Kurdistan: the Glorious Past and the Exciting Future

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President Masoud Barzani Hails French-Kurdish Friendship

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – President Masoud Barzani on Friday delivered a keynote speech at the unveiling ceremony of Peshmerga Alley and a park named after Peshmerga forces at Parc André Citroën in Paris, calling the occasion a “historic day for the Kurdish people.”

Welcoming guests, President Barzani expressed his gratitude to France for honoring the Peshmerga by naming a street and park after them. He praised the French government and people for their longstanding solidarity with the Kurds, noting that France was the first European country to permit the establishment of the Kurdish Institute in Paris.

“The Peshmerga has performed a sacred duty, and the respect you have shown today reflects not only your admiration for their struggle but also the friendship between the French and Kurdish peoples,” Barzani said. He stressed that the Peshmerga remain dedicated to defending human rights, freedom, and democracy in a land defined by coexistence.

Addressing the war against ISIS, Barzani reminded attendees of the heavy sacrifices made: “Twelve thousand Peshmergas were martyred or wounded in the battle against ISIS.” He underlined that the Peshmerga’s defense extended beyond Kurdistan, protecting all of Iraq from terrorist threats.

Barzani highlighted France’s consistent stance on the Kurdish cause, recalling the support of former French President François Mitterrand and his wife, Danielle, both of whom stood with the Kurdish people during critical times. “François Mitterrand was the first European president to welcome me in 1992. The first European woman to shed tears for the victims of the Kurdish people was Danielle Mitterrand,” he said.

The Kurdish leader reaffirmed the enduring bond between the two nations: “As long as there is a Kurd, I will always be grateful to the French people, and the ties between our two peoples will grow stronger and more enduring.”

Concluding his speech, Barzani declared: “Long live Paris, long live Erbil, long live the friendship between the French and Kurdish peoples.”

Relations between the Kurdistan Region and France are strong and continue to grow, characterized by cooperation in the economic, cultural, and educational sectors. This partnership is bolstered by diplomatic ties, including the presence of the French Consulate in Erbil and the representation of the KRG in France. France provides ongoing support to the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), emphasizing regional peace and stability, addressing terrorism challenges, and promoting diplomatic solutions to conflicts.

This partnership has also facilitated cultural exchanges, educational programs, and joint initiatives aimed at fostering mutual understanding and collaboration. France's support extends to humanitarian efforts, particularly in assisting displaced populations and promoting reconstruction in the region.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/86 ... g-in-paris

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Peshmerga Force Unification

Peshmerga near final stage of force unification under KRG reform plan, with 7 divisions formed and 4 more upcoming. The US-backed initiative aims to centralize command, improve efficiency, and enhance accountability

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs announced that the long-awaited process of unifying the Peshmerga forces has reached its final stages, with seven divisions already formed and four more set to be activated soon.

The comprehensive reform plan, backed by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and supported by the Global Coalition against ISIS, aims to bring all Peshmerga units under a single professional command structure.

According to the ministry, the infantry training of the unified divisions has been completed, with only administrative procedures remaining before full integration under the ministry’s authority.

Since 2023, the unification method has been reshaped, consolidating several brigades into a single division to improve command, control, and organizational efficiency.

Brig. Gen. Osman Mohammed, Director of Media and National Awareness at the Peshmerga, told Kurdistan 24 that each completed division will be assigned a dedicated advisory team and will undergo specialized training on leadership, control, and intelligence systems

He further underlined that the efforts of the 70th and 80th units have been “pivotal” in the transfer, organization, and consolidation process, which he described as essential for the success of the reform.

Unifying the Peshmerga has long been a priority for the Kurdistan Region’s leadership. The initiative enjoys the full backing of the KRG and is supported militarily and financially by the United States and coalition partners.

Military expert Wafa Mohammed described the reform as a “strategic step in the interest of all sides and the people of Kurdistan,” affirming that it will strengthen the Region’s national position and stability.

