The Contribution of Jalal Talabani to Kirkuk's Stability
Dr. Maaraj Ahmad Ismael Al-Hadidi
Foreword
The Kirkuk area stands out as a pivotal region in Iraq, marked by decades of ethnic and political tensions that have imperiled its stability. Its extensive history is replete with challenges, including national and political conflicts that have significantly strained Iraq's unity. Within this complex milieu, President Jalal Talabani emerges as a prominent political figure and adept leader who has played a crucial role in fostering political equilibrium and stability in Kirkuk. His leadership has been instrumental in ensuring the participation of all ethnic and social components in decision-making processes, thereby mitigating the prevailing tensions in this vital region.
Jalal Talabani is widely recognized as one of the key political figures who has made significant contributions to Iraq over the years, exerting considerable influence on the country's trajectory. Serving as both a former president of the Governing Council and a two-term president of the nation, his leadership has left a lasting impact on Iraq's political landscape. Through his dedicated service and astute guidance, Talabani has emerged as a prominent leader within Iraq.
Understanding Talabani's role in promoting stability in Kirkuk necessitates a comprehensive examination of his historical background, political endeavors, and diplomatic initiatives aimed at resolving disputes and promoting peaceful coexistence among the diverse ethnic and religious communities in the region. This analysis focuses on his notable efforts and positive influence in advancing stability in Kirkuk and strengthening Iraqi national unity.
This study encompasses several key topics, including:
1-A biography of President Jalal Talabani
2-The historical context of Kirkuk, providing insights into its significance and complexities
3-The crucial role played by Jalal Talabani in maintaining political equilibrium and fostering stability in Kirkuk, with a focus on his diplomatic strategies and initiatives.
First: A Biography of President Jalal Talabani
President Jalal Talabani, renowned for his history steeped in struggle, revolution, and extensive political activism, has amassed a wealth of experience characterized by astuteness, competence, and expertise. His journey can be summarized as follows:
1-Early Life: Jalal Talabani was born on November 12, 1933, in Kalkan village, nestled in the Kosrat Mountain overlooking Dukan Lake, situated in the Koya district of Sulaimaniyah governorate. Among the Kurds, he is affectionately known as "Mam Jalal," a moniker bestowed upon him during his childhood.
2-Top of Form
Education and Military Service: Jalal Talabani commenced his studies at the Law College in Baghdad in 1953. However, his academic pursuits were interrupted when, in 1956, he was forced to abandon his studies during his fourth year due to the threat of arrest stemming from his involvement in the Kurdistan Students Union. Following the overthrow of the Hashimi Kingdom in July 1958, Talabani returned to Law College while simultaneously continuing his journalistic endeavors, contributing to both Khabat and Kurdistan magazines. Upon graduating in 1959, he was enlisted for military service in the Iraqi army, where he served in the artillery unit and later assumed leadership roles within the tanks unit.
3- Political Experience: Jalal Talabani's political journey began in 1947 when he joined the Kurdish Democratic Party. Renowned for his diligence and effectiveness in carrying out party responsibilities, he quickly distinguished himself within the organization. As the Kurdish rebellion against the government of Abdul Karim Qasim erupted in September 1961, Talabani assumed leadership roles on the battlefields in Kirkuk and Sulaimaniyah.
During the mid-1960s, Talabani undertook various diplomatic missions, representing the Kurdish leadership in meetings across Europe and the Middle East. Amidst the division of the Kurdistan Democratic Party in 1964, Talabani aligned himself with the politburo group that broke away from the leadership of Mullah Mustafa Barzani.
The collapse of the Kurdish revolution in March 1975 precipitated a significant crisis for Iraqi Kurds. Perceiving an opportune moment for a new direction in Kurdish resistance and societal development, Talabani, alongside a cadre of intellectuals and Kurdish activists, founded the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan.
