A new culture is needed in developing Kurdistan
- KurdishMedia.com - By Dr Salah Aziz
- 22/01/2009 00:00:00
Visitors to Kurdistan and readers of independent media inside and outside Kurdistan observe a new phenomenon: increasing calls for reform to fix the political and governing system in Kurdistan. Within each political party, the younger leaders are pushing older members to create space for reform. Outside of the political parties, intellectuals and activists call for a new political entity with a fresh approach to govern Kurdistan. All these approaches are workable and have their supporters, and each one is a possible solution to the current situation. Nevertheless, I think the real problem is in the current political culture. Therefore, the aim of all reform must be on creating a new political culture to enable Kurdistan to meet the 21st Century’s challenges.
There is no doubt that Kurdistan has progressed politically since 1991: it gained self-ruled status until 2003 and has been a federated region since 2005. The elections of 2005 showed intense public participation and support for the main Kurdish political parties: Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). Their major role in drafting the Iraqi Constitution and increasing the Kurdish Region’s percentage of the Iraqi National Revenue are remarkable results. These achievements must be looked at historically as the fulfillment of key objectives of the Kurdish National Movement. The movement’s efforts, regardless of some shortcomings, have advanced the Kurdish situation politically in Iraq.
Nevertheless, as with any national movement in a tribal society in a developing country, the Kurdish movement has created its own culture. Within that culture, authoritarian rule was established, and armed struggle and disregard for central Iraqi laws became the norm. Therefore, the 13 years between 1991 and 2003 was a transition period for many Kurdish parties and individuals. Despite the local, regional and international denial of a separate entity in Kurdistan, the Kurdish leaders have tried to rule the new de-facto-region by issuing laws and making deals with various International agencies to implement the Oil-For-Food Program. It was a learning experience for Kurdish political parties. They served the Kurds much better than Saddam’s governing system.
The political situation in Iraq changed after the US invasion, removal of Saddam’s power and the adaptation of the Constitution. Kurds became a partner in the governing of Iraq. Top officials in Iraq, i.e. the President, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, are Kurds. There is an active government and parliament in Baghdad. The government is using its army to restore peace and stability in Iraq and its constitutional rights to govern all Iraq. This reality will bring about an improved culture which will require new thinking and practices in Kurdistan.
The security and political stability in Kurdistan –compared to the rest of Iraq– should have led to the Rule of Law as the principle governing the Region. It is true that Kurdistan does not have its own regional constitution, but the Iraqi Constitution is for all Iraqis. Any new constitution in Kurdistan cannot contradict the Iraqi one. Therefore, it is expected that Kurdish leaders and political parties lead the way in implementing and developing the Constitution’s Articles. In any society, the establishment of Rule of Law reflects its level of civilization. Kurdistan wants to become civilized. Therefore, the Kurdish Government must introduce and promote a new political culture that is based on respecting the law and punishing those who violate the laws, regardless to their political affiliation, wealth, and social status.
Political parties that have militia forces are considered illegal entities according to the Iraqi Constitution. Traditionally, Kurdish political parties have needed to resort to weapons to fight various oppressors. However, the role of political party in Kurdistan has changed since 2003: it is now to serve Kurdistan. Armed forces and various security apparatus’ should be under the control of the Kurdistan Regional Government. The duty of the army and security forces must be limited to defending Kurdistan externally and internally. They have to protect and serve the people, not any specific political party. Preserving security is the key requirement for development and stability.
Kurdish politicians adopted the slogan of “democracy” more than 60 years ago. The basic principles of democracy are: political pluralism, elections, changing leadership, diversity in opinions, etc. Such practices have not existed in any Kurdish political party regardless to that party’s ideology. Is it possible to have a democratic political party without having a democratic political culture? The answer is no. Therefore, the responsibility of the government is to enable the society to adopt democracy by being the leading example of the peaceful transfer of power.
Kurdistan’s economy has also changed; from tribal-, to social- and, lately, to free-market-based principles. Political parties did not have a specific culture for economy prior to 2003. Therefore, the recent practices emerging are a part of the new culture. But what is it based on? It is based on the political party’s engagement in a market that profits the governing political party and its high-ranking leaders! Such practice is called corruption. It is illegal according to Iraqi and International laws. Development and progress occurs when the government becomes a facilitator for businesses and the protector of the rights of customers.
Good-quality education is a necessity for every nation who wants to find its place among the world’s intellectual, economic, and political leaders. Despite the restrictions imposed by the central governments in Baghdad on expanding education in Kurdistan, Kurds are well known for their emphasis on high education throughout the history of Iraq. A huge expansion took place in Kurdish higher education after 1992 and in regular education after 1998. However, the emphasis has been on quantity not quality. Nevertheless, development needs skilled human resources which can be produced only by good quality education.
Thus, the real reform must focus on the development of Kurdistan. Development can be achieved with the rule of law, a democratic system, transparency and the development of a knowledge-based society. It is the right and responsibility of every individual, institution/organization and political party to ensure their participation in the national development process. The duties of government are to regulate the process and lead the way.
- KurdishMedia.com - By Dr Salah Aziz
- 22/01/2009 00:00:00