Earlier this month, Osman Risha, spokesperson for the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs, confirmed to Kurdistan24, that the process is aligned with an agreement between the ministry and the Pentagon, which sets 2026 as the final deadline for completing the integration of all forces.

He explained that the reform is not only structural but also financial: within two months, all Peshmerga personnel will begin receiving their salaries through the MyAccount system, a system designed to enhance transparency and accountability.

Risha highlighted the role of Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani in advancing the reforms, noting that the 70th and 80th units have been central in supporting the process. He added that US military assistance and training programs will continue under new agreements aimed at further professionalizing the force.

A cohesive command structure is expected to streamline decision-making, reduce bureaucratic delays, and ensure effective deployment of resources across the Region. It also enhances accountability, fosters trust among the forces, and boosts their capacity to protect Kurdistan against emerging threats, including ISIS remnants.

As the Peshmerga move toward the final stage of unification, the reform stands as both a milestone in modernizing the Region’s defense forces and a reflection of the enduring partnership between Kurdistan and its international allies.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/86 ... eform-plan

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Sulaymaniyah Residents Hail Runaki
for Power and Cleaner Air

Residents of Sulaymaniyah have welcomed the arrival of uninterrupted 24-hour electricity through the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) Runaki project, saying the initiative has not only improved living conditions but also drastically reduced air pollution by shutting down hundreds of private generators.

Choman Khasraw, a journalist and resident of Sulaymaniyah, told BasNews that the project had transformed the city’s environment. “Now, the environment of Sulaymaniyah has become clean thanks to the Runaki project.

Previously, when we came into Sulaymaniyah, because of the smell of generator fumes and the emission of all that poison, you would feel the city was very polluted. Now, more than 500 generators have been shut down in the center of Sulaymaniyah,” he said, adding that the new power supply was cheaper and more reliable.

Khasraw also accused political groups of trying to obstruct the initiative for partisan purposes. “All their efforts were to prevent the ninth cabinet from succeeding in providing 24-hour electricity, so that their market of political auctions would remain heated and they could use it as election propaganda,” he said.

Local residents echoed similar sentiments. “Sulaymaniyah has been illuminated thanks to the Runaki project. No longer are generator fumes and poison released into the air and spread over this city,” said Saman Faris, another resident.

He noted that households previously had to rely on three different power sources — national supply, neighborhood generators, and private lines — often paying two separate electricity bills each month while enduring noise and pollution.

Tarza Mohammed, a citizen and activist, also praised the initiative. “We thank the Prime Minister for this project that has illuminated Sulaymaniyah. For 30 years, Sulaymaniyah, like other cities in Kurdistan, has suffered from the lack of a national electricity supply. But now, Sulaymaniyah is proud to have 24-hour electricity, just like other cities in Kurdistan, at a time when in Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, people have only 4 hours of national electricity a day,” she said.

The Runaki project officially began in Sulaymaniyah on March 6, 2025, as part of a wider KRG program to deliver continuous power across the Kurdistan Region by the end of 2026. Prime Minister Masrour Barzani has described the project as a strategic investment aimed at reducing reliance on diesel generators, cutting costs for households, and modernizing infrastructure.

According to official figures, over 12 million people in Iraq face chronic electricity shortages, especially during the summer when demand surges. While the federal government in Baghdad continues to struggle with outdated grids and dependence on Iranian power imports, the KRG’s Runaki project has been promoted as a model for sustainable electricity provision in the region.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/894010

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KRG Slashes Illiteracy Rate to 16%

Kurdistan is reporting major progress in education reform, with more than 33,000 students returning to the classroom and the region’s illiteracy rate dropping significantly

According to the Kurdista’s Department of Media and Information, the illiteracy rate in the Kurdistan Region has fallen from 24% to 16% during the current cabinet’s tenure, reflecting the government’s intensified efforts to combat illiteracy.

Official figures show that 33,271 students have rejoined the education system so far, with 6,888 of them resuming studies in 2024 alone.

The department stressed that these achievements highlight the effectiveness of ongoing literacy initiatives.

