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Shafaq News
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Leader Barzani marks 49th anniversary of Gulan Revolution: A legacy of Kurdish resilience
Shafaq News/ On Monday, Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani marked the 49th anniversary of the Gulan Revolution, praising the resilience and sacrifices of the Kurdish people and Peshmerga fighters in pursuit of freedom and dignity. In a statement, Barzani described Gulan as 'one of the most significant chapters in Kurdistan's resistance,' and a natural extension of the Great September Revolution. Despite the unfavorable conditions and the forced displacement of thousands, he noted, the Gulan uprising was launched through a calculated and determined organizational and military strategy. Barzani paid tribute to the fallen fighters and honored the courage of those who took up arms or endured hardship rather than surrender. 'This uprising proved to the world that the will to fight for freedom in Kurdistan is unbreakable and ever-burning.' The Gulan Revolution began in 1976 after the collapse of the 1975 Algiers Agreement, when the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) reorganized its resistance against the Baathist regime. Drawing on shifting dynamics in the Middle East, the movement reignited hope among Kurds for justice and self-rule.
Shafaq News
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
President Barzani marks 49th anniversary of Gulan Revolution: A call for unity
Shafaq News/ Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani on Monday commemorated the 49th anniversary of the Gulan Revolution, hailing it as a testament to the Kurdish people's unshakable commitment to liberty and dignity. In an official statement, Barzani paid tribute to the 'immortal martyrs and heroic fighters' of the uprising, honoring those who gave their lives in pursuit of freedom. "Gulan was a reaffirmation of the people's refusal to accept injustice or occupation," he added, calling it a powerful continuation of the Great September Revolution led by the late Mustafa Barzani. The Kurdish president urged all sides to protect the constitutional and federal achievements secured through decades of struggle and to uphold the legacy of the revolution with unity and cooperation. 'Let Gulan inspire us to work together for a better future,' he said. The Gulan Revolution began in 1976 after the collapse of the 1975 Algiers Agreement, when the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) reorganized its resistance against the Baathist regime. Drawing on shifting dynamics in the Middle East, the movement reignited hope among Kurds for justice and self-rule.
Rudaw Net
11-03-2025
- Business
- Rudaw Net
Iraq is among the 15 most climate-affected countries globally: PM advisor
Also in Iraq Iraq to face crisis as US ends energy waiver: Former OPEC spox Iraq's deputy finance minister resigns over Kurdistan Region's grievances US urges Iraq to work with KRG on paying energy companies' debts Iraq moves to boost electricity output as US ends Iran energy waiver A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Iraqi prime minister's advisor on water affairs stated that Iraq is experiencing a 'phase of water scarcity,' exacerbated by dire climate conditions, unregulated groundwater management, and heavy dependence on neighboring countries for water inflows. Torhan al-Mufti told Rudaw in an interview that 'Iraq is among the 15 most climate-affected countries globally,' adding that the country is going through a period of water scarcity but has not slid into drought yet. Iraq's water mainly comes from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, with 75 percent sourced from neighboring Iran and Turkey, and 20 to 25 percent from internal sources. While Iran affects water flow through rivers like the Karun and Karkheh, Turkey controls the headwaters via dams like the Ataturk Dam. Iraq lacks a comprehensive water-sharing agreement with both countries. Mufti noted that water inflows into the Tigris basin have 'approximately doubled' compared to two years ago due to an agreement signed between Ankara and Baghdad. 'I am not saying the water inflows are sufficient, but they are notably better and this improvement is a direct result of the agreement with Turkey,' he noted, underscoring that the deal 'spans multiple years' and covers the Euphrates River as well. Inflows to the Tigris River have also been significantly higher, he added. The advisor explained that water imports from Iran range between 13-15 percent annually and that the flows 'solely' into the Tigris basin. Mufti attributed the limited water inflow from Iran to the 1975 Algiers Agreement, which he says Iran 'insists' is valid. Iran and Iraq signed the Algiers Agreement to settle border disputes among them, particularly over the Shatt al-Arab waterway located at the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The agreement shaped the demarcation of borders and influenced water resource management between the two states. Former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein unilaterally rescinded the agreement in 1980, reclaiming what he said were Iraqi territories lost to Iran. The issue was one of the reasons that led to the outbreak of the 1980 war with Iran that lasted for eight years. 'Approximately 35 to 40 percent of Iraq's border with Iran consists of drought-prone regions,' the advisor of the Iraqi prime minister said, adding that several small rivers and streams that used to flow from Iran into Iraq have dried up. Mufti additionally explained that Iraq needs between 50 to 90 billion cubic meters of water annually, noting that so long as rainfall water and regional inflows do not fall below this threshold 'Iraq's water situation remains manageable.' The advisor to the prime minister additionally explained that Iraq does not currently suffer from a water shortage for daily usage and agricultural irrigation, adding that it 'maintains a stable water balance' but in scarcity season Iraq might experience reduced plantation and cultivation. 'While dam levels are not currently at their maximum, they are sufficient,' he explained. Concerning groundwater, Mufti said that while Iraq possesses substantial groundwater reserves, 'unregulated extraction poses a challenge.' Over-extraction in a specific area can deplete the entire water table causing wells to dry up, he said, adding that Iraq's water resources ministry 'shut down around 150 wells' in southern Iraq 'due to their negative impact on groundwater levels.' Of note, the United Nations Global Environment Outlook 6 (GEO-6) ranked Iraq as the fifth most vulnerable country globally to reduced water availability and extreme temperatures, based on data from 2020 to 2021.
Shafaq News
30-01-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Kirkuk honors leader Idris Barzani's 38th death anniversary
Shafaq News/ Kirkuk University, in collaboration with the province's Interfaith Dialogue and Community Peace Center, hosted a conference on Thursday to commemorate leader Idris Mustafa Barzani, on the 38th anniversary of his passing. The event highlighted Barzani's vital role in fostering peace, particularly between the KDP and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). 'Kirkuk, with all its communities, gathered today to honor leader Idris Barzani, one of the early fighters for Kurdish rights,' said Hassan Majid, a member of the Kirkuk Provincial Council and head of the KDP bloc, to Shafaq News. 'He was a pillar of the party from its foundation until his death.' Academics from Kirkuk University also spoke, about Barzani's national influence and his involvement in Iraq's political movements. 'He was not just a leader in battle but a key figure in peace negotiations,' said lecturer Muhannad Ali. 'He played a historic role in shaping Kurdish unity and was instrumental in major Kurdish uprisings.' Barzani's ability to unite political forces was further emphasized at the Erbil tribute according to Shafaq news correspondent. Khalid Shali, a longtime friend of leader Barzani, remembered him as 'an honest man, a dedicated politician, and a firm believer in the Peshmerga and humanitarian values." His humility and open-mindedness were central to his lasting legacy as a peacemaker. A leader of the Kurdish People Leader Idris Barzani, born into the Barzani family, was a key leader in the Kurdish struggle for self-determination. His commitment began in childhood, shaped by his father, Mustafa Barzani, a revolutionary icon. In 1961, Idris took up arms for Kurdish rights and quickly became a strategist, playing a significant role in the 1970 peace negotiations with Baghdad, earning the title "architect" of the historic agreement. Despite setbacks, including the failed 1975 Algiers Agreement, which reignited conflict, Leader Barzani remained dedicated to Kurdish unity. He was also a fierce advocate for displaced Kurds, emphasizing internal dialogue as a strategy to counter external threats. His leadership and humility earned him respect from all sides, and his ability to unite political forces was central to his legacy.
