Iraqi Kurdistan president: time has come to redraw Middle East boundaries

[umbertino]

Massoud Barzani claims era of Sykes-Picot is over and a new international agreement is needed for the Middle East

 

 

Martin Chulov in Erbil

 

Friday 22 January 2016 07.30 GMT

 

 

 

The president of Iraq’s autonomous Kurdish north has called on global leaders to acknowledge that the Sykes-Picot pact that led to the boundaries of the modern Middle East has failed, and urged them to broker a new deal paving the way for a Kurdish state.

 

Massoud Barzani, who has led the troubled country’s Kurds for the past decade, said the international community had started to accept that Iraq and Syria in particular would never again be unified and that “compulsory co-existence” in the region had been proven wrong.

 

“I think that within themselves, [world leaders] have come to this conclusion that the era of Sykes-Picot is over,” Barzani told the Guardian. “Whether they say it or not, accept it or not, the reality on the ground is that. But as you know, diplomats are conservatives and they give their assessment in the late stages of things. And sometimes they can’t even keep up with developments.”

 

The political map of northern Iraq has changed drastically in the 18 months since Islamic State overran Iraq’s second city, Mosul. Kurdish forces are now in full control of Kirkuk and Sinjar and have claimed control of thousands more miles of land that had been under control of Iraq’s central government.

 

Now, four months before the centennial of the Sykes-Picot agreement under which Britain and France carved spheres of influence from the ruins of the Ottoman Empire, Barzani said maintaining the status quo would ensure further regional disintegration and destruction.

 

He said independence, which has been the centrepiece of Kurdish ambitions for decades but has been fiercely opposed by suspicious regional neighbours, was “now closer than at any other time”. Countries that had long been against the move were being swayed by the claim that sovereignty within the current borders of the Kurdish regional government could instead bring clarity, he said.

 

Over the past 10 years, an already tenuous relationships with Baghdad has been shredded. Iraqi leaders have been particularly angered by the seizure of Kirkuk, which has seen Erbil direct the flow of the city’s oil to its pipeline spreading north to Turkey. Erbil, meanwhile, had seen its prescribed share of central budget revenues slashed before it took the city, beating Isis in a race for control in the days following Mosul’s fall.

 

Barzani said regional and global powers now needed to enshrine a new pact that would protect communities in Iraq and Syria, where divisions have become entrenched on socio-religious and sectarian lines. “There must be a [new] agreement, it is important to see what type of agreement it is, what mechanism it can bring and rely on to formalise things, and what will be its status. When the formalisation of that agreement will be is not known yet. It’s illogical to continue or insist on repeating a wrong experiment that was repeated for 100 years and is leading nowhere.”

 

“Right now, Iraq is divided. We are not responsible for it. On the contrary, we have done our best to preserve Iraqi unity and a democratic Iraq. In 1991, we went to Iraq and negotiated with those criminals that were responsible with the chemical bombardment, the Anfal campaign [launched by Saddam Hussein against the Kurds].

 

“People talk about the experience of national reconciliation in South Africa. With all my respect for what they experienced, what we as the Kurds did … happened even before the South African situation. After 2003, we went to Baghdad and tried our best through the constitutional process. But the existing culture in Iraq is not one of co-existence.

 

“So if we can’t live together we have to live with other alternatives.”

 

Barzani announced he would push for independence on 1 July 2014, the first time a Kurdish leader had pledged to do so after decades of armed struggle, civil war and displacement. The announcement was meant to lead to a referendum, but it failed to generate momentum and was soon subsumed by the Isis advance on Erbil, and the worsening crisis in Iraq and Syria.

 

He told the Guardian that some neighbours had come to see the Kurdistan region as a source of stability in a region otherwise dominated by geopolitical chaos. “All of the opposition to us has been based on some wrong perceptions. The Kurdistan region is not a source of threat for any of the neighbours. Our experience throughout the last 15 years proves that we are the element of stability.”

