Is Abadi Key to Resolving Kurdish Conflict?

It is Baghdad’s opportunity to assume a vital central political position and rebuild bridges between the central government and Iraqi Kurdistan. Some political analysts argue, however, that Baghdad will not be able to pull it off, as it is preoccupied with equally important problems including its war on IS, the stifling economic crisis and the wave of protests sweeping many Iraqi cities.

Yet, that's no excuse for Baghdad to distance itself from the developments in Iraqi Kurdistan, which could send out the wrong message that it is being indifferent and is not making a sufficient effort to strengthen relations between Iraqis, and ensure stability throughout the country at this difficult time.

American, Iranian and Turkish representatives have visited Iraqi Kurdistan, and their efforts to reconcile the factions are ongoing — which raises questions about why Baghdad is absent, leaving its role to be filled by regional and international players instead.

A comprehensive look at the Iraqi crisis is necessary to find real solutions. As is the case with the entire Middle East, the Iraqi crises cannot be dealt with separately, for they are intertwined. Any collapse in Baghdad would have a domino effect on the situation in Iraqi Kurdistan.

The Iraqi government must make it a top priority to develop decentralized governance to ensure stability for the Iraqi areas around Baghdad. Thus, Baghdad should deal with the crisis in the Kurdistan Region as a fundamental problem, because preserving security in the region is as essential as the war on IS to maintaining Iraq’s stability.