[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]
New York Times: Baghdad and Erbil do not want to turn the referendum into a crisis
Translation / Hamid Ahmed
New York Times: Baghdad and Erbil do not want to turn the referendum into a crisis
Translation / Hamid Ahmed
World opinion may excuse the belief that a new war would have erupted in Iraq after the vote of the population of Kurdistan in favor of a referendum on self-determination. Kurdish citizens took to the streets at the end of last month, waving flags and firing car alarms to express their joy. At the same time, the Kurds ignored Baghdad's threats to take military action.
As a result, the federal government in Baghdad stopped flights to the region and carried out maneuvers on the border from Iran and Turkey, while the two threatened economic sanctions and military interventions.
On the other hand, more than a week after the referendum, the Kurds did not take any effective action to declare their independence, nor did Baghdad and its allies take any action to implement their threats to intervene.
The referendum on self-determination was considered a moment of hope in the long struggle of the Kurds to find a homeland of their own, but it seems neither Baghdad nor the Kurds are determined to turn this event into a crisis.
Kurdish oil continues to flow despite the threats of the Turks to close the pipeline pipeline vital oil passing through its territory, as well as elements of the Kurdish Peshmerga forces are still fighting side by side the International Coalition in Iraq against Dahesh, and the borders of the region is open.
The military maneuvers by Turkey and Iran were viewed by all parties as merely a show of strength.
On Monday, Iran carried out a specific review by moving its combat tanks near the border crossing of Parviz Khan with Kurdistan, but the border is still open to civilian land transport as usual.
Baghdad's tougher action to ban international flights to and from the airport has been pacified this week when Iraqi authorities announced it would allow flights to be resumed from Kurdistan via transit from Baghdad airport.
The two sides' moves seem to have been motivated by at least some domestic political considerations. For the Kurds, the observers and opponents have seen in the timing of the referendum, an attempt by the presidency of the Kurdistan region to strengthen its internal popular presence and the attention of people to the problems of the economic region. In Baghdad, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's hard-line stance has been seen as an attempt to appease militants from Shi'ite leaders who demand a violent response to Kurdish provocations.
Saad al-Hadithi, a spokesman for Abadi, said in an interview with the New York Times, that the Iraqi government has not implemented most of its threats yet to give the Kurds "an opportunity to retract their position."
He went on to say that "the government does not want to ignite the situation, we believe they will retreat," stressing that the government has set a timetable to force the Kurds to hand over the responsibility of border management and oil revenues to Baghdad.
For their part, the Kurds say that it was never their intention to immediately follow their vote of independence.
Former Foreign Minister Hoshiyar Zebari said: "We conducted this referendum because we lost confidence. We were fighting from the position of the defender for a missing country. But independence does not happen automatically so we announce on the second day of the referendum. "It can not happen overnight."
"I do not think there will be military intervention, because first of all they do not have the military capability to do that," said Vahal Ali, communications director at the office of the regional president, Massoud Barzani.
"The truth is that neither side wants a military confrontation, and if things get worse, it's because of the dynamism of the event, not necessarily because Abadi wants it," said Joost Hiltermann, an expert on the Middle East Crisis Management Group, "so I do not think we're close to that point "He said.
What is happening behind the scenes, Western diplomats have made efforts to calm the spasm between the two parties to maintain the validity of the coalition against the organization of a preacher.
Diplomats have expressed optimism that the referendum crisis will not develop into military conflict at least until now. Last Friday, the Shiite cleric Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani criticized the idea of an independent Kurdish state, calling for dialogue and Baghdad should respect the rights of the Kurds.
"While Sistani provided a suitable political atmosphere for Abadi to engage in a dialogue with Erbil, he also considered the separation of Kurdistan a red line that Baghdad can not overcome," wrote Randa Salem, a researcher at the Washington Institute for Middle East Studies. "This position gave hope to the parties and mitigated Tension between them.
As a result, the federal government in Baghdad stopped flights to the region and carried out maneuvers on the border from Iran and Turkey, while the two threatened economic sanctions and military interventions.
On the other hand, more than a week after the referendum, the Kurds did not take any effective action to declare their independence, nor did Baghdad and its allies take any action to implement their threats to intervene.
The referendum on self-determination was considered a moment of hope in the long struggle of the Kurds to find a homeland of their own, but it seems neither Baghdad nor the Kurds are determined to turn this event into a crisis.
Kurdish oil continues to flow despite the threats of the Turks to close the pipeline pipeline vital oil passing through its territory, as well as elements of the Kurdish Peshmerga forces are still fighting side by side the International Coalition in Iraq against Dahesh, and the borders of the region is open.
