President Barzani highlights Kurdish resilience, strong US ties, hopes for peaceful
Iran relations, and a prosperous, self-determined future.
In an interview on The Capitol Hill Show with journalist Tim Constantine on May 8, 2025, President Massoud Barzani traced the origins of his family’s struggle to Sheikh Abdul Salam, who was executed by the Ottomans in 1914 for defending Kurdish rights and seeking justice. He emphasized that Kurds have endured immense suffering throughout history, including the Anfal campaigns, genocide, and chemical attacks. Despite these tragedies, the Kurdish people have always remained resilient, hopeful, and determined to achieve their goals. This perseverance, he noted, has shaped the Kurdistan Region’s current achievements, which are built on the sacrifices of thousands of martyrs.
President Barzani reflected on the influence of his father, Mullah Mustafa Barzani, on his character. He recalled that when his father left for the Soviet Union, he was only six months old, and by the time his father returned, he was 12. Despite the long separation, he quickly understood that his father’s journey was for the Kurdish cause. He emphasized that the challenges his family faced shaped his understanding of leadership and struggle.