Kurdistan: the Glorious Past and the Exciting Future

[Anthea]

Iraqi Must Respect Kurdistan Rights

Kurdistan Prime Minister Masrour Barzani met on Tuesday with a senior US delegation led by Joshua Harris, Chargé d’Affaires of the American Embassy in Baghdad, to discuss the formation of the next federal government following recent parliamentary elections

The talks concluded with an emphasis on the urgent need for a service-oriented administration in Baghdad that respects the constitutional rights of the Kurdistan Region and upholds the federal system.

Both sides stressed that the next government must serve all citizens and components of Iraq without discrimination, ensuring that public service takes precedence over sectarian or partisan interests.

US Consul General in the Kurdistan Region Gwendolyn Green also participated in the meeting, which addressed a broad range of topics including Iraq’s political situation, ongoing negotiations among parliamentary factions, and bilateral relations.

Economic issues, particularly the Kurdistan Region’s financial entitlements and budget allocations, were central to the discussions. The parties also highlighted the importance of uninterrupted Kurdish oil exports via Turkey’s Ceyhan port, a critical source of revenue for the region.

The delegation commended the KRG for the reforms it has undertaken across governmental institutions, noting advancements in financial management and institutional strengthening. Harris reaffirmed US support for efforts to enhance the Region’s administrative capacity and economic stability.

Earlier in the day, the US delegation visited Pirmam to meet with Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani, president of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP). Discussions focused on Iraq’s post-election political phase, with Harris praising the successful execution of the elections and Barzani’s role in ensuring a fair democratic process.

The president underlined that the legitimacy and stability of the next federal government depend on strict adherence to constitutional and legal principles, and that the cabinet must reflect the will of all Iraqis.

The meetings also examined the internal political dialogue within the Kurdistan Region. Barzani confirmed that discussions among all Kurdistani parties are ongoing to form the next KRG cabinet.

Both sides reiterated their commitment to deepening US–Kurdistan relations and maintaining close coordination with Baghdad, emphasizing governance that delivers public services, respects constitutional rights, and strengthens Iraq’s federal system.

The KRG has long sought a federal government in Baghdad that guarantees budget transfers and financial entitlements while maintaining the Region’s autonomy. Iraq’s post-election landscape remains fluid, with negotiations among major blocs critical to forming a cabinet that balances sectarian, regional, and political interests.

The US has historically played a supportive role in fostering stability in Iraq and promoting effective cooperation between Baghdad and Erbil.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/900046

[Anthea]

Netherlands Backs Peshmerga Unification

Kurdistan Prime Minister Masrour Barzani met on Tuesday in Erbil with Dutch Ambassador to Iraq Janet Alberda, joined by Dutch Consul General Adrian Eiselstein, to discuss strengthening bilateral relations with the Netherlands and advancing ongoing reform efforts in the region

According to a statement from the Kurdistan Government (KRG), a key focus of the meeting was the Netherlands’ continued support for the unification of the Peshmerga forces and implementation of major reforms within the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs.

Ambassador Alberda emphasised her country’s firm commitment to enhancing cooperation with the Kurdistan Region, pointing to a delegation of Dutch businessmen and entrepreneurs currently visiting Erbil to explore investment and partnership opportunities. The meeting also touched on wider cooperation across economic, security and human-rights sectors, reaffirming the shared goals of both sides.

In particular, the talks addressed the Netherlands’ role as an active partner in the reform of the Peshmerga forces: the Dutch government has provided military advisers, logistic support and technical assistance in the process of unifying previously partisan units under a single command structure.

One Dutch military advisor stated that “reform in [the] security sector is difficult, challenging … it takes time” while stressing that merging the forces could “really contribute to the stability of the Kurdistan Region and Iraq as a whole.”

The Peshmerga reform agenda is rooted in efforts to consolidate the forces of the two main Kurdish parties, Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), which historically fielded separate commands (often called “Unit 80” and “Unit 70”) operating outside direct control of the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs. The Netherlands has been part of a multilateral advisory group tasked with supporting reform, professionalisation and unification.

The meeting further marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Both sides highlighted the necessity to advance women’s rights in the region and to strengthen efforts to combat all forms of violence and discrimination against women. The gender dimension is also aligned with wider Dutch-Kurdish cooperation, which has encompassed human-rights and governance projects beyond strictly military or economic ties.

