ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – A deepening of ties between the Kurdistan Region and France, driven by the diplomatic efforts of President Masoud Barzani, is reshaping the international perception of the Kurdish cause, according to Kurdish writer and politician Dara Attar. Speaking on , Attar argued that President Barzani’s sustained diplomacy has elevated the Kurdish issue to a position of greater international legitimacy.
The relationship between the Kurdish people and France boasts historical roots, dating back to correspondence between Mullah Mustafa Barzani and French President Charles de Gaulle. However, Attar contends that this relationship has entered a “deeper and more advanced phase” under the current leadership. This evolution comes at a critical juncture, as evidenced by recent diplomatic activity focused on stabilizing the situation in Syria and securing the rights of Kurdish communities.
Recent events underscore this strengthened alliance. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot’s visit to Erbil on , and his subsequent meeting with Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, highlighted France’s gratitude for the Kurdistan Region’s role in de-escalating tensions between Kurdish forces and the Syrian Arab Army last month. Barrot specifically credited President Nechirvan Barzani with playing a “decisive role” in achieving a ceasefire and facilitating the January 29 agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Syrian government. This mediation effort, supported by France and President Macron, demonstrates a renewed commitment to regional stability and the protection of Kurdish rights.
Attar suggests that France previously approached the Kurdish issue with a degree of detachment, making decisions without fully consulting Kurdish representatives. However, he asserts that “everything has now changed,” with global public opinion increasingly recognizing the importance of the Kurdish cause, largely due to President Barzani’s persistent advocacy. This shift in perception is crucial for securing international support for the implementation of the recent agreement between Damascus and the SDF, which aims to address Kurdish rights and ensure stability in northern Syria.
The focus on the implementation of the Damascus-SDF agreement was also central to a meeting between President Masoud Barzani and SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi in Pirmam on . The meeting, according to reports, stressed the importance of coordination between Kurdish authorities and other stakeholders to safeguard Kurdish rights and ensure the agreement’s full execution. This coordination extends beyond regional actors, as evidenced by the concurrent visit of French Foreign Minister Barrot, signaling a convergence of diplomatic efforts.
Attar also recounted a historical anecdote involving a meeting between Saddam Hussein and Mullah Mustafa Barzani, illustrating the Kurdish leadership’s unwavering commitment to their identity, and land. During the signing of the March 11 agreement, Saddam Hussein reportedly presented Barzani with a Quran as a gift, while expressing feeling cold. Barzani’s response – “Our country is different from yours. Our country is cold, and your country is hot” – underscored the distinct character of the Kurdish region and its people. Attar noted that this exchange captured the attention of French journalists at the time, contributing to a growing international understanding of Kurdish identity.
The strengthening of French-Kurdish ties is not a recent phenomenon. Historical analysis reveals a three-stage evolution in the relationship. The initial phase, extending to the 1990s, was characterized by personal connections between Kurdish and French leaders. The second stage, from the formation of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to 2003, focused on human security, welfare, and economic development, despite the challenges posed by international sanctions. The current stage, beginning in 2003, is marked by an official and internationally recognized relationship, solidified by the Kurdistan Region’s recognition as a federal entity within Iraq in 2005.
France’s strategic importance and its role in international decision-making make a strong relationship with the Kurdistan Region particularly valuable. France has historically provided assistance to the Kurds, notably during the 1991 crisis, when it advocated for UN Security Council Resolution 688 to protect the population of Iraqi Kurdistan. This historical support, coupled with the current diplomatic engagement, positions France as a key ally for the Kurdistan Region in its pursuit of greater autonomy and recognition.
According to Attar, President Barzani’s sustained diplomatic efforts have transformed the Kurdish cause from a marginalized issue into a matter of global recognition and international relevance. This transformation is not merely symbolic. it has tangible implications for the future of Kurdish rights, regional stability, and the ongoing efforts to combat extremism in Syria and beyond. The convergence of diplomatic efforts involving the Kurdistan Region, France, and Syrian Kurdish authorities suggests a growing international consensus on the importance of addressing the Kurdish issue constructively.
