I have learned that Kurdish cities are cities of possibilities. There is an energy and a dynamism here; a desire to get things done.
There are two strong underpinnings to democracy here: a commitment to market values, a commitment to debate within society and a belief in tolerance. I have seen an understanding of market deliver electricity, better services and a flood of oil companies to the Region. Even during the demonstrations in Sulaimani there was a dialogue between all sides. And I recall the generous and natural welcome the authorities gave to Christians fleeing an horrific attack on their church in Baghdad. Those values seem ingrained in the Kurdish psyche. Sure foundations on which to continue to build democratic institutions.
I have learned that this is a region which cannot forget the past and the suffering of previous generations and neither should it. But it is a region determined not to be shaped by the past. The determination I see daily seems to be based on a belief that the best way to pay debts to those who fell in the name of freedom is to build a Kurdistan Region of which they would be proud.
The appetite for change and progress requires brave decisions. We have seen that in laws designed to protect women and in the way that Kurdish leaders have reached out to former adversaries among their neighbours. There are, undoubtedly, tough decisions ahead. Does it really make long-term financial sense, for example, to have so many people in the state sector? Do the political parties need to be in such a strong position?
There are many challenges that will come in the next few years that will be daunting but surmountable: bringing Kurdistan’s financial services sector into line with the modern world, developing infrastructure to meet the demands of a significant world hydrocarbon producer and bringing a richer administration closer to the people and delivering better services to them, to name a few.
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