On economic matters, Ambassador Alberda pointed to the visiting Dutch business delegation as an indication of growing interest in the Kurdistan Region’s potential, particularly in sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, energy and services. The Netherlands has had a consulate general in Erbil since 2012 but the Kurdistan Region lacks formal representation in the Netherlands.

Separately on Tuesday, Prime Minister Barzani also welcomed Ahmed Hassan Ahmed Suleiman al-Shihi, the newly appointed Consul General of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), during an official meeting in Erbil. PM Barzani congratulated al-Shihi on assuming his post and reaffirmed the KRG’s full support for his diplomatic mission, noting the deep and long-standing relationship between the Kurdistan Region and the UAE.

For his part, al-Shihi expressed his pleasure at beginning his duties and conveyed greetings from UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He also emphasised the UAE’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and expanding engagement with the Kurdistan Region.

The UAE is one of the Kurdistan Region’s largest trading partners. Currently more than 120 Emirati companies operate in the region, including 15 large ones, with total direct investment exceeding US$3.3 billion plus an additional US$420 million in joint ventures. These investments have generated more than 150,000 jobs in the past four years. The UAE established its consulate in Erbil in 2012, making it an early Gulf-state investor and diplomatic partner in the Region.

The dual meetings in Erbil highlight the KRG’s strategy of deepening security reform and broadening economic partnerships simultaneously. With the Netherlands focused on Peshmerga reforms and human-rights issues, and the UAE emphasising trade and investment, the Kurdistan Region is positioning itself as a hub for both international security cooperation and economic growth. The success of unifying the Peshmerga and implementing ministerial reforms remains a key test of stability and international confidence in the region’s long-term trajectory.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/900029

[Anthea]

KDP, PUK to Hold High-Level
Talks on Government Formation

Senior officials from the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) are set to hold a high-level meeting on Monday aimed at advancing negotiations to form the next Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) cabinet

Arrest Bafel Talabani before he completely destroys Kurdistan

Hiwa Gailani, a member of the PUK Central Committee, confirmed to Kurdistan 24 that the meeting will take place on December 1, 2025. He noted that the KDP plans similar visits to other political parties in the coming days as part of a broader effort to build consensus.

Speaking about the agenda with the PUK, Gailani said the KDP delegation intends to stress two messages: reorganizing the “fragmented Kurdish house” and presenting a unified position with victorious Kurdish blocs in negotiations over Iraq’s incoming federal government.

He said the KDP has previously shown flexibility in talks, but progress stalled due to the PUK’s lack of engagement. “This time, efforts will focus on ensuring the new cabinet is formed without further delay,” Gailani added.

The last high-level meeting between the two sides took place on September 30 in Pirmam under the supervision of President Masoud Barzani. During that round, the PUK submitted a dossier outlining its conditions for participation in the new cabinet, though both parties refrained from issuing a joint statement.

The Kurdistan Region has faced months of political stagnation following the most recent parliamentary elections, with sharp disagreements between the KDP and PUK over power-sharing arrangements, administrative authority, and security control in key areas.

Historically, the two dominant Kurdish parties have formed coalition governments, but recent years have seen heightened tensions — particularly regarding governance in Sulaimanyah, the distribution of ministries, and relations with Baghdad.

Their ability to reach a workable agreement is seen as critical not only for domestic governance but also for Kurdish representation in federal-level negotiations, especially as Iraq moves to form a new cabinet following nationwide elections with increased voter participation.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/900475

[Anthea]

Barzani Highlights Influence
of Global Kurdish Community

Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani, president of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), reaffirmed the importance of Kurdish communities abroad in promoting the Kurdish cause during a meeting on Monday with the head of international relations for the Kurdistan Diaspora Confederation in Pirmam

Barzani received Rahim Rashid on Monday where both sides discussed the political and societal role of the diaspora and its contribution to national aspirations. He emphasized that Kurdish communities living around the world are a vital voice for the rights and identity of the Kurdish people.

Barzani praised the work of the Confederation and reiterated his personal support for the organization’s efforts, calling its mission “a national and patriotic project for all Kurds.” He stressed the need for continued engagement abroad to help advance the “just cause” of the Kurdish nation.

