Kurdistan Observer

Massoud Barzani has recounted the facts and his convictions. What should we do now? Should we issue a threat once again? Or should we place our relations on a different basis?

The statements Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader Massoud Barzani made during a recent interview on CNN TURK have not been discussed adequately by the Turkish public.

That would have enabled the public to see clearly how wrong are the arguments of those circles that have been caught in a war hysteria.

On the independence issue Barzani reiterated, in a crystal clear manner, what we all know.

He did not beat about the bush. More importantly, he did not tell lies.

He stressed that independence is the ultimate goal, that this is not something that can be achieved this minute since they do not have enough power for that. Furthermore, he noted that the international conditions are not conducive to that.

In fact, he said nothing new or unexpected.

Now some of us are saying, "He has given himself away. He could not help but disclose his true intentions." They act as if the Barzani family's past is not common knowledge, as if no one knows that gaining independence is the Kurds' biggest dream.

This is exactly what Massoud Barzani disclosed. However, he said that he left the task of achieving the ultimate goal to the future generations.

What should we do now?

Should we continue to display our military might, threatening Northern Iraq due to a possibility that could be fulfilled only by the future generations? Should we even carry it farther, imposing a military blockade on Northern Iraq?

This way we would prevent Northern Iraq's independence and thus keep the minds of our own nationals of Kurdish origin free from certain bad ideas (!)

Or should we try a different tack?

Rather than displaying a tough stance and issuing threats all the time, would it not be better to enhance the cooperation and to provide support?

One thing is certain. Independence movements always seek an enemy. By fighting against that "enemy" they unify their people and motivate them more strongly. For the Northern Iraqi Kurds, the "enemy" is the Saddam Hussein regime these days.

If Turkey wants to turn itself into an "enemy" for the Northern Iraqis, then Turkey should maintain the pressure it exerts and continue to issue threats.

If Turkey aims to prevent establishment of an independent state in Northern Iraq, Turkey should do everything it can to ensure that Northern Iraq remains attached to Baghdad in a federative structure in the short run.

And, in the long run, Turkey should place its relations with the Kurds of Northern Iraq on a platform of cooperation. It must cultivate a relationship based on support and "goodneighborliness" rather than on strife.

That is the only way we and the Kurds can have an easy time in this region.

A place should be found for Turcomans as well

If that kind of relationship can be established, the problems of the Turcomans in Northern Iraq can be solved more easily.

It would be extremely hard to find a place for Turcomans by pushing and threatening.

The remarks Barzani made during the MANSET program were extremely interesting. He differentiated between the Turcoman Front and the Turcoman people who live in Northern Iraq. He gave the impression that he saw the Front's attitude provocative.

Turcomans must definitely be provided with a "place" in any case. Would it not be reasonable for the Barzani-Talabani duo to have a positive approach to an issue on which Turkey has been so sensitized -- especially if Turkey established good relations with Northern Iraq?

Both sides have trump cards with which they can poison one another's lives. Wise people act wisely and meet at a certain "point of compromise".

Unwise people, on the other hand, make life difficult.

Important talks will be held between Turkey and the Barzani administration this week. If common sense prevails on the aforementioned issues, both sides will win.

Otherwise we will all lose.

Mehmet Ali Birand's article is translated by TDN staff