The White House of Erbil – a symbol of corruption

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White House of Erbil

White House of Erbil

Known as the White House of Erbil, this is the headquarters of the PUK (Patriotic Union of Kurdistan) and special residence of its leader, Jalal Talabani. It is also a symbol of corruption and despotism.

The White House was built for Talabani by the KDP (Kurdistan Democratic Party) to compensate him for the loss of another palatial Erbil residence during the 1990s civil war.

Previously that place had provided a comfortable home and political HQ for Saddam’s henchman, Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri, who went there during the summer months.

When the PUK seized it, they gave it – not to the people – but to Talabani. During the civil war, with Saddam’s help Masud Barzani’s KDP (Kurdistan Democratic Party) forced the PUK out of Erbil. They captured the house and eventually gave it – not to the people – but to Nechirvan Barzani, the current prime minister.

When the two parties reconciled and agreed to share power, the PUK complained and the KDP said: “We are not going to give it back to you, but we can build you another house of a similar size”.

There aren’t enough schools for children in the region – often they can only attend classes for 2.5 – 3 hours a day due to the shortage. And yet around $200 million is spent on a palace for the PUK, with grounds big enough to hold a residential district or several schools. The White House could be turned into a research centre or even a university.

This story illustrates the two-party corruption that pervades the south of Kurdistan.

Copyright © 2013 Kurdistantribune.com

12 Responses to The White House of Erbil – a symbol of corruption
  1. Ari Ali
    May 19, 2013 | 10:14

    Barzanies are spending massive amount of money to build cemetery of the ” immortals” in Barzan village. They look like big palaces aspired from Saddam architectural taste ! The money is stolen from people wealth because in 1991 all barzanies together did not own 10000 dollars .

    The sooner these corrupt booted the better for the new generation .

  2. Suleiyman
    May 19, 2013 | 18:01

    Yet our Kurdish people are naive enough to vote for them this year

  3. Baqi Barzani
    May 20, 2013 | 01:21

    Is president Obama aware of the ongoing corruption in Iraq? If yes, why has he remained silent? If not, can he support us in fighting corruption?

    Turning a blind eye to corruption and getting involved in corruption is the same!

    Baqi Barzani
    KIM

  4. Lorenzo Garcia
    May 20, 2013 | 07:31

    Fortunately, Obama is not aware of corruption in any part of the Middle East and especially in Baghdad.
    Irony

  5. Suleiyman
    May 20, 2013 | 11:41

    Hey Baqi: what happened to the revolution you had promised a month ago when you said it would hit the streets very soon and to stay tuned for?just curious

  6. Baqi
    May 20, 2013 | 21:57

    KIM expresses its apologies to the US president Barack Obama for a misunderstanding. We rushed to conclusion. President Obama is a man of peace, justice and anti-corruption.

    Baqi Barzani
    KIM

  7. Baqi Barzani
    May 21, 2013 | 03:56

    To: Suleiyman

    We completed the revolution. We shall reap the fruits in years to come.

    When peace can solve the problems, why choose war.

    On 19, May, KIM published something on Facebook which we realized later after an investigation, it was not true.

    I express my apology here to Kurdistan Democratic Party for the inaccuracy of its content.

    I am pro peace, not violence. If we can not make things better, we should not make it worse, either.

    Thanks for the comment.
    .

  8. Suleiyman
    May 21, 2013 | 14:29

    Baqi Barzani and KIM have got to be the biggest joke out there. Are you serious? First you attack Obama accusing him of supporting corruption in Kurdistan and then you come out apologizing saying it was a misunderstanding. Then you talk about claims if KDP corruption and leaking proof and after 3 months you come say revolution concluded and that your reports were wrong. Is your group run by a bunch of punks? Seriously man go find something better to do with your life. How can this kind mess even be allowed in KT. People, help me out here!

    • Ari Ali
      May 22, 2013 | 00:05

      These Barzanies have stolen a lot of money and most of them do not know what to do with their life ? They came and say they want KIM or what ever .

      Just ignore .

  9. Baqi
    May 21, 2013 | 22:32

    1) I asked President Obama for help.
    2) Not reports, a report.

    3) I said Baqi Barzani, not KIM.

    Thank U.

  10. Suleiyman
    May 21, 2013 | 23:19

    Baqi, below is exactly what you write (clearly put your name then KIM)
    “Is president Obama aware of the ongoing corruption in Iraq? If yes, why has he remained silent? If not, can he support us in fighting corruption?
    Turning a blind eye to corruption and getting involved in corruption is the same!
    Baqi Barzani
    KIM”

    What have you got to say?

    • Halmet
      June 2, 2013 | 17:41

      very well Mr. Suleiyman, i think you just “Checkmate” Baqi.

      He’s too clumsy jumping around with useless comments. after all, he’s just another bird-dog of barzani clan

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