In a recent article published by the Al-Arab newspaper, the plight of Kurds in Iraq takes center stage, shedding light on the longstanding issues between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government. Authored by Adham Ibrahim, the piece delves into historical grievances and contemporary challenges faced by the Kurdish population.

The article underscores the legitimacy of the Kurdistan Region’s demands while placing blame squarely on Baghdad for a series of injustices against Kurds. It points to Federal Court decisions as glaring examples of such injustices and highlights the futility of historical military methods employed against Kurdish aspirations.

Dating back to the 1970 signing of the March 11 Accords, which initially recognized certain Kurdish cultural and ethnic rights, Baghdad's subsequent backtrack on promises made is noted. The Kurdistan Region's partial autonomy gained momentum with the onset of the Persian Gulf War in 1991.

However, the dynamics shifted post the fall of the Iraqi regime in 2003, with Shiite factions distancing themselves from their former Kurdish allies. The resurgence of the Kurdish problem ensued, with Shiite power-seekers prioritizing their own agendas over the interests of Kurds and Sunnis alike.

The article meticulously examines various factors exacerbating the discord between the Kurdistan region and the federal government. These include disputes over the oil and gas law, the implementation of Article 140, budget disparities between Kurdish Peshmerga forces and Hashd al-Shaabi militias, and religious-based political inequities.

Proposed solutions advocated by the article stress the necessity for inclusive participation in Iraq's political processes, emphasizing the detrimental impact of foreign political agendas. It urges a respectful acknowledgment of Kurdish aspirations and warns against baseless attacks on the Kurdistan Region, which ultimately weaken the federal government's stance.

Al-Arab asserts that political decisions in Iraq often prioritize appeasing neighboring countries and regional powers, suggesting a lack of independence in Iraqi decision-making processes.

Conclusively, the newspaper reaffirms the integral role of Kurds within Iraq, as recognized by the Iraqi constitution. It denounces Federal Court decisions infringing upon Kurdish rights, including those related to parliamentary elections and employee rights. Moreover, it criticizes the submission of the oil and gas law to the federal government without due consideration of Kurdistan's legitimate status as illegal.

As the Kurdistan Region navigates its complex relationship with Baghdad, Al-Arab calls for concerted efforts towards a more equitable and inclusive Iraqi polity, where the rights of all constituents are upheld and respected.