Leader Barzani: KDP's strength is Kurdistan's strength
On Saturday, Masoud Barzani, the Leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), marked the 79th anniversary of his group, recalling its founding in 1946 as 'a historic necessity' to continue the Kurdish struggle.
In his message, Barzani stressed that the KDP has defended the rights and existence of the Kurdish people while advancing their democratic and national aspirations. Throughout its history, he noted, the party has carried a message of peace, strengthened pluralism and coexistence, and played a leading role in pivotal moments of Kurdistan's and Iraq's political life.
He urged the party's members to honor the sacrifices of martyrs by fulfilling their duty in rebuilding and stabilizing the Region, confirming that 'the strength of the KDP means the strength of Kurdistan.'
Today, the KDP is the dominant political force in the Region, holding 39 seats in the Kurdish parliament and 31 in Iraq's legislature. Under Barzani's leadership, it continues to shape Kurdistan's politics and plays a decisive role nationwide.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Shafaq News
26 minutes ago
- Shafaq News
Putin praises meeting with Trump as 'extremely productive'
Shafaq News – Moscow On Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin described his recent meeting with US President Donald Trump in Alaska as 'extremely productive', calling it an important milestone that came at a timely moment. Addressing the presidential administration, government officials, and the State Duma, Putin noted that the discussions covered nearly all areas of cooperation, with particular focus on finding a fair resolution to the Ukrainian crisis. He also urged a 'turning of the page' in bilateral relations with the US, further welcoming a potential visit by Trump to Moscow. The meeting in Anchorage, Alaska, lasted two hours and 45 minutes at the Elmendorf-Richardson military base. The Russian delegation included Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, while the US team comprised Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff. Earlier, Trump highlighted progress in the talks with Russia, while acknowledging that some points of disagreement remain unresolved. He also confirmed plans to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on August 18, adding that a follow-up meeting with Putin was under consideration.
Shafaq News
26 minutes ago
- Shafaq News
Israel launches Gaza relocation as Washington pushes truce effort
Shafaq News – Gaza The Israeli army said on Saturday it will begin transferring civilians from combat zones in Gaza to the south starting August 17. Army spokesperson Avichay Adraee stated that tents and shelter equipment will be delivered through the Kerem Shalom crossing under UN and aid-agency supervision, following Israeli inspections. He added that the step was ordered by the political leadership to 'safeguard residents while allowing humanitarian deliveries under international law.' #عاجل 🔴 بناء على توجيهات المستوى السياسي وفي اطار تحضيرات جيش الدفاع لنقل السكان المدنيين من مناطق القتال إلى جنوب قطاع عزة حفاظا على أمنهم، سيتم اعتبارا من يوم الغد (الأحد) تجديد توفير الخيم ومعدات المأوى لسكان القطاع.⭕️سيتم نقل المعدات عن طريق معبر كيرم شالوم بواسطة الأمم… — افيخاي ادرعي (@AvichayAdraee) August 16, 2025 The move coincides with Washington's push for a new phased settlement plans, Israel Hayom reported, following talks in Cairo between Hamas and international mediators. American and Arab sources told the outlet that the draft is designed to break the deadlock despite Hamas's resistance to conditions for ending the war. According to the outline, an initial truce would be tied to the release of half the hostages, with later negotiations addressing Hamas disarmament, the exile of its senior leaders, and the transfer of Gaza's civilian administration to an international body. A central element would see international oversight of civilian affairs begin during the truce itself, effectively curbing Hamas's authority before a final agreement. US officials described the draft as a 'last chance' for Hamas to avert an Israeli occupation. Hamas has signaled some flexibility on hostages and ceasefire terms but continues to reject demands to give up arms or political power. Israel Hayom added that President Donald Trump wants the conflict resolved within weeks or months, though Washington's backing for Israel's position is not 'open-ended.' Meanwhile, the death toll from the Israeli war has risen to 61,776, with 154,906 wounded since October 7, 2023, according to the Strip's Health Ministry. Since March 18, 2025 alone, 10,251 people have been killed and 42,865 injured.
Shafaq News
3 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Walk through history: Inside the home of a Kurdish hero
Shafaq News – Al-Sulaymaniyah The home of Sheikh Mahmoud Hafid Barzangi, known as the "King of Kurdistan," has been transformed into a museum showcasing his role in early 20th-century Kurdish uprisings against British rule. Located in Darikala, a village between Garmian and Al-Sulaymaniyah, the house retains modest furnishings, family photographs, and rugs that were used during his campaigns. Shafaq News correspondent toured the residence, capturing artifacts that reflect Sheikh Mahmoud's efforts for Kurdish autonomy and his advocacy for an independent Kurdish state. Born into a family with both religious Sufi and tribal influence, Sheikh Mahmoud Hafid, also known as Mahmoud Hafidzadeh Barzangi, emerged as a prominent political and social leader. He led a series of Kurdish uprisings in the 1920s, earning the title "King of Kurdistan" during a turbulent period in Iraq's history. One of his most notable battles took place at Bazian Pass (Darbendi Bazian), where he secured the strategic passage. The site later became known as the "Rock of Freedom" and was eventually converted into a public park called Berde Qaraman in Kurdish.
