-
Kurdish Presence in Baghdad: Necessity and Strategy
Amid the political transformations in Iraq, a fundamental question arises: what is the value of an active Kurdish presence in Baghdad? The answer lies in the fact that the absence of any component from the Iraqi political scene does not mean the absence of issues, but rather the absence of solutions.
Kurdish participation in Iraqi elections is not merely a democratic obligation; it is a reaffirmation of existence and a declaration of will. Democracy does not grant rights to those who boycott its arenas, and political decisions are made only by those who are present at the negotiation table. As a key partner in the Iraqi fabric, the Kurds cannot settle for the role of observers; they must be active decision-makers.
History teaches us that absence leads to marginalization, and presence creates influence. Baghdad, the political capital of Iraq, is the place where policies are drawn, resources distributed, and the destinies of peoples determined. Since political decisions are made by those who participate rather than those who boycott, a strong Kurdish presence in federal institutions means actively contributing to shaping the country's future, ensuring the rights of the region, and achieving the necessary balance in critical decisions.
Iraq is a country of diversity par excellence, and its success depends on its components' ability to agree and collaborate. The Kurds, with their political experience and democratic practice in the region, possess what qualifies them to be a balancing and moderating force in the Iraqi political scene. Their active participation promotes a culture of consensus and protects the country from the risks of unilateral decision-making.
Hence, the importance of the Iraqi state adhering to principles of participation, balance, and consensus becomes evident, along with translating slogans into actual policies. This can be achieved through respecting quotas and fair representation, implementing constitutional articles, and emphasizing that real partnership is a constitutional duty, not a favor. This means that Kurdish participation should be met with the state's responsibility to respect principles of pluralism and national partnership.
Therefore, the value of the Kurdish presence in Baghdad extends beyond narrow national interests to the higher national interest. A strong Iraq is one that respects its diversity and employs the energies of all its components. By consciously participating in elections and actively engaging in institutions, the Kurds not only affirm their own role but also contribute to building a balanced democratic Iraq based on citizenship, justice, and genuine partnership.
Nouri Bikhali
