By Frsat Said Shukur
The 1991 Uprising represented a significant historical turning point in the pursuit of freedom and the liberation of Kurdistan from the threats and oppression of occupiers. This historical transformation, which was the product of the struggle of the Peshmerga and the people of Kurdistan, advanced Kurdistan from a local entity into an influential actor on the political and geopolitical map of the Middle East and the world.
Therefore, the Kurdish revolutionary movements, which ultimately culminated in the Kurdish Uprising, became the foundation for the creation of a semi-autonomous entity possessing a parliament, a government, and internal security that continues to this day.
Since that era, the standing of the Kurdistan Region on the international level has remained influential and strong due to several factors, including the war against terrorists, energy resources, the realm of peace and coexistence, and the issue of security and stability in the region.
In the Field of Security and the War on Terror:
One of the crucial factors that propelled the Kurdistan Region’s status toward a peak level was its security shield. At a time when Iraq and Syria faced a wave of threats and attacks by ISIS terrorists, the Peshmerga forces of Kurdistan protected the land of Kurdistan—including all its citizens, components, and inhabitants—along a 1,400-kilometer front. This reality prompted the International Coalition against ISIS to assist the Kurdistan Region in various ways, ranging from air and ground support, training, and intelligence sharing, to the establishment of joint operations rooms. Subsequently, through these efforts and by protecting Coalition forces and foreign diplomatic missions from terrorist threats, the Kurdistan Region built a great global reputation, becoming an influential part of the forces combating terrorism worldwide. Today, the Coalition continues to place great importance on the Peshmerga forces.
In the Economic Field:
One of the sectors that has advanced the Kurdistan Region is the economy, particularly the steps taken toward economic diversification. The arrival of major oil and energy companies in Kurdistan is a clear indication that global markets have significant confidence in the security and political stability of the Kurdistan Region. The presence of foreign companies has become a factor in strengthening the Kurdish lobby to protect Kurdistan’s interests. Currently, the Kurdistan Region serves as an important trade gateway for all of Iraq, as well as for Turkey, Europe, the United States, and other countries influenced by the Region’s economic position. In international politics, political and economic standing are interdependent, with each influencing the other.
In Strengthening the Kurdistan Region’s Position:
We must highlight the significance of the large number of consulates and foreign representations currently present in the Kurdistan Region. These missions are aware that the Kurdistan Region adheres to all diplomatic norms and protocols. The visits and meetings of consular officials and high-ranking representatives demonstrate the reality that the Kurdistan Region holds a deep strategic position in the view and strategy of these nations, and that its political standing has a significant impact on the wider region. The ability of consuls and foreign representations to carry out their duties in the Kurdistan Region free from pressure highlights the truth that this Region has become a major, trusted global hub. Furthermore, the Kurdistan Regional Government’s own representations in the Middle East, Europe, and the United States are viewed as a factor strengthening its diplomatic standing.
Peace and Coexistence:
Peace and coexistence constitute a vital point of our discussion. Without closely examining the Kurdistan Region’s role in preserving peace and coexistence in a country like Iraq—which is plagued by sectarian and ethnic conflict—one cannot fully appreciate the distinct model this Region has offered. Respect for culture and religious and ethnic coexistence among Muslims, Christians, Yezidis, and all other components sends a global message that the Kurdistan Region is a land of peace and democracy.
The participation of the Kurdistan Region in major global forums to address issues of security, economy, energy, and various global challenges, along with the utilization of the Region’s experience, insights, and strategies regarding the Middle East, has enabled its standing to take great strides forward on the international stage.