As we wrap up 2023, Kurdistan Chronicle proudly releases its 11th issue, which coincides with several key events whose effects are expected to reach beyond the Kurdistan Region. We are also proud of having remained resilient and consistent in the face of technical challenges and releasing our magazine every month on time.
Over the past year, Kurdistan Chronicle introduced itself as a new window to showcase the Kurdistan Region to the outside world, while relating scores of success stories of Kurdish people across the world. Besides the differences that these people have made in their host communities, their successes had failed to garner fair representation in a Kurdish publication. Instead, they were often portrayed as icons with little consideration for their Kurdish roots. We at Kurdistan Chronicle build an objective platform that relates these stories and show their protagonists as an example of qualified Kurdish professionals who flourished when they were given the opportunity in their respective fields and endeavors.
When we were preparing our 1st issue in early 2023, many believed that physical magazines belonged in the dustbin of history, with digital devices rendering paper publications superfluous. However, our fast success has proved these claims miscast. Once, during a meeting at our offices, a foreign diplomat in the Kurdistan Region said: “I feel the spirit of the Kurdish people when I hold Kurdistan Chronicle in my hands.”
In this edition of Kurdistan Chronicle, we publish a selection of insightful and informative articles ranging from politics, economy, and diplomacy to history, culture, and the arts. With a new layout in this very special issue, we hope to introduce a new dimension of Kurdistan to the outside world.
Our 11th issue also coincides with two important events: COP28 in Dubai and World Economic Forum in Davos. The former brought world leaders together in early December to discuss the pressing challenges that our world faces due to the heightening challenge of climate change. In his interactions with his international counterparts at COP28, Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani reiterated the Kurdistan Region's dedication to actively contributing to global initiatives aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Meanwhile, at the World Economic Forum in January, the Kurdish leader is expected to remind the international community that the Kurdistan Region has been, and will remain, a factor for stability. This was evident when the economic shockwaves of the Russia-Ukraine War posed a threat to global food security. During that challenging period, the Kurdistan Region surpassed expectations by extending a helping hand to the world's food basket, expressing readiness to supply regional markets with essential food items available in Kurdistan.
The past year also set a milestone in the Kurdistan Region’s economic growth, after several agricultural products were exported to the international markets for the first time in the region’s history. This initiative stemmed from a comprehensive plan devised by the KRG to diversify the economy and reduce its dependence on oil. After notable shipments of pomegranates, potatoes, honey, and apples from various regions of Kurdistan graced the shelves of both Gulf and European supermarkets, demand has significantly increased. In response, the Kurdistan Region is now working to expand both the size and diversity of its exports, hoping to export up to 1 million tons of potato in 2024.
Finally, it must be noted that with the large number of success stories, fascinating opinion and feature articles, and the different events happening in the region, we at the editorial board of Kurdistan Chronicle decided to print this issue with an expanded page count. We hope it provides you with an interesting read over your holidays.
Kurdistan Chronicle wishes you a happy and prosperous year in 2024.
Botan Tahseen is the Publisher of Kurdistan Chronicle.
