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The
article of Kyle Madigan, titled
’Corruption instead of development in Iraqi
Kurdistan’ shows only the tip of the iceberg.
The two Kurdish parties are taking advantage of the
Kurdish people and independent enterprises in these
critical days. The public is being silenced by using
arguments that it could lead to a weakened position
in Iraq. In the critical next months of writing
constitution, the Kurdish parties are still only
worrying about filling their pockets.
It is just a shame and disgrace for a government
official to talk about democracy in Kurdistan. It is
a shame for us Kurds to talk about our democratic
experience which is not that much different from any
other Middle Eastern country. People cannot
influence the decision making in Kurdistan. Or maybe
the definition of democracy by the Kurdish
leadership is different. Yes, people have now more
freedom of moving and making their own choices,
which was a dream in Saddam’s era. But still the
most important aspects of democracy are being
suppressed. There is widespread corruption in
governmental bodies and institutions. A free market
enterprising is non-existent. You see all these
Kurdish officials shouting these democratic slogans
but without any practical knowledge and realisation
on the field. In reality, it is only democracy on
paper.
The government is working on a feudal base with
modern aghas (so called officials). Every corner has
its own agha and sheikh. Every free enterprising
needs the permission of the local sheikh (agha).
These aghas are asking every new business a share
for giving you his permission and recommendation.
This context has discouraged many Diaspora Kurds who
were enthusiastically planning of putting Kurdistan
ahead. Let alone the bureaucracy and the lethal
routine in the government. There is a kind of
allergic attitude being taken towards Diaspora
Kurds. Governmental employees just hate to see
Diaspora Kurds because of their critical attitude. A
normal citizen is already surrendered to the will of
these corrupted employees. A simple factory to
produce Paracetamol was rejected because the person
was not one of the KDP members. Well, actually if
you are not from the ruling clan, you are a low
ranking KDP anyway.
Lands are being divided by the two party officials
without any norms or regulations. In Sulaimani, all
the vital areas are been divided between PUK
officials and some areas were even seized from their
owners. The case is the same in KDP area, where
Salahadin and Sararash resorts are being taken and
occupied by KDP officials.
In Sulaimani, lands with high economic value are
being confiscated (with a minimum compensation) from
the original owners for the benefit of some PUK
officials. It is almost forbidden to talk about
starting a large business or submit for a tender.
The tenders are being divided by party members and
then resold to third parties. Many sectors are
monopolized by few people.
Like in the KDP area, it is obvious that the highest
officials in KRG (KDP) are monopolizing every large
business ranging from cigarettes, IT, Internet, to
real estate. Other family members of the ruling clan
are monopolising the mobile GSM and wireless
telecommunication systems in Arbil and Dohuk. In the
PUK area, party officials do businesses through
other businessmen and companies like Asia Cell is
the most known one, who is working for the PUK
leaders directly.
Any new enterprise that intends to establish new
business is requested by the Asaish (Security and
Intelligent Institution) to get party recommendation
before getting permission. Starting a business
without backing or sharing the revenue with one of
the officials is almost impossible in Kurdistan.
This has discouraged many Kurdish enterprises to
invest and forced them to find other opportunities
and try their luck in the south. Such a policy will
destroy every enterprising spirit and put the
economy in Kurdistan to one of lowest levels in the
region. Ironically, many of the slogans and
activities observed by both administrations is to
encourage foreign companies to invest their capital
in Kurdistan.
This can be seen as the inheritance of the Baath
system which is being used in Kurdistan. You see in
festivals or soccer matches, the party sheikhs and
aghas are in the front row sitting on comfortable
sofas and the rest of the public on shabby chairs.
This scene is exactly the same as the rule of Baath.
Besides the personality worship, which is another
heritage from the Arab Baathist regime. Every corner
of a government building is being filled with smiley
leaders of the KDP or PUK.
I hope that more Kurds will dare to write and
present facts, without fearing to be harassed in
Kurdistan. And this might change a tiny little thing
in the mentality of the two main parties. Our
patience is reaching its limit. The KDP and PUK
should really start thinking of change. The current
state of affairs, the unsolved issue of the double
administrations and the parliament will lead to a
public uprising and that will only damage the
parties and Kurdistan’s image.
Kurds have an excellent opportunity now. We should
fully utilize it, before it is again too late.
Baghdad is already surpassing Kurdistan in many
areas; if we do not catch up, we will lose our will
again to Baghdad. If Baghdad tomorrow shows any sign
of security, most if not all investors will lead
towards Baghdad and then that will signal the end of
the economic prosperity in Kurdistan.
Feudalism has always been an obstacle for
development. From ancient times until now, the Kurds
are under the mercy of feudal leaders who always
have resisted change, in fear of weakening their
power base, by using either religion or other means
to paralyse the people.
www.kurdishmedia.com
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