Quelling of Kurdish revolution
Today marks 49th anniversary of Algiers Agreement
NEWSROOM—Today marks the 49th anniversary of the Algiers Agreement, a pivotal yet contentious pact facilitated by Algeria in 1975 between Iraq and Iran, aimed at quelling the Kurdish insurrection in Iraqi Kurdistan. Described by Kurds as a dire chapter and regional betrayal, the agreement sought to suppress their aspirations for autonomy and rights.
As part of the agreement’s terms, Iraq conceded half of the Shatt al-Arab (known as Arvand Rud in Persian) waterway to Iran. In return, Iran agreed to withdraw support for the Kurdish Aylul Revolution, spearheaded by Mustafa Barzani. This accord dismantled the progress made by the March 11, 1970, agreement, which had momentarily ceased hostilities in Kurdistan and recognized several Kurdish rights, only to be negated by the subsequent Algiers Agreement.
The deal was formalized during an OPEC summit on March 5 and 6, 1975, in Algiers, Algeria, where representatives from thirteen member countries gathered. The summit was notable for the attendance of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the Shah of Iran, and Saddam Hussein, then the Vice President of Iraq, amidst growing tensions.
Facilitated by Houari Boumediene, the President of Algeria, the two leaders engaged in discussions, culminating in a crucial meeting on the evening of March 5 at the Presidential Palace. After initial separate talks with the Shah, Boumediene arranged a direct dialogue between Saddam Hussein and the Shah, leading to Iraq’s territorial concessions in Shatt al-Arab in exchange for Iran’s cessation of support for Kurdish forces.
This agreement effectively aided Iraq in suppressing the Kurdish uprising by ensuring Iran’s assistance in sealing the border, thereby preventing aid from reaching Kurdish forces. In exchange, Iraq ceded significant territories in Shatt al-Arab back to Iran, reverting to the maritime boundaries established by the 1913 Constantinople Protocol between Iran and the Ottoman Empire.
The fallout from the Algiers Agreement culminated in Iraq’s abrogation of the pact on September 17, 1980, following the Iranian Revolution and the establishment of the Islamic Republic under Ayatollah Khomeini. This decision triggered the Iran-Iraq War, a devastating eight-year conflict that inflicted severe casualties and economic damage on both nations, ultimately ending in a stalemate.
Ranya commemorates 1991 uprising with festival at Raperin University
Ranya commemorates 1991 uprising with festival at Raperin University
