Kurdistan is controlled by the Kurds, the Sunni areas are controlled by [IS] and the Shiite areas are controlled by Shiite forces and the Popular Mobilization Units. Prime Minister [Haider al-] Abadi has been making a big effort to fix things. But the Iraqi government must accept this reality and look for other solutions. We are not pushing for forced separation. We are talking about an amicable divorce.
Al-Monitor: And what do you do about Kirkuk?
Barzani: If the Baghdad government is so confident that Kirkuk is part of Iraq, why have they still not implemented Article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution? It explicitly states that a referendum needs to be held on the status of Kirkuk. But the referendum is always postponed. Why?
Al-Monitor: You say IS controls the Arab Sunni areas along the KRG’s borders. How do you get IS to accept your independence?
Barzani: [IS] is not a part of any dialogue. [IS] must be defeated.
Al-Monitor: Are you saying you need to defeat [IS] before you declare independence?
Barzani: No, we are not saying that because we don’t know for how long [IS] is going to be around. Our priority is to fight [IS], but finishing [IS] doesn’t mean that terrorism will end. There will be many other forms.
Al-Monitor: Would you be more effective fighting them if you were independent?
Barzani: Yes.
Al-Monitor: Could you explain?
Barzani: We would be able to make our own agreements to purchase our own weapons in quantity, quality and on time. Whereas now unfortunately we are still experiencing difficulties getting the weapons that we need and getting them in the quantity and at the time that we need them.
Al-Monitor: Would a US base to protect you help?
Barzani: Whenever Kurdistan becomes independent I can give you an answer.
Al-Monitor: Could you imagine a scenario where the Kurdish areas of Syria become part of an independent Kurdistan of which the capital would be Erbil?
Barzani: I don’t know. I don’t want to engage in speculation. Our intention in Iraqi Kurdistan is to focus on Iraqi Kurdistan, which has a legitimate, recognized administration and territories. And we wish to have friendly relations based on mutual respect with all of our neighbors.
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