Erbil-Baghdad relations had hit an all-time low following months — or, one could say, years — of unfruitful meetings over disputed areas, budget, oil and gas issues and, most importantly, the violations of 55 articles of the Iraqi Constitution.
Barzani — as a political leader, Peshmerga and statesman — served as the first president of the Kurdistan Region during the most difficult and sensitive era. He led the region to victory in the nation's referendum for Independence on September 25, 2017.
Barzani turned his back on the entire world as a bulwark and faced his nation, telling us that we have endured enough under the leadership of the repressive Iraqi regimes and that the time was ripe for us to determine our fate.
In the long run, Barzani could prove those wrong who still believe that the independence referendum has backfired and that the nation's dreams of an independent Kurdistan have been dashed. He has given the nation a golden ticket that has no expiry date on it. The 93 percent referendum vote bears the will of a nation that has been fighting for freedom.
The outcome of the Kurdistan independence referendum is a strong political trump card that Kurds could capitalize on, at some point. Barzani has entrusted that golden ticket to us, to our future generations, to take care of.
We did not step backward, nor did the vote dash the Region's aspirations for statehood, though the reactions were harsh and the immediate implications were difficult after the Iraqi government and its neighbors imposed an unfair embargo on our nation.
The referendum was a test, and Kurds had to take this risk at any cost. Even if we had not held the vote the other day, we would have had to do it at some point, nevertheless, because we are among the biggest stateless nations on earth. The referendum result is in our hands; the day will come that it must materialize.
Kurdistan’s independent state is not “if,” but “when”, and all the political figures and states perceive this solid fact. They know this and speak out when they are not in office. A year before assuming the post of the national security advisor under Trump's administration, John Bolton said in a tweet: “I strongly support holding the Kurdish referendum; it’s time for the Kurdish people in Iraq to give a voice to their aspirations."
Barzani has a strong belief in an independent Kurdistan. He is striving for it and giving the same inspiration to his nation. He aimed to give us this trump card because he was not like any other leaders in the region and did not seek to remain in power or to stick to the chair. He returned to his job as ‘Peshmerga’ and become the Kurdish George Washington. He entrusted us with this referendum.
Barzani, instead of world leaders, led the war against ISIS while he was in his seventies, but stayed at the front lines for many days and nights. He should be internationally awarded as a warrior against extremism and terror, as a protector of peace, stability and co-existence.
He is now called ‘Father of the Nation.’ His role four years ago was a great sense of pride for me and others who still are enthusiastic about independence.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rudaw.