 

Neighbouring states have long been concerned about the domestic implications of a sovereign Kurdish state. Turkey, Syria and Iran have large Kurdish minorities of their own. Turkey, in particular, has fought a four-decade campaign against Kurdish militants that it believes want to create an autonomous region in its south-east. At the same time, however, it has cultivated warm relations with the KRG leadership.

 

“We have not discussed this with Turkey, whether they are going to accept this or not. I don’t think [they would oppose it]. This is our national right. We are not a threat to anyone, but we don’t seek permission to exercise our rights.”

 

Barzani said regional attitudes had shifted markedly. “It has been a dramatic change,” he said. “To give you one example. Using Kurdistan and Kurds was forbidden in Turkey, but a month ago when I went to Turkey, the Kurdistan flag flew in the presidential palace.

 

“If you compare it to the time I have lived with, throughout all our experiences, I think it is now much closer than at any other time. I know that it’s a heavy weight, but it’s a sacred responsibility.”

 

 

Iraqi Kurdish leader Massoud Barzani announces the liberation of Sinjar, Iraq, from Isis in November 2015.

Photograph: Safin Hamed/AFP/Getty Images

 

 

Map in link

 

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jan/22/kurdish-independence-closer-than-ever-says-massoud-barzani

[RV4CandyMan]

Thanks Umbertino!  The picture, I find to be a little funny. Announcing the liberation of Sinjar behind protective sand bags.   

[djgabrielie1]

Sure looks as though the Kurds want to be a singularity now doesn't it? Good luck with the HCL. They have been placating Baghdad for years while looking to be independent all along. Perhaps they will have their own government, currency, army but that doesn't mean that the rest of Iraq still can't do the same. Maybe this is the push that will allow Iraq to get back into the international game and RV their currency after all.

 

I'm tired of hearing about boundaries, separate government, and towers of power. If Iraq doesn't watch it, they will loose support and crumble. They need to be unified and strong. Not chopping up the county into regions of independence.

 

Just my Opinion, Not worth much.

[yota691]

Barzani: It's time to redraw the Middle East and Iraq's borders Fair division

History of edits:: 2016/1/22 18:14 • 130 visits readable

[Follow-where] 
the President of Kurdistan called, Massoud Barzani, leaders of all countries of the world, "the recognition of the failure of the Sykes - Picot painted borders in the Middle East, and urged them to reach a new agreement as a prelude to open the way for a Kurdish state."

