extremely difficult for Iraq to bear the responsibility of such a decision.”
In his closing remarks, al-Jubouri added, “There is no alternative left for dialogue.”
His comments align with growing concerns among Kurdish and Iraqi political circles regarding the rising tensions between Erbil and Baghdad. The current dispute was ignited by a recent letter from Iraq’s Ministry of Finance notifying the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) that it would suspend salary disbursements, alleging the Region had failed to deliver its full quota of oil and non-oil revenues as required by the federal budget law.
The Pirmam meeting brought together major Kurdish political forces to discuss this crisis, along with broader political developments. The parties seek to formulate a cohesive stance on the constitutional violations and economic pressures increasingly applied by the federal government.
As the political impasse deepens, voices like al-Jubouri highlight the potential consequences of further escalation. His warning underscores the delicate balance of Iraq’s federal system and the indispensable role of the Kurdistan Region within it.