The meeting highlighted the role of the diaspora in lobbying international institutions, strengthening diplomatic outreach, and building global solidarity on humanitarian and political issues affecting Kurds. Kurdish communities in Europe and North America have increasingly taken part in advocacy campaigns, cultural promotion, and coordination with civil society organizations.

The Kurdistan Region’s leadership has long encouraged diaspora engagement as a strategic asset, acknowledging that millions of Kurds living outside the homeland can elevate Kurdish visibility internationally. Support from Kurdish professionals, students, and activists abroad has played a key role in sharing the region’s perspectives with global audiences.

As regional dynamics evolve, Kurdish officials believe diaspora organizations will continue to contribute to political awareness, economic links, and cultural preservation, helping ensure that the Kurdish voice remains present on the world stage.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/900576

[Anthea]

Kurdistan may reject Iraq census results

Kurdistan will reject the results of Iraq's nationwide census if certain demands are not met by the federal government over the disputed areas, a senior official from the Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) planning ministry warned on Tuesday

Iraq held its latest population census last year

If KRG’s demands are not met “and the results are manipulated according to the information we previously received, then our stance will be to reject it and demand that the census be repeated in order to rectify the mistakes that occurred," Sirwan Mohammed, Kurdish deputy minister of planning, warned in an interview with Rudaw on Tuesday.

"This census itself started somewhat vaguely right from the beginning," Mohammed claimed, adding that they had asked Baghdad ahead of the census that two main points "must be handled with great sensitivity; the mechanism of implementing the census in the Kurdistani areas [areas disputed between Erbil and Baghdad] and retrieving the census data at the very moment the census was being conducted in the field, since it was electronic."

Iraq conducted its nationwide census in November 2024, the country’s first since 1987. The initial results of the census were announced in February and the final results were released last Wednesday, confirming that the total population reached 46,118,793.

Mohammed accused the ministry of releasing the results unilaterally, saying, "The announcement itself was made without coordinating with the Kurdistan Region. According to all previous agreements, we should have made that announcement together."

Census results show that out of the total population of the country, 6,519,129 people live in the Kurdistan Region’s four provinces - Erbil, Sulaimani, Duhok and Halabja - while 3,949,983 reside in the disputed areas, which include multi-ethnic Kirkuk province.

The disputed areas, which also include parts of Nineveh, Diyala and Salahaddin provinces, were affected by Saddam Hussein’s Arabization policies. Following the fall of the Baath regime in 2003, Iraq launched a de-Arabization process under Article 140 of the Constitution to reverse the demographic changes, but its incomplete implementation has made the fate of these areas uncertain.

Referring to these areas, Mohammed said the KRG "spends money on them, implements projects there, provides services... We need to count them within the framework of the Kurdistan Region's population for planning and development affairs, not for political affairs," adding that Baghdad has yet to accept this.

Ahead of the census, Iraq's Council of Ministers approved requests from the KRG to conduct the census based on residents' place of origin, using the 1957 census for reference in the disputed areas that were aimed at addressing long-standing demographic concerns.

Following the announcement of the results, KRG Planning Minister Dara Rashid on Thursday said in a press conference that the announcement of the results by the federal planning minister is “in violation of the decisions of the Council of Ministers and in violation of the political and governmental agreement between Erbil and Baghdad.”

Rashid added that the Iraqi Minister of Planning Mohammed Tamim “failed to maintain his neutrality," adding that the results should not have been announced "until the results were compared against the agreements and statements."

"Unfortunately, the Ministry of Planning did not adhere to the decisions of the federal Council of Ministers," Rashid noted, calling call on the relevant parties "to investigate how a minister can violate a decision of the Council of Ministers... and can cast doubt on this census, similar to other censuses, [indicating] that it was a political census."

https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/021220252

[Anthea]

KRG Sends Medical Aid etc to Chamchamal

The Kurdistan Government (KRG) has stepped up its response to severe flooding in the Chamchamal district, dispatching large quantities of medical supplies and educational materials while humanitarian teams continue emergency relief operations for displaced residents

The KRG Ministry of Health said on Saturday that a major shipment of medicines and medical equipment had arrived in Chamchamal under the direct instruction of Prime Minister Masrour Barzani. The delivery was overseen by Health Minister Saman Barzanji and formally handed over to the Chamchamal Health Directorate and Chamchamal General Hospital.

