Leyla Eskender
Mr. Masoud Barzani, the former President of the Kurdistan Region and the leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), has once again raised his voice—this time, with clarity and frustration. In recent statements, Mr. Barzani declared that Baghdad’s treatment of Kurdistan is “unacceptable,” a sentiment that has been boiling in the hearts of many Kurds for years.
For too long, the Kurdish people have been treated like a second-class population within Iraq—despite being an essential part of the country’s fabric. Promises made in the Iraqi Constitution, especially Article 140 and the agreed-upon budget shares for the Kurdistan Region, are repeatedly ignored or manipulated by Baghdad. Salaries are withheld, agreements are broken, and when the region dares to demand its rights, it is met with threats, pressure, or silence.
This is not just about politics or oil revenue. It’s about dignity. It’s about a nation within a so-called federal country being punished for simply wanting to live freely, manage its own affairs, and provide for its people. Kurdistan has shown time and time again that it wants to be a peaceful and cooperative partner—but Baghdad continues to use the budget as a weapon, knowing full well the impact it has on ordinary citizens.
Mr. Barzani’s words hit a nerve because they echo what many Kurds are feeling: enough is enough. We cannot keep pretending this is a partnership when one side holds all the power and the other is constantly forced to beg for basic rights. The Kurdish region has fought terrorism, protected displaced Iraqis during ISIS’s reign, and opened its doors to minorities persecuted elsewhere. And yet, instead of support, it gets punished.
Mr. Barzani calling Baghdad’s actions ‘unacceptable’ isn’t just a political statement—it’s a serious call for accountability. The Kurdistan Region cannot and will not survive under this cycle of economic strangulation and political humiliation. We deserve respect, fairness, and recognition. The patience of our people has limits. If Iraq truly wants to be one united country, it must start treating all its regions with justice—including Kurdistan.
The world must pay attention. Because if this continues, the calls for independence won’t just be emotional—they will be necessary and very loud.