Barzani said in an interview with the British newspaper The Guardian that "the international community in general has begun to accept that Iraq and Syria will not longer a unified state again because of the volatile situation over the past decade, and can not impose mandatory coexistence between components anymore." 
Said Barzani during Speaking to the British Guardian newspaper, "We must know all the world leaders that the era of the Sykes-Picot agreement has ended, whether declared it or not, this is a fait accompli on the ground, and as you know, the diplomats a little conservative and they give their assessment in the late stages of these issues."
He explained, "that if the region has been the political map of the same, it will lead to the disintegration and destruction of more in the region, but for the independence of the province of Kurdistan, it was the ambition of the Kurds and for decades, but this move has been the big oppositions from neighboring countries in the region, but that the declaration of a Kurdish state now closer than ever, Vakulaim Kurdistan were not days a source of threat to any of its neighbors, and our experience over the past 15 years have proven that we stability element. 
"He revealed Barzani," that Iraq Fair division for the time being, we are not responsible for that, on the contrary have tried our best to preserve the unity of a democratic Iraq, in 1991 we went to Baghdad to negotiate with those who were responsible for the bombing of the Kurds Eemiaoa criminals and also who have campaigned Anfal against the Kurds. 
"He spoke Barzani for national reconciliation experience that took place in South Africa and trying to apply In Iraq, he said: "The experience of South Africa do not see it true, Kurds experience more of them, and we went to Baghdad in 2003, and have done our best, and this before the event that the worsening situation in South Africa itself, but not to unite cultures in Iraq does not encourage coexistence together "noting" if we can not live together, we have to look for other alternatives. 
"The Minister of Justice of Israel, Elite Shaked, the Israeli government called on to support the establishment of" Kurdish state "in northern Iraq in public. 
She stressed the Israeli minister known positions of the right-wing extremist, During her speech last Tuesday, before the annual conference of the Institute of the Israeli National Security Studies that the establishment of Kurdish state is in the "in favor of Israel", without being locked into detail about this interest. 
The statements come at a time when the Kurdish leader high in the Kurdistan region that the Democratic Party leader said Kurdistan President of Kurdistan, Massoud Barzani, "is considered a Kurdish state [cake division" between the Kurdish parties. 
The Chairman of the Islamic Group of Kurdistan, Ali Baber, in an interview, "The last time I met her Barzani on his return from the last his trip to America, and talked to us after he , it was happy and very optimistic that we can slowly to announce that the State of Kurdistan, brought an us an example and said that a Kurdish state is no longer as cake surrounded by wires and we are unable to reach out to them, but those wires remained now was left but to bring a plate and a knife and fork to cut the cake. 
"raised the reports of the provincial government through three US, French and British companies digging a trench from the city of Rabia in Mosul down to Khanaqin in Diyala controversy about its causes amid political accusations of the province of trying to" impose a fait accompli and the establishment of the limits of the Kurdish nation. "But Office of the President of the Kurdistan region, Massoud Barzani, said to [where], to dig a trench, "came to the protection of the Peshmerga forces of Daash attacks, adding that" wary [of digging the trench] bidding politically. " 
According to media advisor to the Office of President of the Region's struggle Snjara.anthy

Barzani: Kurdistan's independence soon .. and I spoke with Turkey and noted the big change

Friday 22-01-2016 | 6:20:04

 

 

 

 

 

Massoud Barzani, h-d

Twilight News President of the Kurdistan region, Massoud Barzani / said that independence for the region is now closer than ever.

Barzani said in an interview with The Guardian newspaper of Independence, who was ambitious Kurdish nationalist movement for decades but is strongly suppress "is now closer than ever."

He added that the countries that opposed such a move for a long time is satisfied that the sovereignty in the framework of the current borders of the Kurdistan Regional Government can make a clear image.

Barrzana said that the regional and international powers to reach a new formula protects the components of society in Iraq and Syria, where entrenched divisions on the basis of religious, social and sectarian.

He explained, "There must be a new agreement, it is important to see what this agreement, and what is the mechanism that can come out and rely on them to formalize things, and what will be developed."

"I do not know when this agreement will be approved officially but it is not logical or continue to insist on repeating the wrong experiment was repeated for 100 years without leading to a result."

He said Barzani said: "Iraq is divided now we are and we are not responsible for that, but on the contrary, we have done everything we can to maintain the unity of Iraq and a democratic Iraq. In 1991 we went and negotiated with the criminals responsible for the bombing of chemical weapons and the Anfal campaign, launched by Saddam Hussein against Kurds in the eighties. "

Barzani said "they are talking about national reconciliation experience in South Africa. With all due respect for the experience, what we Kurds we did ... happened even before the situation in South Africa, and after 2003 we went to Baghdad and we have tried to do everything in our power through the constitutional process. But the existing culture in Iraq is not the culture of coexistence. If we can not co-exist, we have to live other alternatives. "

Barzani had announced that he would demand independence on 1 July 2014 to be the first Kurdish leader vows to do so, and the announcement was intended to lead to a referendum, but the invasion of Daash large areas of Iraq and threatening the provincial capital, Irbil caused the delay of the project.

Barzani said to the Guardian that some neighboring countries consider to become the province of Kurdistan as a source of stability in a region dominated by geopolitical chaos.

He stressed that "all the opposition against us were based on misconceptions. The Kurdistan Region is not a threat to any one of the neighbors. And prove our experience during the past fifteen years we are a stabilizing factor."

