Talabani’s call to Nawshirwan Mustafa: Why are better PUK-Gorran relations important?

Kamal Chomani

By Kamal Chomani:

For about three years Jalal Talabani had no conversations with Nawshirwan Mustafa but hopefully, after a recent telephone call between the two sides, they are going to put an end to the cold relations. Why are better relations between the PUK and Gorran important?

Jalal Talabani, the Iraqi president and PUK leader’s telephone call to Nawshirwan Mustafa, the Gorran Movement leader, should be praised rather than criticized. The public and media should put more pressure on Talabani’s side to regularize relations with Gorran. Those who are criticizing Nawshirwan Mustafa for the call have not studied the situation in  Kurdistan well. If there’s a diplomatic way to overcome the problems, why should we go for revolutionary acts?

Kurdistan is undergoing hundreds of crises. In my last column (Who is who in Kurdistan?), I depicted Kurdistan as it is, having thousands of unsolved problems.

The two leaders have a mutual history of more than 40 years’ struggle. Both can play a vital role in leading Kurdistan to a better situation today.

With the recent development of new problems in Zakho and Baghdad, it seems that the Kurdish political parties have a perspective of having stronger relations in the interests of a unified Kurdistan. Aside from this, the opposition parties, as we learned from the meeting between Nawshirwan Mustafa and Salahhaddin Bahaadin, the Islamic Union leader, do not accept the hegemony of a single party over the Kurdistan administration. It was announced that both leaders were gravely concerned about the monopoly of a political party over some areas: they meant the hegemony of the KDP over Hawler and Duhok provinces. The meeting was clearly determined to put a stop to the KDP’s hegemony. At the same time, the PUK also doesn’t seem happy with the KDP. PUK supporters want an agreement with the opposition rather than the KDP. Basically, it is much easier to deal with the PUK than the KDP because of the party’s roots.

These days the KDP is seen to be alone. No one is satisfied with its moves. The incidents in Zakho, the discourse of its media and some politicians, and Masoud Barzani’s protection on Al-Hashimi are not wise acts. All the political parties, media and public are disgusted by Fazil Mirani’s comments in his interview with the weekly ‘Civil’ magazine, in which he said: “The KDP alone has 20,000 Barzani Fidayis”. It is a big shame for a party that supposedly propagates democracy and the rule of law to be proud of having militias.

The telephone call can be considered a significant step. It can become a turning point. Even though it could be part of Talabani’s strategy to force the KDP to listen to his concerns, we should not be too suspicious. All in all, Talabani and Nawshirwan should have a meeting. I am certain that Nawshirwan Mustafa would then raise all the issues very frankly because that is his nature. He got used to telling Talabani what he thought when he was junior to him and so, now that both men are leaders of two different parties – and Nawsheiwan’s party is the stronger – he will be even more frank. Nawshirwan will tell Talabani what we he tells us and so it is important that they meet.

Talabani has asked Nawshirwan to play his part in solving the issues in Kurdistan on the one hand and the Iraqi problems on the other. The KDP and PUK should listen to Gorran and the two Islamic opposition parties. Relations between Barzani and Maliki are not good. Al-Maliki may ask the Kurdish opposition parties to support him in a reshuffle of the Iraq government and the KDP and PUK are afraid of Maliki’s next steps.

The Kurdish opposition parties and Kurdish people – those who ask for better public services, freedom, democracy, transparency and accountability – have not asked the rulers of Kurdistan to leave power. They have only asked for radical reforms in all areas of the system. Therefore we should try to pursue all given chances to achieve these aims. If a meeting takes place between Talabani and Nawshirwan, but nothing changes, the people and opposition parties can re-start the protests.

If the protests re-start, this time they will spread all over Kurdistan. Meanwhile the KDP has raised the threat that it has 20,000 Fidayi. If issues can be solved via meetings around tables, why should we risk people’s lives?

Kurdistan is going through a critical phase. The ruling parties should approach the opposition parties and meet the people’s demands – otherwise they will lose their chance. No one will benefit from the current situation except those who are corrupt and want the country to turn to tyranny. The stance of the KDP and PUK is not as strong as it was in refusing all the demands. We should support preparing the ground for a meeting between the opposition and the ruling parties. But this must be the last chance given to the ruling parties.

Having better relations between the PUK and Gorran is very important because it weakens the KDP. Otherwise the KDP can step up pressure on the PUK on the one hand, while doing whatever it wants in its zone on the other. When PUK-Gorran relations worsen, the KDP gets more power and becomes stronger. The PUK is weak now compared to the opposition parties. Once the KDP becomes as weak as the PUK, democracy in Kurdistan will make progress.

