مهند محمود شوقي

Iraq is facing a fundamental test of whether the government and constitutional institutions possess final authority over political and security decisions. The government's effort to bring weapons under state control, with 30 September set as a key deadline, has drawn resistance from armed factions. The arrest and subsequent transfer of Harakat al-Nujaba intelligence official Abbas Hussein al-Yaqoubi have further exposed unclear lines of authority among federal security bodies, the Popular Mobilization Forces, and political factions. Supreme Judicial Council President Faiq Zidan is presented as a central defender of constitutional order, but the article stresses that judicial influence must operate through law rather than direct participation in political power struggles. The proposed institutional model is one in which the government governs, parliament legislates and oversees, the judiciary applies the law, security agencies follow clear chains of command, and all weapons remain under state control.

Iraq’s recurring difficulty in paying public-sector salaries is presented as a crisis of governance rather than a shortage of wealth. Despite vast oil and gas reserves, agricultural land, archaeological sites and religious tourism, the economy remains highly dependent on oil revenues, while corruption, gas flaring, weak institutions and poor resource management drain public finances. The article supports Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s anti-corruption and financial-reform efforts but argues that success should be measured by recovered public funds, accountability and tangible improvements in services. Sustainable stability requires closing channels of waste, investing in non-oil sectors and ensuring that national wealth reaches citizens instead of imposing additional burdens on employees and taxpayers.

Iraq’s worsening financial pressures, delayed salaries, corruption concerns and regional security tensions require cooperation that transcends narrow political calculations. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is portrayed as pursuing anti-corruption measures, institutional rebuilding, state control over weapons and a balanced foreign policy, while the Kurdistan Regional Government under Masrour Barzani is presented as a source of transferable expertise in infrastructure, services, investment and electricity reform. The Ronaki project, designed to provide continuous electricity and reduce reliance on private generators, is highlighted as a model that could be extended to other Iraqi provinces. Greater Baghdad-Erbil coordination could turn successful regional practices into national projects, but its success depends on federal reforms, political stability, respect for sovereignty and the rule of law.

The Kurdistan Regional Government is presented as reclaiming its role as market regulator after years of expanding private-sector influence produced price increases, weak competition, and monopolistic practices. The regulation of subsidized gasoline prices is highlighted as a measure intended to ensure that public support benefits citizens rather than creating extraordinary profits for a limited group. The article also points to payroll localization through the Hisabi project, digital government services, infrastructure investment, and efforts to diversify the economy and rely more on local expertise. It argues that strengthening public services in areas such as health and education should create genuine competition rather than weaken private businesses, while acknowledging resistance from interests affected by reform. Continued transparency, rule of law, and institutional development are identified as essential to achieving a balanced partnership between the public and private sectors.

The text argues that Iraq’s corruption crisis stems from structural weaknesses rather than isolated wrongdoing, stressing that recovering stolen funds is insufficient without reforming the systems that enable corruption. It highlights constitutional obligations to protect public wealth and emphasizes the shared responsibility of government, judiciary, media, and civil society. The author warns that corruption erodes public trust more than financial resources and cites international assessments underscoring the need for strong institutions, independent courts, and transparent governance. Successful global examples illustrate that preventing corruption requires systemic change, not mass arrests. Lasting reform, the article concludes, must begin at the foundational level to rebuild public confidence and state capacity.

Masrour Barzani’s tenure as head of the Kurdistan Regional Government is framed as a notable success achieved under severe political, economic and regional pressures. His administration is credited with shifting from crisis management to structural solutions, advancing electricity projects, expanding water‑security initiatives, and driving digital and financial reforms such as the Hashabi system. Despite ongoing challenges between Erbil and Baghdad, the government is depicted as improving stability and essential services, marking a gradual transition toward sustainable governance and long‑term development.

Emphasizes that institutional decline begins when favoritism becomes normal and merit becomes the exception. Highlights how the exclusion of competent individuals harms decision quality, innovation and long-term institutional resilience. Cites successful countries such as Singapore, South Korea, the UAE, Finland and Denmark as examples of systems built on clear, fair and measurable criteria for selection and advancement. Calls for transparent standards, independent evaluation committees and performance-based accountability to ensure that competence guides appointments. Underscores that the future of institutions depends on choosing individuals who serve their positions, not positions that serve individuals.