“Kurdistan's ultimate goal is a conscious and developed society,” the statement read, underscoring that further measures are being taken to bring the illiteracy rate close to zero

The KRG says its sustained commitment to education reform is central to strengthening human capital, enhancing opportunities, and securing long-term development for the region’s citizens.

Education reform has been a key priority for the ninth cabinet, led by Prime Minister Masrour Barzani since 2019.

The government has invested heavily in expanding school infrastructure, introducing digital learning projects, and improving teacher training.

The “Back to School” campaign, launched in recent years, has been particularly instrumental in reintegrating out-of-school children and adults into the education system, reflecting the cabinet’s broader vision of building a knowledge-based and inclusive society.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/894078

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6th International Real Estate
and Housing Exhibition

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — The sixth International Real Estate and Housing Exhibition will be officially opened on Tuesday, in Erbil, with the participation of Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani

The exhibition, described as one of the largest real estate and housing fairs in the region, brings together 280 local and international companies. Foreign participants have come from 16 different countries, including Turkey, Iran, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Greece, Qatar, Lebanon, Germany, Saudi Arabia, China, Italy, and Spain.

Showcasing a wide range of housing projects and investment opportunities

Running for four days, the fair will remain open daily from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Organizers say the event provides a golden opportunity for local and international companies to sign memorandums of understanding and partnership agreements, further advancing the housing and real estate sector in both the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.

The exhibition also allows companies to directly present their projects to citizens, offering opportunities for individuals to purchase residential units on the spot. According to the event’s requirements, at least 75 percent of job opportunities created by the showcased projects must be allocated to local workers

This provision not only strengthens the local labor market but also provides a platform for job seekers to submit their CVs directly to participating companies, potentially securing employment.

The real estate and housing sector has become a central pillar of the Kurdistan Region’s economic development over the past two decades. Following years of rapid urbanization, Erbil and other major cities in the region have witnessed extensive investment in residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects, attracting both local entrepreneurs and foreign investors.

Housing fairs and real estate exhibitions have played a crucial role in connecting developers with potential buyers and investors, while also promoting transparency in the market.

The KRG has consistently emphasized the importance of housing and infrastructure projects as part of its broader economic diversification strategy.

By creating favorable conditions for both foreign investment and local participation, the government aims to address the growing demand for housing, stimulate job creation, and boost confidence in the private sector.

Exhibitions such as this one not only highlight the Kurdistan Region’s capacity to attract international partners but also underscore its ambition to position itself as a hub for real estate investment in Iraq and the wider Middle East.

As the exhibition officially kicks off, visitors and participants are expected to gather for the inauguration ceremony scheduled for 10:00 a.m., where Prime Minister Barzani is likely to deliver a keynote speech outlining the government’s vision for the sector.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/86 ... n-in-erbil

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Dutch Investor Praises Kurdistan’s
Investment Climate and Development

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Peter de Graaf, Co-Founder of the Dutch company Phil & Flo, praised the Kurdistan Region’s progress and investment opportunities during an interview with Kurdistan24 on Tuesday

De Graaf highlighted the longstanding trade relations between the Netherlands and the Kurdistan Region, noting that his visit aimed to explore ways both sides could benefit from mutual cooperation.

“What I see here is beyond my expectations. The progress in Erbil is remarkable. I was here 14 years ago, and now it has completely transformed,” he said. “The atmosphere is encouraging and gives me a strong sense of confidence about investment and cooperation.”

He pointed out that improvements are visible not only in infrastructure but also in the overall investment climate, which has become more accessible for foreign investors. He also noted that many Kurds in the Netherlands are returning with knowledge and experience to establish new businesses in the Region.

Focusing on agriculture, de Graaf emphasized the Kurdistan Region’s ambition to reduce its reliance on imports by developing its local production capacities. “In the Netherlands, we have centuries of experience in agriculture and have shared this knowledge worldwide. Here, I see the same eagerness to apply that expertise and strengthen agriculture within Kurdistan,” he explained.