Copyright © 2011 Kurdistantribune.com

7 Responses to Talabani’s call to Nawshirwan Mustafa: Why are better PUK-Gorran relations important?
  1. Baqi Barzani
    December 25, 2011 | 02:56

    Kurdish citizens are fed up with the moribund political culture, dominated by two established parties (PUK & KDP) in South Kurdistan that refuse to address the real problems confronting society. Goran also lost its credibility after failing to deliver its touted vows in election. Islamists do not enjoy broad public support, especially after what occurred in Zakho.

    Perhaps Kurdish intellectuals and academics should contemplate about founding a new political party in South Kurdistan.

  2. Haval
    December 25, 2011 | 10:41

    Kak Kamal:it is important to have the normal relationship between two political parties specially in the south of Kurdistan. Dialogue is paramount for reaching the consensus among the politician.Fazil Mirani’s comment trigger a lot inside KDP.KDP it is they are in favour of military Junta state,if that is not a case why it is important to have 30000 Fydayee Barzani ,compared. to Saddam had Million Fydayeed,but couldn’t save him from humiliation.Me and you knows the balance of power has changed in Kurdistan,Barzani want to do a deal with Gorran ,Talabani the same ,So it will be a grave mistake if going for any coalition with any of these two parties, even though Gorran not much different with the two ruling parties in a lot of aspect but wiser for Gorran to develop and finish what they started.
    i dont agree the good relation between PUK and Gorran will weaken the KDP.KDP is a tribal party the only think will weaken KDP is enhancing our institution.We all know If there would be a fair election in kurdistan KDP can not along win the election ?if you agree?Good two leaders talking ,as far as i know Nawshirwan not a Toy ,the man Talabni know he is the only person after his death can save PUK.

  3. Haval
    December 25, 2011 | 11:11

    Kak Baqi ,set up the party and we going to be behind you ! ,I don’t believe you .you cousin set up the party how much success he had Abdulmsawar Barzani.He escape the Badinan and stayed in Sulaymanin during the election .We can not painiting all the parties with the same brush.what happen to our intellectual are selled themself to the two ruling parites a few of them ,they refuse to cooperate in their postes .As an example do you remember there was a chap in Nottingham writing in both papers Hawlati and Awna on Kurdish leader,Son now that chap he is a mininter for Eductation ??? our intellectual are traitors and selfish.

  4. Baqi Barzani
    December 25, 2011 | 19:04

    Dear Kak Haval

    Why not? All required is: 1) A strong media outlet in English and Kurdish 2) A publication in Kurdish in Kurdistan. 3) And a Headquarter in Hawler , to commence with.

    A new political party being formed should not only encompass Barzan region, but parts from all over Kurdistan, and whose members should mainly entail university students, youths and intellectuals in Diasporas.

    Most world political organizations launch with a single or couple of individuals at the inception.

    Fear or love is the only two mindsets functioning in the entire Middle East. Any ruling party must either love you or be fearful of you. As for the instance you have cited, this minister was probably in the first category. That is why they had to stifle his voice, but not every intellectual is the same.

    We observe more and more youths graduating from universities every day. We have thousands of foreign –schooled engineers, lawyers, journalists, instructors, doctors, etc. The climate is ripe! It is on the cards!
    Maybe it can kick off here by a campaign initiated by Kurdistantribune.

    Regards.
    Baqi

    • Harem
      December 26, 2011 | 13:49

      Kak Baqi, here is my view:

      1: The current mentality of our society is simply not tolerating such party. With all due respect, it would have made more sense to say a few mealy-mouthed clerics to use as propaganda machines than a strong media outlet in a society that is still flooding into the mosques on Fridays listening to 1400 years old malicious stories.

      2: Our Intellectuals/Philosophers/Linguistics/Academics have so far failed to have a united voice due to party affiliations and private interests, cannot even gather under an umbrella – create a lobby in diaspora for the sake of their oppressed nation, cannot agree on a united scientific language for our universities to conduct their researches so they no longer rely on Arabic or English, let alone uniting them under a political philosophy.

      3: There is no such thing as graduates; hence the education system is decades old and frankly not fit for purpose. Thousands have graduated in a false system, upon their graduation; they do not know anything about their degrees. The reason why most foreign companies, that are operating in the region recruiting foreign professionals. KRG knows this better and do not restrict them.

      4: Representative Democracy has clearly failed, we are living in a digital world with analogue politics and it is about time we take into considerations a peaceful, democratic transformation of the current rotten system to real-time online direct democracy system.
      Click here for details http://kurdistantribune.com/rtoldd/

  5. Baqi Barzani
    December 26, 2011 | 19:41

    Dear Kak Harem

    Thanks for your comment. We can always do something. Silence and inaction is not the solution. The dissonance is on how? Of course, there are conflicting views.

