March represents a momentous month for the Kurds, a time to commemorate both triumphs and tribulations. This year, there has been an unprecedented surge of foreign diplomatic visits to the Kurdistan Region’s capital city of Erbil. In recent weeks, delegations from Europe, the United States, and Asia have all traveled to Erbil to meet with government officials – a clear sign that Kurdistan’s strategic importance on the global stage is growing.
March also marks the anniversaries of both the birth and passing of the legendary Mustafa Barzani. Barzani was an iconic and beloved figure who led his people to unprecedented victories in the 20th century. His legacy lives on through his most significant accomplishment - the March 11 Agreement of 1970, which secured important rights for Kurdish citizens. It clearly has been one of Kurdistan’s greatest achievements in its history. Due to the Algiers March 1975 agreement between Iran’s Reza Shah and Iraq’s Saddam Hussein, the March 11 Agreement of 1970 agreement was discarded
Tragically, thirteen years later, on March 16, 1988, Hussein unleashed a deadly gas attack on the city of Halabja, killing over 5,000 civilians and leaving 10,000 others with lifelong injuries. Despite these painful memories, March also brings celebrations: the Newroz holiday – the Kurdish New Year – and the anniversary of the 1991 uprising that proved a turning point for Kurdish autonomy.
Some of the high-profile officials who have recently visited Erbil include the United Kingdom’s Minister for Middle East and North Africa Affairs, the Secretary General of the United Nations, the US Secretary of Defense, the German Foreign Minister, delegation from the European Union and the Chinese Communist Party. The diplomatic activity in Erbil is indicative of a wider shift in global power dynamics, as nations seek to establish new alliances and forge strategic partnerships outside of the traditional agenda.
China is also making its presence felt by authorizing Chinese banks to provide support for investment projects in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region – an indication that Beijing seeks greater influence over the Middle East and North Africa. The recent developments in Erbil serve as a powerful reminder that “Kurdistan Still Matters” and cannot be overlooked as countries search for new partners in the region.
Visiting delegations to Erbil have expressed respect and admiration for the Kurdistan Region’s progress, noting its leadership role in human rights, gender equality, reform initiatives, and social and economic development. This underscores why engagement between Kurdistan and international actors is essential to navigating an ever-changing geopolitical landscape. The Kurdistan Region’s busy March calendar and the recent uptick in diplomatic visits, as well as the consistent message of support for “a strong Kurdistan within Iraq” offer hope for a brighter future. Ultimately, these positive developments could lead to greater stability and prosperity in the region, as well as improved relations between Kurds and other Iraqis.
