PM Barzani on US ties, ISIS threats, women’s rights and regional stability

DUHOK – Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani discussed regional and international relations, security challenges, and social issues during a conversation moderated by Hadley Gamble, chief international anchor at Al Arabiya English, at the Middle East Peace and Security Forum. The event was held Saturday at the American University of Kurdistan in Duhok.

Barzani commented on the implications of the recent U.S. presidential election, where Donald Trump secured a return to power. “Obviously, we congratulate the United States for having a successful election. This is a decision for the American people to decide what kind of government they want. But obviously, the decision made in the United States has an effect on the globe and definitely our region as well,” Barzani said.

He expressed hopes that the incoming U.S. administration would maintain strong ties with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, describing the KRG as a “credible partner” of the United States. “We have very good relationships with the United States, and we want to continue having good relationships, security cooperation, and developing economic relations,” he added.

Regarding the escalating tensions following an Israeli foreign minister’s letter to the United Nations Security Council about threats posed by Iraqi-based militias, Barzani said, “We do not want Iraq to be dragged into this war. We do not think this is an Iraqi war.”

Barzani also voiced concerns about the ongoing threat of ISIS, cautioning against viewing the group as a thing of the past. “We do not think terrorism has come to an end. We think that ISIS still has active members, and is active in different parts not only in Iraq but in different parts in the region and elsewhere in the world,” he said.

He further commented on the potential withdrawal of U.S.-led coalition forces, saying, “Ending the coalition mission does not mean the end of the US-Iraq relationship, even the military relationship.”

Barzani emphasized his government’s ties with Turkey. “We have good relations with Turkey. We have good economic trade and relations with Turkey. We have a good understanding of the security situation in the region. And we are also encouraged by the fact that Turkey is looking at different peaceful ways of sorting the problems in the region,” he stated.

When asked about Western narratives suggesting that Iraq is held “hostage” to Iran, Barzani replied, “That’s your terminology. Iran has a lot of influence in Iraq, that’s true. Now whether this is a decision that Iraqis have made or is a decision that has been imposed, I think you better ask Baghdad that question. Is this something that they are happy with or not?”

He acknowledged the importance of Iran-Iraq relations, saying, “We definitely know Iran is an important neighbor for Iraq. And it’s normal for Iraq to have normal relations with Iran. Now the level of influence and the nature of relations between Iraq and Iran, I don’t control that. You have to ask them.”

Barzani addressed the challenges facing women’s rights in Iraq, linking them to poverty, illiteracy, and societal inequality. “Iraq was one of the most advanced Middle Eastern countries in terms of promoting women’s rights. Unfortunately, there are factors that are affecting and influencing the rights of women,” he said.

He pointed to illiteracy and economic challenges that hinder progress for women, stating, “We’ve seen that there is a lot of illiteracy, there are a lot of women that are dropping out of college and schools. This is going to affect the behavior of society and also the women themselves.”

Barzani contrasted these issues with progress in the Kurdistan Region. “In Kurdistan, we are in a different situation. Our culture is also different. If you look at our history, women have always had greater freedom. They have had more rights. Over the years, we have tried giving more power to women by promoting their participation in the parliament,” he said, noting that many women now serve in parliament, the cabinet, and other leadership roles.

“I am a little sensitive about saying ‘women’s rights’ because I think they have to have equal rights as men, and you need to pave the road for them,” Barzani concluded.

When asked about the greatest existential threat to the region, Barzani identified a lack of trust among communities. “History has proven that when communities don’t trust each other and systems are built on imposing ideas, when stronger players are dictating and disrespecting others, when democracy means only the rule of majorities without regarding the rule of minorities, that’s difficult to handle,” he said.

“You need to feel the sense of belonging. And in order to belong to a society or a country, you need to feel that you’re equal. So, the lack of equality, the lack of trust, I believe is the source of many of the problems that we have,” Barzani added.

Barzani highlighted steps the KRG is taking to foster economic development, including legislation to support private-sector employees. “We have passed a law in Kurdistan to secure retirement in the private sector as well. This is encouraging many people to not seek government employment or the public sector but to look at the private sector,” he said.

Concluding his remarks, Barzani expressed optimism about continued U.S. engagement in the region. “The more U.S. engagement in the region, I believe, is going to help the region,” he said.