The Supreme Interest of the Region and Historical Responsibility

Following the statements and remarks made by the President of the Kurdistan Region, His Excellency Nechirvan Barzani, regarding the Region's relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Rojhelat (Eastern Kurdistan) opposition, a wave of criticism and reactions emerged from some Rojhelat parties and activists. However, when we look at the equations with realistic political insight, free from emotion, we see that the Region President's position was not only justified but also a national and responsible duty. To understand the truth and the rationale behind this position, we can point to four fundamental points:

  1. The Region's Inability to Be Part of the Conflict Between Tehran and the Opposition: The Kurdistan Region cannot and should not become a party or a battleground in the political and military conflict between the Rojhelat parties and the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Kurdistan Region is a neutral legal and constitutional entity regarding the internal problems of neighboring countries. Dragging the Region into this conflict will only result in devastation and the disruption of stability in Bashur (Southern Kurdistan). It is unjust for the people and the economic infrastructure of Bashur to pay the price, through bombardment and displacement, for a war in which the Kurdistan Region is neither the decision-maker nor the supervisor.
  2. Complicating the Situation with Military and Media Displays: In the era of social media and modern media, it is unacceptable for the Rojhelat Kurdistan parties to hold military parades, publish pictures and videos of armed individuals, and directly threaten the territory of a neighboring country from within the territory of the Kurdistan Region. These actions serve no purpose for the liberation movement; rather, they provide Iran with a golden excuse to violate the Region's territorial sovereignty with drones and missiles and turn the border areas into a war zone. Political responsibility dictates respecting the sanctity of the land that has sheltered them.
  3. Protecting the Kurdistan Region: The President's First and Foremost Duty: Protecting the entity of the Kurdistan Region, safeguarding the lives of citizens, and defending the constitutional achievements of Bashur are the legal, national, and primary duties of His Excellency the President of the Kurdistan Region. Nechirvan Barzani is responsible to millions of citizens of the Kurdistan Region and cannot sacrifice the Region's security and future for the sake of the parties' political slogans and maneuvers. The President of the Region is committed to protecting this achievement, gained by the blood of thousands of martyrs, and is not prepared to subject it to any regional threat.
  4. The Importance of Values and Loyalty Towards the Host Country (Instead of Ingratitude): It is unacceptable for the Rojhelat parties to be ungrateful for all the goodwill and assistance provided to them by His Excellency Nechirvan Barzani and the Kurdistan Region. In the most difficult days, the Kurdistan Region, as a host country and a safe haven, sheltered them and provided the opportunity for an honorable life for the parties and the civilian people of Rojhelat to live peacefully in Bashur. Responding to this refuge and humanitarian support by creating security and political problems for the Kurdistan Region is a great act of ingratitude towards Southern Kurdistan.

Conclusion: Criticizing is easy, but governing a country amidst the storm of regional conflicts requires wisdom and courageous decisions. President Nechirvan Barzani's words were based on realism and the protection of the greater Kurdish home. Ultimately, the existence of a strong and stable Region remains in the supreme interest of all other parts of Kurdistan.