According to de Graaf, the Kurdistan Region offers easier access to markets and smoother investment procedures compared to other parts of Iraq. “As a Dutch delegation, we’ve had meetings with ministers of trade, who told us: ‘Our doors are open, you can enter our market, and it is easy for foreigners to start a business here.’ This openness makes Kurdistan stand out in the region.”

Driving through Erbil, he described the sight of newly built districts, often referred to as “future city,” as a reflection of the Region’s optimism and forward-looking energy.

The Kurdistan Region and the Netherlands maintain close political, economic, and cultural relations. The Netherlands has been an important partner in supporting stability and development in the Region, including through humanitarian aid, investment initiatives, and military cooperation against ISIS. Dutch companies have also shown growing interest in agriculture, infrastructure, and renewable energy projects in the Kurdistan Region.

Additionally, the large Kurdish diaspora community in the Netherlands has played a key role in strengthening ties, with many members bringing back expertise and investment to support business growth in the Kurdistan Region.

In the early 1990s, the Netherlands participated in Operation Provide Comfort, which aimed to ensure Kurdish autonomy in Iraq. The Dutch government contributed to this American-led operation by sending an army unit that included a medical company, an engineering and construction company, a headquarters, and a combat service support company.

Additionally, Aérospatiale Alouette III helicopters from the Royal Netherlands Air Force and 13 personnel were deployed to the region. Following the operation, the Dutch government engaged in international efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to Kurdish refugees stranded in the area.

The Netherlands opened a consulate in Erbil on October 12, 2009. Also, in August 2016, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte visited the Kurdistan Region, where he met with high-ranking Kurdish officials and Dutch soldiers stationed in the region.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/86 ... evelopment

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Kurdish Leaders Urge Unity On
September Revolution Anniversary

Senior Kurdish leaders on Thursday marked the 64th anniversary of the outbreak of the September Revolution, describing it as a turning point that unified the Kurdish people and strengthened their national struggle

In a statement, Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani, president of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), said the revolution, launched under the leadership of the late Mullah Mustafa Barzani in 1961, was “a golden page in the liberation movement of Kurdistan” and the largest political, armed and popular uprising in the region’s modern history.

“The September Revolution encouraged the people of Kurdistan to step forward with strength and self-confidence towards new goals and a broader horizon, and as a result, the cause of the Kurdistan people made great strides,” Barzani said.

He added that the uprising for the first time laid “a solid foundation for the joint struggle of the different regions of Kurdistan and all strata and components” in defense of Kurdish rights.

Barzani paid tribute to Peshmerga fighters, cadres and revolutionaries whose sacrifices, he said, “recorded history and pride for their people,” and sent “thousands of salutations to the martyrs of the September Revolution and all the martyrs on Kurdistan’s path to freedom.”

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani said the revolution had become the identity and foundation of national and patriotic thought during a time of heavy oppression. He described it as a unifying force that conveyed the “just and courageous voice” of the Kurdish people to the world.

“It became the unifying umbrella for all classes and strata and presented the people of Kurdistan as vibrant, life-loving, and peace-loving,” the president said. He called for upholding the revolution’s principles of “freedom, democracy, coexistence, mutual acceptance, tolerance, and peace,” stressing that unity remains vital to safeguarding Kurdish rights and achievements.

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani echoed the message of unity, describing the September Revolution as a “comprehensive revolution of the people of Kurdistan, with all its different nations, religions, and components.”

He said the resilience and determination shown during the uprising led to key milestones, including the 1970 autonomy agreement with Baghdad, which forced Iraq to recognize Kurdish rights. “We emphasize our commitment to the valuable principles of the September Revolution … in defense of our national rights and achievements and the protection of the constitutional entity of the Kurdistan Region,” the prime minister said.

The September Revolution, launched on Sept. 11, 1961, against successive Iraqi governments, is regarded by Kurds as a defining chapter in their struggle for recognition and autonomy. Its legacy continues to shape the Kurdistan Region’s politics and identity.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/894290

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Upholding Values ​​of September Revolution

PM Barzani emphasized the need for “upholding the important and valuable values ​​of the September Revolution in the unity and solidarity of all communities and classes of the people of Kurdistan in order to defend our national rights and achievements and protect the constitutional status of the Kurdistan Region”

The Kurdistan Region’s top leaders on Thursday commemorated the 64th anniversary of the September Revolution (Aylul), a Kurdish armed rebellion against the Iraqi state.

