Erbil, Kurdistan Region – President Masoud Barzani has reiterated his call for Kurdish unity and international responsibility regarding the situation in Western Kurdistan (Syria), while also condemning recent campaigns targeting Syrian Arabs within the Kurdistan Region. His statements, delivered in various contexts over the past few weeks, underscore the complex geopolitical challenges facing the Kurdish people and the region.
On , President Barzani delivered a message of solidarity with Western Kurdistan at a major diaspora rally in Bonn, Germany. The message, read by Shifa Barzani, Director General of the Kurdistani Diaspora Confederation, emphasized the need for unified support amidst heightened political and security sensitivity. According to reports, the rally drew thousands of Kurds and members of the Kurdistani diaspora.
Barzani’s message highlighted the historical injustices faced by the Kurdish people, referencing the division of Kurdistan in the 20th century. He stressed that decades of suffering have not diminished the Kurdish determination to secure their legitimate rights. He also paid tribute to the sacrifices made by fighters and civilians in Western Kurdistan, acknowledging years of displacement, imprisonment, and hardship.
The President expressed concern over new threats facing the region and called on the international community to uphold its responsibilities toward the Kurdish people. This call for international action echoes previous appeals for greater recognition and support for Kurdish rights and security.
More recently, on , Barzani condemned media campaigns and incitement targeting Arab Syrian residents in the Kurdistan Region. This condemnation followed violence in Aleppo, Syria, which impacted Kurdish neighborhoods and triggered a wave of online reaction. He described the campaigns as “inappropriate and inconsistent with Kurdish values and the policies of Kurdistan Region institutions.”
Barzani urged authorities to prevent similar incidents in the future, stating that such actions were “entirely inconsistent with the principles and values of the people of Kurdistan and conflict with the general policy and vision of the Kurdistan Region’s institutions.” The condemnation came in response to calls from some social media users for punitive measures against Syrian Arabs living in the Kurdistan Region, including job termination and revocation of residency permits.
The situation in Aleppo involved heavy fighting in predominantly Kurdish neighborhoods, resulting in civilian displacement and an eventual evacuation agreement. Barzani’s response reflects a commitment to protecting the rights of all residents within the Kurdistan Region, regardless of ethnicity.
Speaking at the 11th Mesopotamia Health Congress in Erbil, President Barzani addressed the recent developments in Rojava (Western Kurdistan), expressing his fear that the situation could escalate into a Kurdish-Arab conflict. He stated, “My fear was that the process would turn into a Kurdish-Arab war, which would be a great disaster.” He emphasized that Kurds have historically not been the initiators of conflict, but rather have fought against oppressors.
Barzani explained that in crisis situations, leadership requires making difficult decisions free from emotional considerations. He referenced the 2014 defense of Kobani, where Peshmerga forces fought alongside Kurdish fighters against ISIS, but noted that the recent situation required a different approach – de-escalation. He expressed relief that the conflict did not escalate into a broader Kurdish-Arab war.
He also expressed hope that the agreement between Rojava and the Syrian government would hold, preventing further conflict. Barzani acknowledged the solidarity shown by Kurds in the Kurdistan Region and the diaspora during the crisis, praising the national unity demonstrated through aid efforts led by the Barzani Charity Foundation and the Ministry of Health.
Beyond the immediate concerns in Syria, President Barzani also voiced support for the ongoing peace process in Turkey, stating that he has supported it from the beginning and hopes for a positive outcome. He also addressed the political situation in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, expressing concern over the prolonged delay in forming governments following last year’s elections. He acknowledged the challenges and called for continued efforts to resolve the political impasse.
Barzani emphasized the need for honesty with the public regarding the political situation, stating, “Unfortunately, after last year’s elections, a government has not yet been formed in Erbil or Baghdad. There are problems and stalemates, we must be honest with our people.” He affirmed that efforts to overcome the crisis and find solutions are ongoing in both Erbil and Baghdad.
