A historic meeting in Munich Security Conference saw at one time, President Kurdistan Region-Iraq Nechirvan Barzani meeting with the Interim Foreign Minister of Syria, Asaad al-Shaibani, on the burgeoning political and security affairs in Syria and Iraq. The sidelines meeting was one to note, as that would not only be protecting but promoting the rights of Egypt’s Kurdish population and regional stability after more than 10 years of conflict.
While the specific date of their meeting is uncertain, the news in reports continues to consider the Friday or Saturday of last week, which the media will use to emphasize the concept of dialogue in an area still troubled by stretching clouds. It was also an occasion for Barzani to urge more action for better protection of the country’s Kurds, a status that has been a controversial issue in the difficult political fabric of Syria.
Barzani’s remarks were pointed, stressing the urgent need for an inclusive approach that upholds the rights of all ethnic and religious groups in Syria. “It is essential that the rights of the Kurdish people, as well as other communities, are safeguarded,” Barzani asserted. “By no means – now that we have gotten there – do we think that the ongoing conflict in Syria did not cause huge suffering, and only through dialogue and mutual understanding we can work on solving it and creating a lasting peace.”
Barzani’s meeting with Shaibani took place against the backdrop of mixed news for peace in Syria after the tides turned somewhat in that country leading to the current polarization. Syria is now left divided and fragile, with more than 13 years of war behind it, as much of its territory controlled by a motley of local and foreign players, including Kurdish groups that have sought greater autonomy. Against that background, it is only more urgent that people join together and make sure no one community is left behind as the nation seeks a future of reconciliation.
For his part, Shaibani reiterated a commitment to stability and a national dialogue in Syria. “(Syria) is committed to laying the groundwork for a national dialogue in which all components of the Syrian people participate,” Shaibani said. He stressed Damascus’s interest in strengthening its relations with Iraq, including the Kurdish autonomy in it, and enhancing cooperation in the aspects of common interests.
The forum reminded us of the importance of regional cooperation in the light of the persisting unrest. The Kurdistan Region that has been among the few politically stable areas in comparison with the rest of Iraq and Syria is seen as a major player in the peace-building process in the Middle East. Barzani’s efforts have already had some impact, evidenced by Syria’s acknowledgement of the rights of the Kurdish people. This serves as a call for recognizing and giving the same rights as others to a people who have been for years on the wrong side of Syria’s internal schisms. The government of Kurdistan Region keeps promoting a philosophical approach to solving the constantly changing problems of the country since the Syria war is still developing.
Given the still unsure future of Syria, the dialogue between Barzani and Shaibani might be a stepping stone toward better relations and a more inclusive political atmosphere in Syriaone that preserves the rights and dreams of all of its peoples.
Though the result of this meeting does not at once change the political environment, it is a vital first in looking for middle ground in a area defined by its complexity and continuous conflicts. The appeal for negotiation, calm, and minority rights protection raises itself as the globe observes.