In September 1961, the Iraqi regime began an aerial bombardment on the country’s Kurdish territories after negotiations between Baghdad and the Kurds failed to bear fruit, leading to a Kurdish insurgency, under the leadership of the late Mustafa Barzani, known as the Aylul uprising.

Kurdistan Prime Minister Masrour Barzani in a statement marked the anniversary of the uprising, describing it as “a comprehensive revolution of the people of Kurdistan with all its different nations, religions, and components.”

The premier stated that the revolution, through the “self-sacrifice and strong will of the people of Kurdistan,” resulted in numerous “important achievements… the most important of which was the March 11, 1970, Agreement.”

The Iraqi state and the leadership of the Kurdish resistance signed an accord in 1970, under which Baghdad agreed to the creation of an autonomous Kurdish region within Iraq. However, the agreement was never implemented by the Iraqi government, reigniting the conflict in 1974.

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani similarly offered a message of commemoration stating that the revolution “in a complex and difficult era when oppression and denial were imposed on the people of Kurdistan from all sides, became the identity and foundation of national and patriotic thought.”

He emphasized “the supreme goals, principles, and values of the revolution: freedom, democracy, unity, mutual acceptance, tolerance, and peace.”

Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader and former President of the Kurdistan Region Masoud Barzani also marked the anniversary, labeling the revolution a “golden page in Kurdistan’s liberation movement” and “a source of strength and inspiration for other stages of the struggle of the people of Kurdistan.”

The revolution ended after the signing of an agreement between the Iraqi and the Iranian governments in 1975 in Algeria, where Iran agreed to cut off support for Iraqi Kurds in exchange for the transfer of Iraqi territory to Iran.

https://thenewregion.com/posts/3020

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US to Boost Peshmerga Funding in 2026

The United States Department of Defense is set to increase its financial support for the Kurdistan Region’s Peshmerga forces in 2026, a move described by an Iraqi security expert as a strong signal of Washington’s confidence in their role as a stabilizing force

Said Mustafa, an Iraqi security analyst speaking to the Iraqi media, said the decision reflects the “trust of Washington and the international coalition” in the Peshmerga’s capacity to confront terrorism and protect regional security.

“The US Department of War is increasing its aid to the Peshmerga because it trusts them in facing the threats that arise in the region, especially regarding terrorism. It trusts the Peshmerga to confront and protect the stability of the region,” Mustafa noted.

The aid package for 2026 will allocate $61 million to the Peshmerga, up $4.7 million from the 2025 allocation. At the same time, reports indicate the Pentagon will reduce assistance to Baghdad, a shift Mustafa characterized as “a new US strategy and worthy of consideration.”

According to the analyst, the development could mark “a new phase in relations” between Washington and actors in the region, with potential “significant impact on Iraq and the wider Middle East.”

The Peshmerga, the official armed forces of the Kurdistan Region, have long been a central partner of the United States and the international coalition in the fight against terrorism, particularly against the Islamic State (ISIS)

Their cooperation with US and coalition forces played a decisive role in pushing back ISIS militants after the group overran large parts of Iraq in 2014.

Since then, Washington has provided the Peshmerga with financial aid, training, and equipment to strengthen their ability to respond to ongoing security threats.

The annual Pentagon budget typically sets aside tens of millions of dollars for these forces under programs designed to assist Iraq’s overall security, though the funds for the Peshmerga are allocated separately.

The question of military aid has also been politically sensitive within Iraq, as Baghdad has sometimes objected to direct US support to the Kurdistan Region.

Nonetheless, the Pentagon has consistently justified the assistance on the grounds of counter-terrorism and regional stability.