Subsequently, Talabani endeavored to pursue a negotiated settlement to address the underlying issues that contributed to the Kurdish struggle's downfall, while also advocating for the broader cause of Kurdish rights in the region. Leveraging the weakened state of the Iraqi Army following the Gulf War in 1991, both Talabani and the leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, Masud Barzani, seized the opportunity to establish a semi-autonomous region within Iraqi Kurdistan.
A new chapter unfolded in Jalal Talabani's political journey following the Gulf War and the Kurdish uprising against the Iraqi government in the north. The establishment of a no-fly zone by the Western alliance provided a secure environment for the Kurds, fostering a burgeoning alliance between the Kurdistan Democratic Party, led by Masud Barzani, and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, led by Talabani.
With the onset of the Iraq invasion in March 2003, Talabani actively engaged in Iraq's political landscape, assuming key leadership roles. Notably, he became a prominent member of the Iraqi Governing Council, eventually rising to its head in 2004. During the inaugural parliamentary elections, Talabani secured the presidency of the republic, a position he held through a re-election in 2010, garnering majority support as a candidate of the Kurdistani bloc.
Throughout his presidency, Mam Jalal served as a catalyst for peace, coexistence, and collaboration among diverse parties. He functioned as a unifying force, embracing all components and nationalities under his leadership. His office acted as a hub for bringing together disparate factions, fostering peace, reconciliation, and concerted efforts towards common goals.
Mam Jalal was truly regarded as a 'safety valve' for Iraq, a designation bestowed upon him by Said Ali Sistani.. His presidency not only lent Iraq renewed significance within the region but also underscored its commitment to democracy, even amidst the challenges of tribal violence and terrorism.
4-Health struggles and passing: Later in his life, Talabani grappled with health issues. He was hospitalized at the Al-Hussein Medical City in Jordan on February 25, 2007, and subsequently underwent heart surgery in the United States in August 2008. In late 2012, he sought treatment in Germany for complications stemming from a heart attack, which resulted in him slipping into a coma. After spending a year and a half in Germany, he returned to Sulaimaniyah, Iraq. He eventually settled in Dabashan in July 2014, where he passed away in 2017.
He frequently echoed the sentiments of the Kurdish poet Haji Qadir Koiy, who wrote, "Death and Life are like shade and sun, and whatever remains is a cherished memory." This dedicated social reformer has departed, leaving behind a humble yet enduring legacy of reconciliation and a profound impact on politics.
Second - The Historical Context of Kirkuk City:
Kirkuk City has long served as a pivotal hub for oil production in Iraq and remains a crucial demographic focal point in the northern region, particularly within the disputed areas. This term encompasses regions characterized by diverse ethnicities, languages, and religions in Iraq following the fall of the regime.
1-Geography of Kirkuk: Geographically, Kirkuk stands as a defining boundary between mountainous terrain and plains. To its north lies Erbil, while Sulaimaniyah province is situated to its east. Westward, it borders the northern region of Salahaddin province (formerly part of Baghdad province until 1976), and to the south, it shares borders with Diyala province.
Kirkuk, an ancient city in Iraq, has a disputed origin for its name among historians. Some suggest it derives from "Kar Kar," meaning the torch of fire, possibly indicating early awareness of its oil resources. Others propose it may originate from "Karkh Slukh," an Aramaic expression.
2-Top of Form
The ethnic and political conflict in Kirkuk has been a persistent issue since the inception of the new Iraq. This ongoing strife among its diverse ethnic and sectarian groups has profoundly shaped the city's social and political landscape. Rooted in its historical plurality, Kirkuk has faced numerous crises over the decades, notably exemplified by the clashes between Kurds and Turkmen during the 1959 revolution. Furthermore, Kirkuk's significance has often hindered dialogue between the Iraqi government and Kurdish leaders, as seen in the failures of negotiation during the 1970s. Despite recognizing its diverse national composition, Kurds maintain that Kirkuk is an integral part of the Kurdistan Region, considering it a place of great importance and reverence.
