PUK must speak up for an independent Kurdistan in the South

By Mufid Abdulla:

It has long been a complaint of those campaigning for an independent Kurdish state in the south of Kurdistan that the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) leaders are reluctant to speak out publicly in favour of Independence and indeed, privately, some PUK leaders say this is because they don’t want the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) to completely dominate the Kurdish political landscape.

In my view this is also due to their fear of Qassem Suleimani, head of the Quds Force and one of the Iranian regime’s top killers, a man who probably had a hand in the 1989 assassination of Dr Qasimlo, leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran (KDPI). Suleimani holds considerable sway over the Iraqi regime in Baghdad – and also, it seems, over a section of the PUK  leadership. Indeed, news comes from PUK sources that its leaders are divided over whether to support Maliki or Barzani! But a majority of the PUK membership is for Independence and there are justifiable accusations of treason against the other wing for trying to undermine Kurdish unity.

One can understand why some PUK leaders have come to think like this. First, they reckon the PUK owes Iran a lot of favours since it helped them avoid complete meltdown in the September 2013 elections. Second, the PUK has been so obsessed about Barzani’s leadership position that they think any call coming from the KDP for Independence weakens the PUK and strengthens the power of the KDP.

The reality is that polls held on several websites are indicative of the huge popular support for an independent Kurdish state. At the same time our nations’ dreams are positive, democratic and outward-looking. The Independence cause is much bigger than the KDP and this kind of PUK tactics will fail. The PUK should purge those who have undermined the unity of the Kurdish movement, especially at this critical time, and the party must fully face up to the historic challenges ahead.

2 Responses to PUK must speak up for an independent Kurdistan in the South
  1. Mike
    July 8, 2014 | 13:31

    Iran controls PUK.

  2. KIM
    July 9, 2014 | 03:14
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