The latest increase in Peshmerga funding, coupled with the reported reduction in aid to Baghdad, signals a possible re-calibration of US priorities in Iraq as Washington continues to focus on preventing an ISIS resurgence and limiting the influence of Iran-aligned armed groups.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/894558

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Peshmerga Unification and Reform

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Kurdistan Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Monday chaired a high-level meeting to assess ongoing efforts to unify the Peshmerga forces and accelerate reforms within the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) said in a statement

The Prime Minister welcomed the progress achieved so far in the reform process, stressing the importance of completing and fully implementing the measures to ensure a unified, modern, and professional Peshmerga force.

As part of the new decisions, all Peshmerga forces will now operate under a single accounting system within the Ministry of Peshmerga, supervised by the KRG Ministry of Finance and Economy. The move is designed to enhance transparency and efficiency in the financial management of the forces

The meeting also approved plans to reorganize the composition and deployment of Peshmerga units to align with government reform priorities. Prime Minister Barzani directed relevant institutions to streamline pension processing for Peshmerga veterans, underscoring the government’s commitment to safeguarding their rights and welfare.

Additionally, the Kurdistan Region urged the Iraqi federal government to recognize the Peshmerga’s constitutional status as part of Iraq’s defense system and to equalize their salaries and financial entitlements with those of the Iraqi army.

On August 19, Osman Risha, spokesperson for the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs, confirmed to Kurdistan24 that the process is aligned with an agreement between the ministry and Washington, which sets 2026 as the final deadline for completing the integration of all forces

He explained that the reform is not only structural but also financial: within two months, all Peshmerga personnel will begin receiving their salaries through the MyAccount system, a system designed to enhance transparency and accountability.

Risha highlighted the role of Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani in advancing the reforms, noting that the 70th and 80th units have been central in supporting the process. He added that US military assistance and training programs will continue under new agreements aimed at further professionalizing the force.

A cohesive command structure is expected to streamline decision-making, reduce bureaucratic delays, and ensure effective deployment of resources across the Region. It also enhances accountability, fosters trust among the forces, and boosts their capacity to protect Kurdistan against emerging threats, including ISIS remnants.

As the Peshmerga move toward the final stage of unification, the reform stands as both a milestone in modernizing the Region’s defense forces and a reflection of the enduring partnership between the KRG and its international allies.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/86 ... and-reform

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PM Barzani Praises Teachers’ Dedication

Kurdistan Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Sunday officially rang the school bell at Dimdim Mixed School in Zakho, marking the start of the 2025–2026 academic year

In his speech, the Prime Minister congratulated students, teachers, and parents across the Kurdistan Region, expressing hope that the new school year would bring “achievement and joy” despite the challenges facing the education sector.

PM Barzani praised teachers for their perseverance during difficult times, including salary delays, saying they had not allowed the education system to come to a halt

“These patriotic and loyal Kurdish teachers have never allowed education to stop or students to be deprived of learning,” he said, adding that his government is committed to ensuring teachers and public employees receive their rights.

The Prime Minister also highlighted progress in the education sector, pointing to the introduction of electronic systems that allow schools and officials to access educational data more efficiently.

He described the reforms as “a historic achievement” that will elevate the quality of education to a regional standard. According to the prime minister, more than 200 new schools have been built in recent years, while nearly 2,000 others have been renovated.

Zakho’s Development

The event coincided with the anniversary of Zakho’s establishment as an independent administration, which PM Barzani used to emphasize the city’s role in Kurdish history and progress.

He lauded the resilience and patriotism of its people, noting that “many great heroes” had emerged from Zakho to defend Kurdistan.

The Kurdish leader also announced several service projects in the district, including the opening of a new children’s hospital, an international exhibition, and the expansion of the Zakho Corniche, which has become one of the city’s landmarks.

Focus on Patriotism and Environment

In addition to education, PM Barzani underscored the importance of instilling values of patriotism and environmental protection among students.

“Our country is a sacred land, the place of our martyrs who shed their blood for it. Teachers must make students understand the importance of environmental protection, and also patriotism, that we and this land are inseparable,” he said.