3-After the collapse of the Baath regime in 2003, Kirkuk underwent significant political transformations. The region gained international and regional attention due to its abundant oil resources and the ethnic conflicts it experienced. Since 2005, Kirkuk has been designated as one of the disputed areas outlined in Article 140 of the Iraqi constitution.
For this reason, Kirkuk has not held provincial council elections for an extended period due to its unique status. Politics have certainly played a role in this situation. While the people of Kirkuk continue to coexist, sharing each other's grief, there remains a complex dynamic among the Turkmen, Kurds, and Arabs. Kurdish researchers and writers stress Kirkuk's Kurdish identity and often challenge the legitimacy of Turkmen presence, dating it back to the Ottoman Sultan Murad IV in the seventeenth century. Meanwhile, Arabs assert their historical precedence, considering themselves as original inhabitants of the region and viewing others as newcomers.
It is apparent that the political landscape in Kirkuk will continue to be shaped by ongoing challenges such as ethnic conflicts and political demands. Maintaining a delicate political balance in the city and the surrounding area will require persistent efforts to achieve peaceful and sustainable solutions.
Third-President Mam Jalal’s contributions in realizing the political balance for Kirkuk:
In the past and to this day, Jalal Talabani, a prominent political figure in Iraq, played a significant role in promoting stability in Kirkuk and the disputed areas during his tenure. It is noteworthy that while Talabani did not hold the position of president from an executive standpoint, his influence as a political figure and leader in Iraq was profound, owing to his charisma and wisdom. The most important attempts he made which shows his role in the stability of Kirkuk are as follows:
1-Intermediation and Communication: Talabani was renowned for his adept communication skills, bridging divides between various factions in Kirkuk, be they Arab, Kurd, or Turkmen. He initiated dialogues among these groups and endeavored to reconcile their perspectives through political and social meetings.
2-Promoting Peaceful Coexistence: Talabani advocated for the imperative of peaceful coexistence among Kirkuk's ethnic and religious communities. He championed the idea of community and citizenship irrespective of ethnic backgrounds. In doing so, he made significant contributions to promoting the concepts of partnership, cooperation, and peaceful resolutions.
3- Providing Political Consultation: Talabani offered political consultation to various political parties in Iraq on how to address the issues concerning Kirkuk and achieve balance within the region, leveraging his significant influence in shaping national policies pertaining to disputed areas.
4- Resolving Administrative Positions in Kirkuk: Mam Jalal advocated for resolving the crisis surrounding administrative positions in Kirkuk by proposing the concept of administrative balance for managing positions within the province. This proposal garnered support from all parties involved. The concept entailed allocating 33% of positions to each of the Arab, Kurd, and Turkmen components, with the remaining 1% designated for the Christian component. This proposal effectively mitigated a major dispute concerning administrative positions and was subsequently endorsed by the governorate. As a result, a verdict was issued by the council of ministers to implement the proposed balance in Kirkuk.
5- Contributing to National Dialogue: Talabani actively participated in national dialogues and negotiations aimed at resolving conflicts and fostering stability across Iraq. He regarded unity and stability as paramount political priorities, emphasizing the need for cooperation among various regions, including Kurdistan and others, to achieve stability and promote development.
Conclusion
This paper highlights the significance of understanding the political context of Kirkuk in comprehending its historical evolution and the dynamics that have shaped it over time. Furthermore, research in this context necessitates greater effort and mutual understanding to contribute to enhancing stability and unity in the city and throughout Iraq.
In general, President Jalal Talabani played a pivotal role in promoting stability in Kirkuk through mediation, communication among conflicting parties, and promoting a spirit of national peaceful coexistence. His efforts significantly reduced tensions and contributed to the prospect of a brighter future for Kirkuk and all of Iraq.
He also emphasized the importance of achieving political and social balance in Kirkuk and the disputed areas as a crucial measure to safeguard stability. This entailed striving for a fair distribution of interests and rights among all parties involved. His consistent focus was on prioritizing Iraq's interests above all else, advocating for the avoidance of escalation and conflicts that could undermine national unity.