According to the ministry, the shipment included 65 types of items ranging from emergency and surgical medicines to treatments for chronic diseases, as well as laboratory equipment. The consignment weighed about 25 tons, consisting of 50 pallets, with an estimated value of roughly $270,000. Officials said the supplies were intended to stabilize health services after flooding damaged infrastructure and disrupted access to care.

The medical support came as part of a broader government-led recovery effort following days of torrential rain that killed two people, injured at least 12 others, and damaged more than 500 homes and around 100 commercial shops in the district, according to local authorities.

In parallel, the KRG Ministry of Education launched an operation to replace school materials destroyed by the floods. Acting on a recommendation from Prime Minister Barzani, the ministry began dispatching 55,000 textbooks to Chamchamal to prevent further disruption to the academic year for nearly 5,000 students.

Education officials said more than 10 schools sustained serious damage, forcing temporary suspensions. In response, the ministry has ordered urgent renovations, compensation for destroyed equipment, and the postponement of examinations to ease pressure on affected students.

Humanitarian assistance has also intensified on the ground, particularly in the Shorsh sub-district, where entire neighborhoods were inundated. The Barzani Charity Foundation (BCF), acting on guidance from President Masoud Barzani, launched a multi-stage emergency campaign that includes debris removal, food distribution, and household support.

Between Dec. 10 and 12, BCF teams distributed more than 6,000 hot meals, most of them in Chamchamal, along with 1,000 food baskets. To address winter conditions, the foundation provided 3,000 cartons of clothing, 3,000 blankets, 1,600 mattresses, 25,000 liters of kerosene, and 500 heaters.

Sanitation and housing recovery efforts included cleaning 135 flood-damaged homes using water tankers, supplying clean drinking water, and distributing kitchen sets and cleaning kits to affected families.

Residents say the damage has been extensive, with some families forced to abandon recently built homes and seek rental accommodation elsewhere. Local officials acknowledge that while emergency needs are being addressed, longer-term reconstruction and economic recovery will require sustained support.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/901596

[Anthea]

PM Barzani Hosts Christmas Reception
for Diplomats in Kurdistan Region

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Sunday hosted a reception in Erbil for ambassadors, consuls general, envoys, diplomats, as well as representatives of United Nations agencies and international military forces, marking Christmas and the upcoming New Year

In a speech delivered during the event, Prime Minister Barzani extended his congratulations on the Christmas season and the New Year, expressing hope that the year ahead will bring joy, prosperity, peace, and stability to the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the wider world.

He also reflected on the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) key achievements and reform efforts in 2025, while acknowledging the challenges faced during the year, including recent natural disasters. The prime minister referred to the floods that affected several areas of the Kurdistan Region last week, with Chamchamal among the hardest-hit districts.

Prime Minister Barzani further briefed attendees on the latest political developments in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, including ongoing discussions and efforts to form the new Iraqi federal cabinet and the next KRG cabinet.

Concluding his remarks, the prime minister thanked the diplomatic community and international partners for their continued engagement, noting that their presence has contributed to enriching the Kurdistan Region and strengthening cooperation across multiple fields.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/88 ... tan-region

[Anthea]

Erbil Steps Up Security
Ahead of New Year Festivities

Authorities in Erbil have finalized extensive security and service preparations for Christmas and New Year celebrations, as the Kurdistan Region’s capital braces for a surge in visitors from across Iraq and abroad

A high-level meeting was held on Monday at the Erbil Governor’s office under the supervision of Governor Omed Khoshnaw, bringing together deputy governors, the assistant governor, the mayor of the central district, and senior officials from tourism, health, municipalities, and internal security agencies. Commanders from police, traffic, civil defense, Asayish, and other security bodies also attended.

Officials reviewed plans to ensure public safety during end-of-year celebrations and the transition into 2026, with responsibilities distributed among police, Asayish, Zeravani forces, emergency police units, civil activities teams, traffic police, civil defense, and health services. Authorities said the forces will be deployed across public squares, markets, entertainment venues, and areas popular with residents and tourists.