The Prime Minister concluded by urging teachers, students, and parents to build relationships based on respect and encouragement, fostering an environment where young people can become future leaders of Kurdistan.

Kurdistan has prioritized education reform as part of its broader development agenda

In recent years, despite financial crises linked to budget disputes with Baghdad, the government has invested in infrastructure and digitization to modernize the education system.

Zakho, strategically located near the Turkish and Syrian borders, has emerged as a growing hub of trade, culture, and education, symbolizing both the challenges and opportunities facing the Kurdistan Region.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/895015

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US Envoy Reaffirms Backing
For Kurdistan’s Rights

The Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Iraq, Joshua Harris, met Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani, president of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), in Erbil on Tuesday, stressing Washington’s support for Kurdistan’s constitutional rights and urging dialogue with Baghdad to resolve disputes

A statement from the Barzani Headquarters said US Consul General in Erbil Gwendolyn Green also attended the meeting. Harris conveyed “a message of friendship” between the United States and the Kurdistan Region, adding that Washington “wants a strong Kurdistan” because its stability is vital for Iraq as a whole.

The envoy voiced concern over Baghdad’s continued suspension of salaries for public employees in the Region, saying the issue “should not continue and must be resolved.” He also praised the Kurdistan Region’s advances in energy and electricity, describing its achievements as “a successful experience” that could serve as a model for other provinces in Iraq.

On Iraq’s wider political process, Harris underlined that the United States wants Iraq’s sovereignty to be protected and called for an end to outside interference in its internal affairs.

Barzani, for his part, thanked Washington for its long-standing support of both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. He accused Iraqi authorities of failing to honor the constitution and past agreements, which he said “has been the source of the problems” between Baghdad and Erbil.

Turning to elections, Barzani urged a return to Iraq’s single-constituency law, saying it would ensure fairer representation by aligning parliamentary seats with population ratios. The statement said the leaders also discussed the Kurdistan Region’s internal situation, though no further details were disclosed.

The meeting comes as relations between Erbil and Baghdad remain strained over revenue sharing, public finances, and political representation, disputes that have frequently tested Iraq’s post-2003 federal framework. The US has repeatedly called for dialogue to resolve these tensions, viewing Kurdish stability as key to Iraq’s broader security and to regional counter-terrorism cooperation.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/895243

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The UN Secretary-General is
very aware of Kurdish issues

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, reaffirmed the UN’s awareness of the Kurdish cause and stressed the importance of dialogue between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad during remarks to Kurdistan24 on Tuesday

“The Secretary-General has been very much aware of the Kurdish issues, and I think when he was High Commissioner for Refugees, he dealt with it and was very close to it as well,” Dujarric said, noting Guterres’ long-standing engagement with Kurdish matters, particularly in Syria and Iraq.

Dujarric explained that while the ongoing crisis in Gaza has been dominating international headlines, Kurdish issues remain significant on the UN’s agenda. He emphasized that the Secretary-General’s position on Syria has consistently been that “all Syrians should feel included—regardless of their nationality, religion, or ethnic background.”

On Iraq, Dujarric stressed that the UN continues to advocate for resolving disputes between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government in Baghdad through peaceful dialogue. “We want to make sure that all the issues relating to Iraq, between the federal government and the Kurdistan Region, are solved through dialogue,” he said.

The United Nations has played an important role in the Kurdistan Region over the past decades, particularly during humanitarian crises. António Guterres, during his tenure as UN High Commissioner for Refugees from 2005 to 2015, frequently visited Iraq and the Kurdistan Region to oversee aid operations for displaced persons, especially during the rise of ISIS.

The Kurdistan Region hosted nearly two million refugees and internally displaced people during the peak of the conflict, earning international recognition for its humanitarian response.

The UN continues to work closely with both Erbil and Baghdad on issues ranging from political stability and elections to humanitarian assistance and development. The reaffirmation of the Secretary-General’s awareness of Kurdish issues comes at a time when relations between Erbil and Baghdad remain strained over oil revenues, budget allocations, and the status of disputed territories.