Barzani revealed that he discussed the independence of the province of Kurdistan with Turkey "and whether they would accept it or not. I do not think they would oppose. This national right and we are not a threat to anyone, but we do not ask anyone's permission to exercise our rights."

He expressed his conviction that regional attitudes have changed radically, and said: 'The change was dramatic, for example, that the use of the word Kurdistan and the Kurdish was banned in Turkey, but a month ago when I visited Turkey was the Kurdistan flag is brought in the presidential palace. If you compare this time that I experienced, in all our experiences, I think it is now closer than ever. I know that a heavy burden, but a sacred responsibility. "

•  

[zzztop]

Barzani and his family are billionaires.  I'm sure he would love to set up a monarchy in his very own country. 

[umbertino]

Sure looks as though the Kurds want to be a singularity now doesn't it? Good luck with the HCL. They have been placating Baghdad for years while looking to be independent all along. Perhaps they will have their own government, currency, army but that doesn't mean that the rest of Iraq still can't do the same. Maybe this is the push that will allow Iraq to get back into the international game and RV their currency after all.

 

I'm tired of hearing about boundaries, separate government, and towers of power. If Iraq doesn't watch it, they will loose support and crumble. They need to be unified and strong. Not chopping up the county into regions of independence.

 

Just my Opinion, Not worth much.

 Agreed dj...But the Kurds have a long story of wanting to be independent  the way they got (mis)treated in the various nations  where they have been living : Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Iran mainly

[umbertino]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Kurds

[calkid11]

Thank you

[10 YEARS LATER]

If it's time to "Redraw the Middle East Boundaries", might I suggest the New Crayola Crayons. The colors are quite brilliant and oh so dazzling. No one could ever say . . . " Well I never saw that Boundary, honest !"

[gymrat76541]

Everybody had to see this coming!

[eburt]

What a mess

[Laid Back]

I have some spray paint cans.!

Fluorescent colors.. Perfect for demarcation

[yota691]

Nassif: the government's silence towards Barzani calls for secession is the unspoken participate in schemes

Political

 Since 01/23/2016 13:19 pm (Baghdad time)

Baghdad scales News

It described high MP Nassif silence the Iraqi government toward Barzani calls for secession and the establishment of a Kurdish state that unspoken participate in the separation, indicating that Barzani continued receipt of the provincial budget, despite his quest for secession is a disregard for everyone .

Said in a statement quoted by its press office and received / scales News / copy of it, that "Barzani all presumptuous calls on world leaders to recognize the failure of the Sykes-Picot agreement and requires them to mediate in the new agreement paves the way for a Kurdish state, while we have not heard over the last century, no one speaks of this strange logic that Barzani today taken as a pretext to stay in office as head of the province after it had become unconscious and rejected the legitimacy of the general of the Kurdish people, who suffer deprivation and poverty because of the corruption of the ruling power in the region. "

And it showed, that "when Barzani calls to reconsider the Sykes-Picot agreement means that calls for a re-division of the region, including Iraq, and this in itself irreverence and everyone laughed at people and an explicit call to open new fronts to endless conflicts . "

She added, "we have to Anstgrb speech Barzani, because it is known Panthazeth and betrayal, but we are surprised by the silence of the Iraqi government about these statements breakaway from someone gets on a budget of Iraq's imports and imports of weapons from America and Germany pass easily in front of the eyes of the government, and digging a trench around the non-affiliated areas administratively to the region to comprising the to their own future, and this government silence may be interpreted as an unspoken participate in the implementation of schemes Barzani and reward him for his betrayal. "

And it showed, that "the Iraqi government is required to interpret and clear attitude towards betrayal, Massoud Barzani, who is challenging everyone openly, what is the use of his participation in the political process if he wants to declare his state," adding that "the Iraqi street will not forgive the government position feeble toward what he is doing Barzani in privately and publicly, ".anthy 29 / D 24