SULAIMANI, Iraqi Kurdistan region,— Bafel Jalal Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) in Iraqi Kurdistan (Bashur), emphasized support for Syrian Kurdistan (Rojava) and underscored the importance of addressing the Kurdish issue for long-term stability in the Middle East.
The statement, shared through PUK-affiliated media, addressed recent developments in Syria, including the fall of Bashar Assad, and their implications for the region.
In his detailed message, Talabani expressed solidarity with Rojava and highlighted the need for inclusive governance in Syria.
Talabani’s Full Statement said “We have been closely observing the unfolding events in Syria and Rojava with deep concern and interest,” Talabani said. “We respect the Syrian people’s choices about their country’s future, as long as these decisions protect the rights of all communities and acknowledge political realities.”
The PUK leader called for a unified approach to governance that ensures justice and equality for all Syrians, expressing hope that current challenges could lead to a brighter, more stable future.
“We reaffirm our unwavering support for our brothers and sisters in Rojava during this critical time,” he continued. “Solidarity is essential to confront the threats to their safety and stability. Without respecting Kurdish rights and achieving a fair resolution to the Kurdish issue, peace in the Middle East will remain elusive.” the statement concluded.
Talabani’s advocacy for Rojava is backed by personal engagement. In December 2022, he visited northern Syria, meeting with top Kurdish leaders, including General Mazloum Abdi, commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), and key figures from the Democratic Union Party (PYD), such as Asia Abdullah, Salih Muslim, and Fawza Youssef.
The visit also included discussions with Major General Matthew McFarlane, the commander of the Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve. These talks highlighted the PUK’s alignment with Rojava’s leadership and its support for the region’s self-administration.
In April 2023, Turkey retaliated against Bafel Talabani by closing its airspace to flights from the Kurdish city of Sulaimani, which is controlled by Talabani’s PUK party in Iraqi Kurdistan. Turkey cited alleged increased activity by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) as the reason for the closure. Ankara opposes any connection or ties between Iraqi Kurds and the autonomous administration of Syrian Kurdistan.
Talabani’s approach sharply contrasts with the policies of the Barzani-led Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), which maintains close ties with Turkey. Unlike Talabani, who advocates for Rojava’s autonomous administration, the Barzani family has historically opposed it.
The KDP has imposed all kinds of embargoes on Rojava and supported the Kurdish National Council (KNC), a rival group financed by the Barzanis and Turkey, which aligns with Turkey and challenges the PYD-led administration in Syrian Kurdistan.
Despite the fact that the SDF/YPG forces, the de facto army of the autonomous Kurdish administration in Syrian Kurdistan, played a crucial role in combating ISIS and have no connection to the PKK, Nechirvan Barzani, President of Iraqi Kurdistan, stated in 2020 that Syrian Kurds should sever ties with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and negotiate with the Assad government. Similarly, Massoud Barzani, KDP’s leader, has labeled the PYD as synonymous with the PKK, a group opposed by Turkey.
Rojava, known for its decentralized governance model, was officially established in 2018 in Ain Issa. The region’s administration emphasizes gender equality, environmental sustainability, and direct democracy. It has garnered respect worldwide for its progressive principles and inclusive approach to governance.
Despite its successes, Rojava has faced resistance from the KDP and Turkey. Turkey considers the PYD an extension of the PKK, which it deems a banned organization. This stance has influenced the Barzani clan’s policies, creating a divide among Kurdish factions in Iraq and Syria.
As regional tensions persist, Talabani’s call for unity and justice resonates as a significant plea for addressing Kurdish aspirations. He stressed that resolving the Kurdish issue is critical to achieving lasting peace and stability in the Middle East. “Without wise and just decisions,” he concluded, “the dream of peace will remain out of reach.”
(With files from PUK Media)
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