Emphasizes the distinction between leaders who maintain principled positions despite pressure and those who shift with changing interests. Highlights that steadfastness in defending core causes earns public trust and historical respect, whereas opportunistic changes erode credibility. Argues that true leadership lies in upholding values even when doing so is costly, as history favors commitment to principles over temporary gains.

The text reviews seven years of governance in the Kurdistan Region since 2019, highlighting efforts to maintain stability amid political disputes with Baghdad and internal challenges. It emphasizes progress in digitalizing salary payments, expanding electricity projects, developing roads and bridges, constructing dams and water infrastructure, and implementing environmental initiatives such as Erbil’s green belt. Persisting issues include long‑term financial stability, unresolved federal disputes, limited economic diversification, and youth employment needs. The narrative argues that despite crises and criticism, tangible infrastructure and service improvements remain the lasting measure of the period.

Modern political conflict increasingly centers on shaping public perception rather than altering reality, leading to an environment where competing narratives obscure facts and weaken society’s ability to distinguish truth from manipulation. Iraq exemplifies this crisis as political loyalties influence interpretations of events, eroding trust in institutions, media and public discourse. The overwhelming flow of information heightens confusion and susceptibility to influence, making the protection of collective awareness and critical thinking essential to safeguarding social stability and the future.

A personal reflection tracing Kurdish identity through family history, journalism, and the political evolution of the Kurdistan Region, highlighting the shift from struggle-focused narratives to documenting development and stability, while expressing gratitude toward Kurdish leadership and family influences.

Decades of Kurdish political struggle in Iraq, beginning with the 1961 September Revolution and revived through the 1976 Gulan Revolution, reshaped relations between Baghdad and Kurdish movements and laid the groundwork for later autonomy. The Barzani family played central roles in sustaining political and military organization through periods of conflict, repression and regional upheaval. Following the 1991 uprising and the 2005 constitution, Kurdistan gained federal recognition, though key disputes such as resource distribution and contested territories remain unresolved. Recent governance in the Kurdistan Region has shifted toward institutional and economic reforms aimed at strengthening internal stability and negotiation capacity within Iraq’s federal framework.

Kurdistan’s electricity model under Masrour Barzani is presented as a workable solution for Iraq’s long‑standing power crisis, with the Ronaqi project highlighted as a successful example of prioritizing practical governance over political rhetoric. His visit to Baghdad is framed as an opportunity to resolve core disputes such as disputed territories, Peshmerga salaries and oil and gas legislation, and to establish a cooperative relationship with Prime Minister Ali al‑Zaidi. The text argues that Iraq’s stability and development depend on adopting effective administrative models and building a balanced federal partnership between Baghdad and Erbil.

Kurdistan’s government advances a major shift from cash‑based transactions to digital banking through the Hasabi project, distributing over 800,000 bank cards and creating nearly 900,000 accounts to streamline salary payments and reduce reliance on physical cash. Deployment of ATMs is expanding toward 1,200 units, supporting access across the region. The initiative aligns with national efforts by Iraq’s central bank to enhance electronic financial systems and is viewed as part of broader administrative and economic modernization. The project is increasingly adopted and positioned to reshape the relationship between citizens and state financial institutions.

The text reflects on the legacy of the late journalist Haitham Al‑Zubaidi a year after his passing, highlighting his influence on colleagues, his distinctive editorial approach, and his commitment to journalism even during illness. His wife Manal is portrayed as a central figure who preserved his professional and intellectual legacy by continuing to lead Middle East Online with dedication. The piece frames Al‑Zubaidi’s life as a model of integrity, mentorship, and lasting impact on Arab media, emphasizing that his presence endures through the values and thinking he instilled in others.

Examines how the proliferation of media outlets in politically fragile states can shift from a symbol of democratic expression to a source of confusion, polarization, and declining trust. Highlights how excessive political affiliation within media institutions transforms them into arenas for partisan conflict rather than channels for public service. Contrasts this with Gulf and European models that prioritize focused, professionally managed outlets to support stability and development. Emphasizes the need for balanced media policies, professional standards, and regulatory frameworks to protect public awareness and reduce societal tension.