By reiterating the importance of dialogue, the UN is signaling its continued support for stability in Iraq and recognition of the Kurdistan Region’s key role in maintaining peace and security in the wider Middle East.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/86 ... -relations

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The Homeland Is Blood Flowing Through Veins
President Barzani Marks 8th Anniversary of Kurdistan Referendum

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — On the eighth anniversary of the historic 2017 independence referendum, Kurdish leader and former Kurdistan President Masoud Barzani reaffirmed the enduring spirit of the Kurdish nation, stressing that the homeland is not merely a geographical map but the living blood and sacrifice of its people

Posting on his official X account on Wednesday, Barzani wrote: “The homeland is not a map on paper, but blood flowing through the veins. What you plant today, you will harvest tomorrow.”

The symbolic message underscored both the cost and the promise of the Kurdish struggle for freedom, dignity, and statehood.

Earlier in the day, Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani also issued a statement marking the anniversary, describing September 25, 2017, as “a day of the brave decision of the people of Kurdistan, a day of the triumph of our national will, a day of hope and optimism.”

He congratulated the people of Kurdistan, Peshmerga fighters, and the families of martyrs, paying tribute to the leadership of Masoud Barzani and the sacrifices that made the referendum possible.

The September 25, 2017, referendum stands as a watershed moment in Kurdish history. Organized by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) under the leadership of President Masoud Barzani, the vote asked whether the Kurdistan Region and disputed territories should secede from Iraq.

Nearly 93% of voters chose independence, signaling overwhelming support for Kurdish self-determination.

Though celebrated by Kurds worldwide, the referendum was rejected by Baghdad, opposed by neighboring states, and met with caution by international powers who feared instability in the region.

In the aftermath, Iraqi federal forces and allied militias moved against Kurdish-held disputed territories, including the oil-rich province of Kirkuk, reversing some of the territorial gains Kurds had achieved during the war against ISIS.

Yet for many Kurds, the referendum remains a legitimate and irreversible mandate for independence. It reaffirmed their long-denied right to self-determination, while highlighting the resilience of a people who have faced decades of oppression, displacement, and struggle.

The memory of the referendum continues to shape the Kurdistan Region’s political landscape, its relations with Baghdad, and its diplomatic outreach to the world.

Eight years on, the referendum remains a milestone—an unyielding reminder of the Kurdish nation’s aspirations and its enduring hope for eventual statehood.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/86 ... referendum

[Anthea]

Kurdistan Plans Kawa Statue
in Nowruz Capital Akre

Significant developments are underway in Akre, designated as the “Capital of Nowruz,” with plans to erect a statue of the legendary Kawa the Blacksmith at the prominent Sari Gire site, the traditional location for Nowruz festivities

The initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance the city’s tourism appeal following its recent official recognition.

Amin Salim, Director of Akre Tourism, confirmed these plans to BasNews, stating, “At the location of Akre’s Nowruz carnival and celebration (Sari Gire), Akre Radio and a tower will be removed, and a large hall will be built in their place, along with a statue of Kawa the Blacksmith as a symbol of Nowruz.”

The decision to further develop Akre’s facilities and iconography follows a directive from Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government.

Since his order to officially recognize Akre as the “Capital of Nowruz,” the city has received increased attention and resources for its development.

The statue of Kawa the Blacksmith is expected to become a focal point and a lasting symbol of the ancient Kurdish spring festival in Akre.

Akre, a historic city in Duhok province, is renowned for its vibrant Nowruz celebrations, where thousands gather on Sari Gire hill to light bonfires, dance, and celebrate the occasion. The city’s unique festivities, which combine cultural traditions with spectacular torch-lit processions, have made it a major destination for visitors during the holiday.

Nowruz, celebrated on March 21, marks the Kurdish New Year and the arrival of spring. It holds deep cultural and historical significance for Kurds, symbolizing freedom, renewal, and resistance against tyranny.

The festival is associated with the legend of Kawa the Blacksmith, a heroic figure who led an uprising against the tyrant Zahhak, lighting fires on mountaintops to announce victory and the arrival of a new dawn.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/893075