The military maneuvers by Turkey and Iran were viewed by all parties as merely a show of strength.
On Monday, Iran carried out a specific review by moving its combat tanks near the border crossing of Parviz Khan with Kurdistan, but the border is still open to civilian land transport as usual.
Baghdad's tougher action to ban international flights to and from the airport has been pacified this week when Iraqi authorities announced it would allow flights to be resumed from Kurdistan via transit from Baghdad airport.
The two sides' moves seem to have been motivated by at least some domestic political considerations. For the Kurds, the observers and opponents have seen in the timing of the referendum, an attempt by the presidency of the Kurdistan region to strengthen its internal popular presence and the attention of people to the problems of the economic region. In Baghdad, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's hard-line stance has been seen as an attempt to appease militants from Shi'ite leaders who demand a violent response to Kurdish provocations.
Saad al-Hadithi, a spokesman for Abadi, said in an interview with the New York Times, that the Iraqi government has not implemented most of its threats yet to give the Kurds "an opportunity to retract their position."
He went on to say that "the government does not want to ignite the situation, we believe they will retreat," stressing that the government has set a timetable to force the Kurds to hand over the responsibility of border management and oil revenues to Baghdad.
For their part, the Kurds say that it was never their intention to immediately follow their vote of independence.
Former Foreign Minister Hoshiyar Zebari said: "We conducted this referendum because we lost confidence. We were fighting from the position of the defender for a missing country. But independence does not happen automatically so we announce on the second day of the referendum. "It can not happen overnight."
"I do not think there will be military intervention, because first of all they do not have the military capability to do that," said Vahal Ali, communications director at the office of the regional president, Massoud Barzani.
"The truth is that neither side wants a military confrontation, and if things get worse, it's because of the dynamism of the event, not necessarily because Abadi wants it," said Joost Hiltermann, an expert on the Middle East Crisis Management Group, "so I do not think we're close to that point "He said.
What is happening behind the scenes, Western diplomats have made efforts to calm the spasm between the two parties to maintain the validity of the coalition against the organization of a preacher.
Diplomats have expressed optimism that the referendum crisis will not develop into military conflict at least until now. Last Friday, the Shiite cleric Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani criticized the idea of an independent Kurdish state, calling for dialogue and Baghdad should respect the rights of the Kurds.
"While Sistani provided a suitable political atmosphere for Abadi to engage in a dialogue with Erbil, he also considered the separation of Kurdistan a red line that Baghdad can not overcome," wrote Randa Salem, a researcher at the Washington Institute for Middle East Studies. "This position gave hope to the parties and mitigated Tension between them.
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
Today at 7:35 am by Bama Diva
» utube 11/5/24 MM&C MM&C News Report-ICC-Investors-RIYADA BANK-Port of Faw-3 Presidents Seated-Removi
Today at 6:52 am by Rocky
» utube 11/2/24 MM&C Report-Iraq 3 Presidents-National-Constitutional Entitlements-Open Market Operati
Today at 6:51 am by Rocky
» With the document.. Cancellation of the suspension of the agricultural plan in the Iraqi "breadbaske
Today at 5:13 am by Rocky
» Economist criticizes government's neglect of tourism, agriculture and dependence on oil
Today at 5:12 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: The development path will be an artery linking most countries in the region
Today at 5:11 am by Rocky
» Parliamentary bloc: Popular Mobilization Forces retirement law ready for voting
Today at 5:10 am by Rocky
» Al-Kadhimi: Financial costs and government insistence will force Americans to withdraw militarily
Today at 5:09 am by Rocky
» Parliamentary Committee Rejects Inclusion of Public Money Thieves in Amnesty Decision
Today at 5:08 am by Rocky
» Al-Mashhadani directs to resolve differences over draft laws before submitting them to Parliament
Today at 5:07 am by Rocky
» Emaar: Launching the housing loan application form in early 2025
Today at 5:04 am by Rocky
» Parliamentary Health: The environment needs 2.6 billion dinars to operate air purification stations
Today at 5:03 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: We faced major challenges in implementing the “Greater Iraq” project
Today at 5:02 am by Rocky
» Iraqi Ports reveals in numbers the percentage of completion in the Grand Faw Port projects
Today at 5:00 am by Rocky
» More than $300 million.. Central Bank sales increase in today's auction
Today at 4:59 am by Rocky
» Faw Port prepares to receive the first commercial ship
Today at 4:57 am by Rocky
» Service Effort of {Sabah}: Completing all projects with high implementation rates before the end of
Today at 4:57 am by Rocky
» Government agency for digital transformation
Today at 4:55 am by Rocky
» Parliamentary Committee: Final version of the National Day Law
Today at 4:54 am by Rocky
» Al-Imar to {Sabah}: Launching the housing loan application form at the beginning of 2025
Today at 4:53 am by Rocky
» Iraq looks forward to a new phase after Trump's victory
Today at 4:52 am by Rocky
» Training workshops to help the unemployed in Kirkuk
Today at 4:51 am by Rocky
» Nineveh to open oncology hospital in early 2025
Today at 4:50 am by Rocky
» Service Effort: Completion of all projects that exceeded 80% completion rates.