Khoshnaw stressed the need for close coordination among all agencies, noting that Erbil traditionally receives large numbers of visitors during the New Year period, particularly from central and southern Iraq, as well as from neighboring countries. He said unified planning and cooperation are essential to maintaining order and ensuring a safe environment for celebrations.

The governor praised security and service departments for their ongoing efforts and reassured residents that their lives and property would be protected at full operational capacity. He also urged citizens to continue cooperating with security forces, describing public coordination as a key factor in preserving stability.

The meeting also addressed the growing issue of begging in public spaces, including at traffic lights, markets, mosques, and busy streets. Officials agreed on the need to curb what was described as a negative social phenomenon, and Khoshnaw instructed relevant authorities to take action in line with existing laws and regulations to address the issue.

Erbil, like many major capitals, holds large-scale public celebrations to mark the New Year, often organized by the private sector. The city’s strong security record has helped establish it as a regional tourism hub during holiday periods. Each year, local authorities decorate the historic Erbil Citadel, City Park, and major public areas, turning them into focal points for festivities.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/901699

[Anthea]

KDP warns PUK against linking
KRG cabinet talks to Iraq

The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) warned on Thursday against conflating talks on forming the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) cabinet with negotiations over Iraq’s federal government, stressing that internal Kurdistan Region issues must be resolved first before engaging Baghdad as a united front

The message was directed at the rival Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), with whom the KDP has been in negotiations for more than a year to form the next KRG cabinet, so far without success.

The remarks followed a KDP leadership meeting attended by party leader President Masoud Barzani, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, and Prime Minister Masrour Barzani - who are both deputies of the KDP president.

The KDP placed responsibility for the delay on the PUK, coming just a day after the two sides resumed talks aimed at breaking the political deadlock.

The Kurdistan Region held long-delayed parliamentary elections in October 2024, in which the KDP won 39 of the 100 seats, while the PUK secured 23. With no party holding an outright majority, government formation negotiations have dragged on for months, recently stalling over disputes related to governance mechanisms and key cabinet posts.

At the center of the dispute is the interior ministry, a position traditionally held by the KDP, which the party insists on retaining and rightly so

In a statement, the KDP said it had “made extensive efforts to prevent delays in reaching an agreement ahead of Iraq’s parliamentary elections,” accusing the PUK of unnecessarily prolonging negotiations based on what it described as “misinterpretations and premature predictions” of the Iraqi election outcome.

The party added that it had warned the PUK that “circumstances before and after the Iraqi elections would not remain the same,” but claimed the PUK had already made its decision to delay talks.

Despite the tensions, the KDP stressed that its “door remains open” to negotiations, emphasizing that any agreement must reflect the results of the Kurdistan parliamentary elections and “respect the will and trust of the Kurdish people.”

Iraq government formation

Iraq held legislative elections on November 11, with final results announced in mid-November. On Sunday, the Federal Supreme Court ratified the results, saying the vote met all constitutional and legal requirements.

According to a presidential decree, Iraq’s newly elected parliament will convene its first session on December 29. The largest parliamentary bloc will then nominate a prime minister-designate, who will be tasked by the president with forming the next federal government.

The KDP stressed that Kurdish parties must be “unified and unanimous” in Baghdad during the upcoming government formation talks. It said it has already assigned a high-level delegation to engage with winning political blocs in the capital.

The party also outlined key issues it wants addressed in the next federal cabinet based on what it called a genuine “partnership, balance, and consensus.” These include the oil and gas law, financial entitlements for Kurdistan Region civil servants, Article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution, and amendments to Iraq’s election law

Since the 2003 US-led invasion, Iraq’s informal ethno-sectarian power-sharing system has allocated the prime ministership to Shiites, the parliamentary speakership to Sunni Arabs, and the presidency to Kurds.

The Iraqi presidency is currently held by Abdul Latif Rashid of the PUK, while Sunni Arab politician Mahmoud al-Mashhadani serves as parliament speaker. The federal government is led by Shiite Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/181220251

I do NOT understand why Bafel Talabani has not been arrested

We all know that Bafel Talabani is an evil TRAITOR

Bafel Talabani conspired to give Kurdish land to Iraq

Bafel Talabani launched an illegal coup to remove Lahur Talabany from the join leadership of PUK

Bafel Talabani also removed many legally elected members of the PUK ruling body