An independent Kurdish state will bring prosperity and stability to the region said the Chancellor of the Kurdistan Region Security Council, in an op-ed published in the Washington Times last week.
Masrour Barzani said “the Kurds have paid a heavy price for the international community’s failed one-Iraq policy”.
Writing on an upcoming independence referendum for the Kurdistan region, he added “instead, global partners should now publicly support a dialogue between Erbil and Baghdad to shape bilateral relations on new and binding terms”.
“The Kurds of Iraq have endured a long and bitter journey rooted in the pursuit of self-determination — a dignity essential to all communities,” said the Chancellor. “It has at times led to mass deportation, war and genocide.”
“This move will not alter borders of neighboring states. It will instead formalize the obvious makeup of the Iraqi state today.”
“Two independent states living alongside each other as peaceful neighbors will usher unprecedented strategic alliances in trade, energy and security. It will secure a prosperous footing for both communities, Arabs and Kurds, and allow us to determine the best governance for our peoples.”
Read the full op-ed here.