Politics
Kurdistan is shaping its opportunities with steadfastness and success
Political
Cover issue
Muhannad Mahmoud Shawqi
At a sensitive time when the region and the world are experiencing unprecedented volatility, the visit seemed like a clever attempt to seize a political moment. In Barzani's vision, Kurdistan does not want to be a marginal figure in a complex equation, but rather an actor with a say and a place at the table.
Reading Between the Lines
Barzani met with a number of American decision-makers in the State Department, the Pentagon, and Congress. According to sources close to the meetings, issues related to security, energy, and investment were raised, but what was striking was the way Barzani presented his viewpoint: without inflammatory language, and with a discourse closer to political realism than slogans.
He made it clear: Kurdistan is not part of the problem, but part of the solution. This argument is finding increasing resonance in Washington, especially in light of the American need for reliable local partners amid declining traditional influence.
Barzani met with a number of American decision-makers in the State Department, the Pentagon, and Congress. According to sources close to the meetings, issues related to security, energy, and investment were raised, but what was striking was the way Barzani presented his viewpoint: without inflammatory language, and with a discourse closer to political realism than slogans.
He made it clear: Kurdistan is not part of the problem, but part of the solution. This argument is finding increasing resonance in Washington, especially in light of the American need for reliable local partners amid declining traditional influence.
Politics Begins with the Economy
Beyond slogans, the visit brought important economic agreements, most notably with HKN and Western Zagros, worth billions. These numbers may seem trivial on the surface, but in reality, they mean something much greater: a long-term investment in the stability of Kurdistan and strengthening investor confidence in a region with the potential for growth.
One executive of the American company commented, "We are betting on Kurdistan not as a geographical location, but as a society that manages itself rationally." This sentence sums up many of the unspoken messages.
Beyond slogans, the visit brought important economic agreements, most notably with HKN and Western Zagros, worth billions. These numbers may seem trivial on the surface, but in reality, they mean something much greater: a long-term investment in the stability of Kurdistan and strengthening investor confidence in a region with the potential for growth.
One executive of the American company commented, "We are betting on Kurdistan not as a geographical location, but as a society that manages itself rationally." This sentence sums up many of the unspoken messages.
Baghdad in the background... as usual
But one cannot discuss Kurdistan's successes without colliding with the Baghdad wall. Relations between the center and the region continue to be caught in a vicious circle, the title of which is: oil and the constitution. Article 112 is still being used as a political cudgel against the region, even though the constitutional text speaks of "joint administration."
Barzani made no secret of this during his visit. He made it clear to American officials that Kurdistan does not intend to escalate, but neither will it give up its right to manage its resources within a federal, decentralized framework devoid of substance.
But one cannot discuss Kurdistan's successes without colliding with the Baghdad wall. Relations between the center and the region continue to be caught in a vicious circle, the title of which is: oil and the constitution. Article 112 is still being used as a political cudgel against the region, even though the constitutional text speaks of "joint administration."
Barzani made no secret of this during his visit. He made it clear to American officials that Kurdistan does not intend to escalate, but neither will it give up its right to manage its resources within a federal, decentralized framework devoid of substance.
Diplomacy of Silence
One of the most distinctive features of Barzani's visit to Washington was that he spoke little in the media, letting actions do the talking. We heard no press conferences or fiery statements. He confined himself to closed-door meetings and conveyed clear messages through actions.
This approach appears to have paid off. More than one American source expressed satisfaction with the way Kurdistan's affairs are being managed, compared to the clamor of other forces in Iraq who can only raise their voices without results.
One of the most distinctive features of Barzani's visit to Washington was that he spoke little in the media, letting actions do the talking. We heard no press conferences or fiery statements. He confined himself to closed-door meetings and conveyed clear messages through actions.
This approach appears to have paid off. More than one American source expressed satisfaction with the way Kurdistan's affairs are being managed, compared to the clamor of other forces in Iraq who can only raise their voices without results.
In conclusion...
Masrour Barzani's visit to Washington is not a turning point in itself, but it could mark the beginning of a new phase if the region uses it wisely. What matters is not what was said in the meetings, but rather the concrete steps that will follow.
If Kurdistan wants to establish itself as a reliable regional player, it must continue this approach: building trust, strengthening partnerships, and relying on stability rather than conflict. The world doesn't wait long, and politics is unforgiving to those who hesitate.
Masrour Barzani's visit to Washington is not a turning point in itself, but it could mark the beginning of a new phase if the region uses it wisely. What matters is not what was said in the meetings, but rather the concrete steps that will follow.
If Kurdistan wants to establish itself as a reliable regional player, it must continue this approach: building trust, strengthening partnerships, and relying on stability rather than conflict. The world doesn't wait long, and politics is unforgiving to those who hesitate.
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