Today at 4:49 am by Rocky
» Parliamentary Health: The environment needs 2.6 billion dinars to operate air purification stations
Today at 4:48 am by Rocky
» Transportation: 20 public transport lines to be launched this month
Today at 4:47 am by Rocky
» Al-Emaar to {Al-Sabah}: Launching the housing loan application form in early 2025
Today at 4:46 am by Rocky
» The most prominent achievements of Al-Sudani's government in the youth care and sports sector files
Today at 4:45 am by Rocky
» Planning: The percentage of women in the workforce does not exceed 13 percent
Today at 4:43 am by Rocky
» Baghdad is the capital of Arab tourism
Today at 4:42 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: The Grand Faw Port is Iraq's largest project
Today at 4:39 am by Rocky
» Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee to NINA: This is what is delaying the selection of the list
Today at 4:38 am by Rocky
» Parliamentary lawsuit to challenge the contract with the International Finance Corporation
Today at 4:37 am by Rocky
» Minister of Justice issues directive regarding foreign lawsuits file
Today at 4:35 am by Rocky
» How will Trump's victory affect Iraq?
Today at 4:33 am by Rocky
» State Administration Coalition holds meeting with Al-Sudani and Al-Mashhadani in attendance
Today at 4:31 am by Rocky
» Formation of the regional government.. How much influence does the new US administration have on the
Today at 4:30 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani announces the receipt of the five berths that represent the backbone of Al-Faw Port
Today at 4:29 am by Rocky
» Despite its global rise... Iraqi oil returns to the red zone
Today at 4:27 am by Rocky
» Iraq Counts on the Grand Faw Port, and an Expert Says: It Will Change the Economy - Urgent
Today at 4:25 am by Rocky
» Rafidain Bank expands comprehensive banking system to include 48 branches
Today at 4:23 am by Rocky
» "The reference" indicates the seriousness of the situation... and the political forces "shuffle the
Today at 4:22 am by Rocky
» Criminal wanted by Iraqi judiciary.. Rashid and Al-Sudani’s congratulations to Trump spark widesprea
Today at 4:21 am by Rocky
» State Administration Coalition holds meeting with Al-Sudani and Al-Mashhadani in attendance
Today at 4:19 am by Rocky
» Parliamentary Security and Defense: There are “fake” security companies run by “suspicious” figures
Today at 4:18 am by Rocky
» Fares Issa meets the Czech Ambassador to Iraq
Today at 4:17 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani issues several directives to lift the ban on Iraqi Airways
Today at 4:16 am by Rocky
» Makkia: Iraq is heading towards a major investment marathon
Today at 4:14 am by Rocky
» Al-Fatlawi: The population census enumeration and numbering process exceeded 98% throughout Iraq
Today at 4:13 am by Rocky
» Ministerial Council: Talk of using Iraqi territory as a launching pad for false pretext attacks
Today at 4:12 am by Rocky
» Türkiye: Our relationship with Iraq is witnessing positive development and we are keen to strengthen
Today at 4:10 am by Rocky
» Basra Gas Company announces the return of production and export operations to normal
Today at 4:08 am by Rocky
» Former Minister Reveals “Exciting” Details Concerning Leaks... What’s the Story of the Electronic Fl
Today at 4:05 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani receives the five berths of Al-Faw Port from the Korean company
Today at 4:02 am by Rocky
» Implementation of judicial memoranda of understanding on the table of the meeting between Faeq Zidan
Today at 4:01 am by Rocky
» List of dollar prices in Iraqi markets today, Thursday
Today at 3:59 am by Rocky
» It will include smaller areas and eliminate the sponsor.. Insistence on legislating the “Housing Fun
Today at 3:58 am by Rocky
» Prime Minister: We are facing a new Iraq and the path of development will be an artery linking most
Today at 3:56 am by Rocky
» Completion rates have increased fivefold in two years.. “Amazing” information and scenes from Al-Faw
Today at 3:54 am by Rocky
» Central Bank: Importance of cooperation and money transfer to facilitate trade with Azerbaijan
Yesterday at 7:19 am by Rocky
» Iraqi Businesswomen Council: A safe environment to support women’s entrepreneurship and develop skil
Yesterday at 7:15 am by Rocky
» Economist: The value of the dinar will decrease and the financial deficit will increase
Yesterday at 7:12 am by Rocky
» American website: Iraq's budget suffers from a deficit of $49.3 billion
Yesterday at 7:11 am by Rocky
» Good news for journalists and writers.. The "financial grant" will be launched on this date
Yesterday at 7:09 am by Rocky
» Iraq is the third Arab country in gold reserves
Yesterday at 7:06 am by Rocky
» Wanted by Iraqi judiciary.. An "Iraqi-American" diplomatic crisis with Trump's victory in the US pre
Yesterday at 7:04 am by Rocky
» Central Bank of Iraq sells more than $280 million in auction today
Yesterday at 6:59 am by Rocky
» Trump's victory... will it be a lifeline from the "judicial guillotine"?
