In an exclusive interview on “Tete a tete” with France 24, Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani, the former president of the Kurdistan Region and president of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, addressed the plight of Kurds in Syria, Turkey, and Iraq. He expressed concerns over the potential ramifications of the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq, warning that ISIS could “rise again” if U.S. forces leave. Additionally, Barzani spoke about the drone attacks in the Kurdistan Region and the formation of a new government.
Journalist Marc Perelman structured the 12-minute interview into four parts: Syria, Turkey, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region. In discussing the situation in Syria, the journalist highlighted violence against minorities. “Since the arrival of the new authorities, we’ve seen an uptick in violence against minorities, including Alawites, Druze, and Kurds.” He referenced an agreement signed in March between Mazloum Abdi, head of the Syrian Democratic Forces, and Ahmad al-Sharaa, the interim president of Syria, aimed at integrating military and civilian institutions into the central government.
President Barzani believes that a change in the Syrian regime could resolve many problems. “We have put in a great amount of effort to ensure Kurdish unity and reach peace. We have supported Syrian Kurds, and I met with Abdi. I also supported the agreement signed between al-Sharaa and Abdi,” he stated.
Expressing his concerns about escalating violence, Barzani remarked, “We must not lose sight of peace. My greatest fear is that some form of intervention will trigger a war between the Kurdish and Arab peoples. We must resolve problems; we mustn’t focus on war, because war is not a solution.”
Peace process in Turkey
When discussing foreign intervention, the journalist highlighted the role of Turkey in the region. President Barzani responded, “There are things that we need to work through with Turkey and with President [Recep Tayyip] Erdogan. The Turkish government does support a peaceful process. They also supported the agreement back in March, as did we. Together, we have tried to ensure that the agreement is properly implemented, but there are certain difficulties, and it’s not an easy path to follow.”
Barzani expressed his belief that the recent decision by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) to disarm represents a crucial turning point for the region. “What is different this time is the peace process itself. From the government, from the parliament, and also from public opinion in Turkey, we are seeing that everyone is in favor of a peace process. This is a fundamental change; the Kurdish people within the PKK, the majority of them, support peace and the process,” he stated.
President Barzani also elaborated on the PKK’s efforts, noting that group’s imprisoned leader Abdullah Ocalan had sent a delegation to meet with him prior to the announcement of disarmament. “We were able to discuss our official support for the peace process, and we will continue doing so. We hope that the process will bring about peace and real change in the entire region,” Barzani said.
When asked if he would visit Ocalan, President Barzani replied, “I certainly hope I will be able to meet with him, but outside of prison.” He was also questioned about whether he had asked President Erdogan to free Ocalan, to which he responded, “I have not met with him recently, but I do feel that will be an outcome of the peace process.”
ISIS will rise again in Iraq
Shifting the conversation to Iraq, Perelman asked President Barzani about the impending withdrawal of U.S. troops, which is set to be completed by the end of 2025, with the withdrawal from the Kurdistan Region expected by the end of 2026. Barzani expressed concern that this could create a vacuum similar to what occurred during the last withdrawal, when ISIS re-emerged. “There is no doubt that if American and coalition forces withdraw, we will face the same scenario as in 2012. ISIS will rise again,” he asserted.
President Barzani also emphasized that he does not believe there will be a total withdrawal of forces. “We have always said that our country needs American and coalition forces because ISIS is a very present danger. This is part of our official policy.” he stated.
Since the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas on October 7, 2023, the Kurdistan Region has experienced numerous drone strikes, including the recent drone attacks on oil fields. When asked about the accusations from Kurdish officials that the Iraqi government is aware of who is behind these strikes but is reluctant to speak out, President Barzani mentioned that a joint inquiry committee has been established between Erbil and Baghdad to investigate the drones’ origins. “I do not want to comment or give any details about the report now before it is made public,” he said.
Perelman also inquired about accusations against the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), aligned with Iran, regarding their involvement in these attacks. Barzani clarified, “There are certain groups, but we are not accusing all groups from the PMF. There are specific groups being investigated; however, before the report is officially disclosed, I don’t want to comment on any specific details.”
The relationship between Erbil and Baghdad has been complicated for years, with a recent dispute over financial transfers and civil servant salaries. “Unfortunately, there are challenges ahead,” President Barzani admitted. “If there is true willingness to work through the issues, we will succeed. We have a constitution that serves as a roadmap for us and for Baghdad. We aren’t asking for anything beyond what is already in the constitution; however, we will not allow it to be violated. Our wish is for the constitution to be upheld.”
Forming a new cabinet in the Kurdistan Region
Lastly, President Barzani addressed the delay in parliamentary sessions following elections held last October in the Kurdistan Region. “It is unfortunate. We are not happy with this situation. We hope that by September or in the coming days, Parliament will be able to meet again to start a new session and form a government.”