Kurdish political participation is presented as crucial to the stability of Iraq’s federal system and to broader regional balance. The article emphasizes that partnership between Erbil and Baghdad underpins constitutional governance, prevents exclusion, and strengthens national cohesion. Peshmerga forces are credited with major security contributions from the post‑2003 vacuum through the fight against ISIS. The continued failure to implement key constitutional provisions, including Article 140 and oil‑and‑gas legislation, is identified as a structural source of tension. Stable Kurdish representation in Baghdad is described as necessary for both domestic coherence and regional stability, given Iraq’s strategic position and international interests tied to energy and security. The durability of the Iraqi state is linked to sustaining balanced, inclusive governance rather than dominance by any single group.

Highlights the significance of World Press Freedom Day and stresses that the proliferation of media outlets in Iraq after 2003 has not translated into genuine media quality or independence. Describes how political and commercial influence, weak professionalism and misinformation have fragmented the Iraqi media landscape. Calls for a national project to restore journalistic integrity, protect professional journalists and ensure responsible media that serves the public and upholds truth.

Development achievements in the Kurdistan Region, including infrastructure expansion, improved energy management and financial digitization, demonstrate effective governance rooted in local expertise and administrative efficiency. These gains contrast with weaknesses in Kurdish political representation in Baghdad, where fragmented positions have hindered the defense of constitutional rights concerning oil, disputed territories and federal powers. The text argues that Iraq’s stability depends on genuine federalism, strong partnership among components and consistent application of the constitution. It calls for stronger Kurdish political engagement in Baghdad and urges Iraq to adopt Kurdistan’s developmental model as the basis for broader national progress.

Iraq’s political deadlock stems from structural flaws rooted in the post‑2003 system, where constitutional principles of partnership and balance remain inconsistently applied. Relations between Baghdad and Erbil continue to fluctuate due to unresolved issues involving oil and gas, disputed territories and budget allocations. Various communities demand genuine participation, service provision and security, while external pressures from the United States and Iran complicate decision‑making. The coming government faces intertwined crises requiring renewed commitment to constitutional norms, equitable power‑sharing and rebuilding trust among Iraq’s components to prevent deeper instability and preserve the state’s cohesion.

Kurdistan’s historic struggle and political engagement shaped Iraq’s post-2003 federal system, with Kurdish leaders contributing significantly to constitutional drafting and opposition coordination. Despite this foundational role, unresolved disputes over budget allocations, oil management, and the implementation of Article 140 have strained relations between Baghdad and Erbil, undermining stability. Decades of conflict, including the Anfal campaign and Halabja massacre, underscore Kurdish sacrifices that influenced Iraq’s political trajectory. Sustainable stability requires balanced constitutional partnership and honoring commitments to all components of Iraqi society.

Chronic mistrust in Iraq stems from unresolved historical divisions, the post‑2003 sectarian power‑sharing system, and ongoing failures of governance that have deepened rifts among religious and ethnic communities. Successive conflicts, persecution of minorities, and political reliance on partisan balances instead of state institutions have entrenched instability. Rebuilding trust requires structural political reform, institutional independence, equal rights for all groups, and a shift from sectarian patronage toward citizenship-based governance.

The text recounts the Anfal genocide against Kurds in 1988, emphasizing its scale, the targeting of civilians, and the lasting trauma for Kurdish communities. It argues that the Iraqi state bears legal and moral responsibility to provide full recognition, compensation, and justice for victims. International assessments classify the events as genocide, and despite the passage of decades, the need for accountability, acknowledgment, and prevention of repetition remains urgent.

Recurrent attacks on civilians in Kurdistan have resulted in tragic losses, including the deaths of families targeted in their homes without warning. These incidents form a consistent pattern of strikes against non‑combatants amid a lack of accountability. The continued neutrality of the region has not shielded it but instead left it vulnerable, while both governmental and societal silence deepen the crisis. The inaction of Iraqi authorities and the muted international response enable the ongoing violence, raising questions about complicity and the erosion of moral and national responsibility.