Yesterday at 6:57 am by Rocky
» After winning the presidential race, Trump talks about a “strong mandate”
Yesterday at 6:57 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani chairs meeting with IATA delegation
Yesterday at 6:54 am by Rocky
» Central Bank Governor stresses need for cooperation to facilitate trade with Azerbaijan
Yesterday at 6:53 am by Rocky
» utube 11/6/24 Donald Trump's full victory speech
Yesterday at 6:50 am by Rocky
» Deep State Confronted by Trump.. Will Elon Musk Lead America, the World and “Mars”?
Yesterday at 6:43 am by Rocky
» Alsumaria Noon Bulletin Files: Trump's Victory and Objections to the General Amnesty Law
Yesterday at 6:40 am by Rocky
» Parliamentary bloc explains reasons for demanding extension of legislative term
Yesterday at 5:11 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani discusses with an international delegation lifting the ban on Iraqi Airways
Yesterday at 5:09 am by Rocky
» Axios: Washington warned Baghdad that Israel may attack Iraq if it does not prevent the Iranian atta
Yesterday at 5:08 am by Rocky
» Trump declares victory in US elections: I will not start wars, but I will end them
Yesterday at 5:06 am by Rocky
» Parliamentary Foreign Affairs: Trump is wanted by the Iraqi judiciary, but the country's interest co
Yesterday at 5:03 am by Rocky
» "Al-Eqtisad News" publishes the full decisions of the Cabinet session
Yesterday at 5:01 am by Rocky
» Bitcoin Hits All-Time High in Early Trading
Yesterday at 4:58 am by Rocky
» Iraq tops the list of countries importing Arab products related to construction activity
Yesterday at 4:56 am by Rocky
» 2025 Strong national economy and sound banks
Yesterday at 4:53 am by Rocky
» Government stresses the need to secure petroleum derivatives for energy production
Yesterday at 4:52 am by Rocky
» Anbar: The second phase of the electricity connection with Jordan has reached its end
Yesterday at 4:51 am by Rocky
» Iraq's gold holdings rise to more than 152.5 tons
Yesterday at 4:50 am by Rocky
» Al-Alaq stresses to Azerbaijani ambassador the importance of cooperation in transferring money to fa
Yesterday at 4:49 am by Rocky
» 7 decisions on the general population census
Yesterday at 4:47 am by Rocky
» The world awaits the new US president
Yesterday at 4:45 am by Rocky
» Sudanese demands stopping the Zionist aggression
Yesterday at 4:44 am by Rocky
» Wasit: Distribution of seeds among farmers with a support rate of 70 percent
Yesterday at 4:43 am by Rocky
» Trade: Central markets {hypermarkets} to officially open in 2025
Yesterday at 4:42 am by Rocky
» Civil Service Council: Controls for appointing land donors
Yesterday at 4:41 am by Rocky
» Baghdad Municipality: Measures to avoid damage from oil spills in the Tigris
Yesterday at 4:39 am by Rocky
» The Board of Trustees discusses a number of topics related to developing the work of the media netwo
Yesterday at 4:38 am by Rocky
» Sovereign guarantees boost labor market
Yesterday at 4:36 am by Rocky
» Mazhar Saleh: No impact of oil price drop on operating budget
Yesterday at 4:35 am by Rocky
» Iraq's share in the IMF
Yesterday at 4:35 am by Rocky
» Trump's "Historic" Victory: World Leaders Congratulate Him
Yesterday at 4:33 am by Rocky