U.S. Officials, Military Veterans Praise President Barzani's Leadership

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – A prominent group of American figures, including U.S. Congressmen, a former ambassador, and veteran military officers, have extended messages of congratulations to President Masoud Barzani on the 63rd anniversary of his joining the Peshmerga, praising his long history of leadership, his role in fostering a strong U.S.-Kurdish partnership, and the development of the Kurdistan Region as a model of success in the Middle East.

In a series of interviews conducted by the head of Kurdistan24's office in Washington, D.C., Rahim Rashidi (Mr. Kurd), the American officials offered their perspectives on President Barzani's legacy and the achievements of the Kurdish people.

U.S. Representative Joe Wilson described the 63-year milestone as a "phenomenal success," directly linking President Barzani’s leadership to the Kurdistan Region's current standing. "You can see Kurdistan being successful today with the president and what the president Barzani has achieved, what Prime Minister Barzani has achieved, what the people of Kurdistan have achieved," he stated.

Rep. Wilson added that Kurdistan serves as a "symbol to the Middle East of what can be done with freedom and democracy and economic freedom," emphasizing a direct relationship and shared cultural heritage that the United States will always cherish.

Echoing these sentiments, Representative Seth Moulton offered his gratitude for a dependable alliance. "Thank you so much, Mr. President, for your long and trustworthy relationship with the United States," he said. "It's been a long time, but best of luck for the future as well."

Representative Robert Aderholt also extended his congratulations, wishing President Barzani "the best" and looking forward to "63 more years in the future." He stressed the importance of the bilateral relationship, stating, "We wish you a friendship between the United States and Kurdistan."

Representative Glenn Grothman offered his best wishes to the people of Kurdistan and expressed his hope that "someday they get an independent country, but until then, a prosperous, growing population for the Kurds."

The respect for President Barzani's personal commitment was a recurring theme, particularly among those with diplomatic and military backgrounds.

Ambassador Jim Jeffries spoke of the president's unwavering readiness, stating, "I know that if anything ever happens, he still has the uniform and he's ready to take up a weapon and go back to the mountains. And if I can, I'll go with him." The ambassador added, "We're so proud of him and the people of Kurdistan in the fight against the Islamic State, in the fight against Saddam, and in the fight against whichever enemy might come."

General Ernie Audino attributed Kurdistan's current trajectory to President Barzani’s personal example.

"Because of his sacrifice, Kurdistan is on a glorious track today," General Audino remarked. "63 years ago today, Kak Massoud became a Peshmerga, and he has set the example for Peshmerga, and the example for warriors all around."

This view was shared by Colonel Myles B. Caggins III, who served in the Defeat ISIS Coalition.

He directly credited President Barzani for the success of U.S. operations in the region. "The United States has had great success in the Kurdistan region, and a big reason for that is His Excellency President Massoud Barzani," Col. Caggins said. "So on the 63rd anniversary of His Excellency joining the Peshmerga, I want to say to him, we are thankful for his leadership. We honor and respect him and Bijî [long live] Peshmerga."

Foreign policy adviser Dr. Walid Phares framed President Barzani's life as a lesson in leadership for the entire Middle East. "He is a great leader," Dr. Phares stated, noting that he showed that when "you want to struggle for freedom, and you put the effort, consent to the sacrifices, you will get there." He concluded that Iraqi Kurdistan today is "flourishing economically, politically, and this is a model for many communities in the Middle East."

Watch as "U.S. Officials & Military Veterans Praise President Barzani’s Leadership & Kurdistan’s Progress"

U.S. Representative Joe Wilson praised the remarkable achievements of the Kurdistan Region, calling President Barzani's 63-year journey as a Peshmarga a "phenomenal… pic.twitter.com/Ri4zUSuD5B

— Kurdistan 24 English (@K24English) August 16, 2025