This edition of Kurdistan Chronicle marks a historic moment as it is the first Kurdish publication to be distributed simultaneously in both the United States and Erbil. It signifies a major milestone in the effort to bridge cultural and informational divides between Kurdistan and the United States, fostering greater understanding and cooperation.

This development is a significant step forward in amplifying the voices and perspectives of the Kurdish community on an international scale, promoting cross-cultural dialogue, and enhancing global awareness of Kurdish culture, politics, and achievements.

Discussions of the U.S.-Kurdistan bilateral relationship often center around strategic defense, counterterrorism, and geopolitical positioning. Just a decade ago, Kurdish peshmerga fighters fought alongside U.S. troops to defeat ISIS and restore peace and stability to the Middle East. As regional tensions mount, Kurdistan is again playing a critical role in protecting freedom and deterring unwarranted aggression. 

However, the story of Kurdistan goes far beyond security. As the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) Representative to the United States, it is my honor and privilege to tell our story in Washington, D.C. and work to foster greater cooperation between our two nations. 

Beyond defense, there are many opportunities for the Kurdish and American people to build deeper bonds and work together to build a better world.

For starters, Kurdistan is ready and willing to join the United States in the fight against climate change. Given our geographic location, we understand the damaging impacts of a warming planet and the need to be better stewards of our environment. Issues like drought, famine, and deadly heatwaves threaten our very way of life, which is why the KRG is doing everything it can to stem the tide of climate change. As Kurdistan Chronicle detailed in its November 2023 issue, environmental organizations in Kurdistan are working tirelessly to restore our region’s oak forests, which is crucial to mitigating the impacts of climate change. With greater international partnership, we can make great strides toward protecting the planet we call home.

Additionally, the Kurdistan Region is a beacon of human rights in the Middle East, and we are eager to partner with the United States and other allied nations to protect the rights of the diverse communities in the region. Kurdistan is a tapestry of religious and ethnic groups coexisting in peace, and we are a people who empower women and girls to seek education, build careers, and succeed in their own endeavors. By working together to protect and promote human rights, the United States and Kurdistan can make a powerful impact on the lives of so many people in need.

Kurdistan can also become a powerful economic partner to the United States. In recent years, the KRG has prioritized developing its economic infrastructure by boosting the agriculture sector, increasing internet access, combatting poverty, and fostering a spirit of entrepreneurialism that is rapidly transforming our region into an economic engine. With greater trade and mutual investment with our friends in the United States, both nations can enter a new era of prosperity.

Ultimately, though, the greatest bonds we can build lie in the connection between our two peoples. Like the American people, the Kurdish people value freedom, prosperity, and the rights of individuals. As we continue to work together with the United States to restore peace in our region, we must strive for deeper people-to-people connections that make all of us stronger.

Treefa Aziz is KRG Representative to the United States.