Authors Kamal Chomani and Michael Rubin have criticised the recently published “Road Map to Peace: Critical Perspectives on the Speeches of President Nechirvan Barzani”, arguing that the book, featuring contributions from 12 researchers, offers a misleading and superficial treatment of the intricate relationship between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and Baghdad.
Chomani and Rubin assert that the Barzani-commissioned analyses attempts to portray the President of the Iraqi Kurdistan region as a reformist, and a pragmatic leader. “Most Kurds see through this. That so many Western scholars fall prey to a cynical manoeuvre frustrates those in the region,” the authors wrote. Their article suggests that Nechirvan Barzani’s actions exacerbate economic, national, and social issues in the region rather than provide a solution.
Chomani and Rubin also question the motives of Western scholars who praise Nechirvan’s “admirably pragmatic” message. “What disappoints is how so many Western scholars—whether out of naïveté, sycophancy, or a pragmatic desire for access only they can say—play along,” they added. They criticised the lack of analysis by Western scholars on Nechirvan’s anti-democratic actions, such as his threats against peaceful protesters who demand unpaid wages.
The article further scrutinises the Barzani family’s style of governance, describing them as tribal rather than democratic. “Any meaningful political competition occurs as each brother or cousin tries to manoeuvre for privilege and power within the family,” they explained. The authors also highlight the absence of any coherent “road map,” stating that there is scant mention outside Nechirvan’s vanity outlet Rudaw of any such speeches or their visions.
The piece concludes by questioning the integrity of scholars who accept remuneration or free travel for their contributions. “Cynicism is rife in Erbil precisely because the leadership often funds praise and encourages sycophancy,” they warned. Chomani and Rubin argue that what is truly needed are road maps to good governance and reform, and a process to restore stolen assets to the Kurdish people.
You can read the full article here.