    What I believe is if we must sacrifice the few for the sake of the majority, it is worth it since nothing can be obtained free of devotions, especially ones rights and freedom.

    If current circumstances do not allow the formation of a new political party or organization, then the focus should mainly be centered on fusion of all political factions in South Kurdistan in order to achieve our ultimate goal (independence), which I wonder how that can transpire given increasing inter-party bitterness. The ruling parties have not been able to secure the stated goal at some stage in our elongated history of struggle for almost a century. As the matter of fact, it was further fragmentations within Kurdish national movements that led to undermining our struggle and failure to have gained our self-rule so far.

    A non-partisan robust, armed national force must come onto existence in order to counterbalance the rising clout of PUK and KDP. Another option left is striving to consolidate the infrastructure of Peshmarga establishment in order to minimize partisan influence, and then place the country back on right track.

    Kurdistani politics and economy is run by certain powerful countries behind-the-scene. There is not much that current political parties can do, as well. Therefore, we must depend on power of masses. We all concur that such landmark opportunities are hard to duplicate for the Kurds yet again.

    The absence of a united voice among Kurdish intellectuals is chiefly due to the absence of strong leadership. A leadership with a definite goal and strategy. The first and most significant move. And it must begin somewhere by someone.

    Living in a digital world with analogue politics? Well, it will take sometimes for the conversion. Best option is first adaption, penetration and then connection.

    Peaceful, democratic transformation sound good! But I wonder if there is a way to accelerate it.

    Before the establishment of Jewish state, even Jews were targeted by their own government so as to create a climate of terror to lure homeless Jews to repatriate. The cause was noble.

    Patience is key as indicated by you, as well. Little bit more time can help multiply the impact.

    The direction of a struggle/revolution can easily be veered off by both an internal and external force.

    Regards
    Baqi

  6. Harem
    December 27, 2011 | 11:54

    Kak Baqi,
    I agree with most of what you have said there, but one has to be realistic when assessing the circumstances. Speaking of independence, there are reasons behind it, the current political leadership is not as naive as we might think. Delaying the implementation of articles 140 & 112 as well as avoidance of independence at present – have been the best cards at Kurds’ disposal for almost a century.

    KRG receives 17.5% of national budget most of which is coming from oil revenues from Southern refineries. While the KRG might have its own oil, but have no infrastructure (Pipelines, Reservoirs, Modern production technology to make the best use of its crude, Strategic agreements with neighbours to export it as well as lucrative concessions with companies from powerful Western countries etc…). Delaying the question of independence is buying time for all these to be achieved.

    Being part of Iraq is giving KRG access to the diplomatic community as well as arms industry. Equipping Peshmerga with modern weapons requires a large budget (Imagine KRG buys 50 F18 for $2.8 b and 100 M1 Abrams battle tanks for $2 b) the 42% of its population that are employed by the government will have to starve to death.

    On the other hand, in the past eight years, the political dynamics in the wider region have not been favourable to declare independence, in particular KRG’s immediate neighbours. Building good relations requires time and that is exactly what the KRG been doing. Having said this, should the political process collapse in Baghdad in the coming weeks and months, Kurds will declare independence to avoid its involvements in the Sunni-Shitte war and cut a deal with Turkey with regards to Kirkuk and other disputed areas.

    Uniting the Peshmerga, Intelligence agencies and Security is one of the thornier questions confronting Barzani and Talabani for the following reasons.
    1: None of them give way (trust) to the other to command the forces under the current circumstances, or at least until the new Kurdistan constitution is ratified.
    2: Having a united Peshmerga force will prevent them looting the nation’s revenue in the name of Peshmerga (private militia) and use it for their parties, its organs and propaganda machines.
    3: Concerned if they lose control over their private militia, they might be subject to kudeta.
    4: Their mind set is to sort out disputes using their AK47s and not yet familiar with something called the rule of law.
    5: Barzani’s ties with Turkey and Talabani’s ties with Iran have put them in the situation where they will have to execute two different agenda and this is an obstacle. (Note: recent border incursion Talabani’s forces accused of helping Iran against PJAK – Barzani’s forces accused of helping Turkey against PKK).

    The best way to avoid your economy to be controlled by other countries is to become self-sufficient – which Kurdistan has the potential to become one.

    Real-Time On-line Direct Democracy project is ahead of time, it takes a while for people around the world to understand it. 10 years ago, we all used to go to supermarkets and queue up for shopping; now some of us shop online.

    Kind regards,

    Harem

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