Dr. Amir Hassan Fayadh
Our article aims to address the following three questions:
What type of leader was Jalal Talabani?
What were his characteristics as a statesman?
What lasting impact did he have and what legacy did he leave behind?
Jalal Talabani was regarded as one of the leaders possessing exemplary qualities among top leaders, including outstanding social, political, and human characteristics. This perception stemmed from his adaptability, open-mindedness, and unconventional approach.
Talabani emerged as a statesman who emerged from the populace rather than from elite circles. He was nurtured within civil institutions and exercised legitimate institutional leadership through election and consensus.
As both a citizen and a politician, Talabani, while reaffirming his Kurdish identity, viewed Iraq through a broad lens, emphasizing coexistence with other national and religious groups within Iraq. He advocated for the harmonization of these diverse elements in the interest of Iraqi national identity, which he saw as a unifying factor for all Iraqis.
Iraq will perennially require a national figure akin to Mam Jalal until its institutions attain a level where they can effectively substitute for a symbolic leader. Mam Jalal espoused the vision that Iraq needed to evolve into a nation governed by robust institutions.
Embedded in the fabric of Iraqi national identity, Mam Jalal transcended the conventional boundaries of ethnicity, as a Kurd, and religion, as a Sunni Muslim, while upholding traditional values. He epitomized a seasoned, inspirational, and legitimate leader, echoing the typology of leadership delineated by the German sociologist Max Weber, distinguishing between traditional, charismatic, and legal authority.
Renowned for his adeptness in fostering friendships, mitigating conflicts, and fostering cooperation, Mam Jalal advocated for equitable governance in Kirkuk, ensuring representation for Arabs, Kurds, and Turkmen alike.
Within the realm of political symbolism and its implications for leadership, Mam Jalal navigated international, regional, and Iraqi dynamics, embodying various symbols including Kurdish nationalism, leftist ideals, socialism, and democracy.
Having had the opportunity to meet him on five occasions, I found him to exude a sense of comfort, assurance, and optimism in every encounter. However, there was a particular instance where his response left me unconvinced. When urged by the council of representatives to expedite the drafting of political party legislation, Mam Jalal's reply, "let it be as it is now, since all individuals and groups, organized or not, are free to form or delay the formation of political parties," seemed lacking in persuasiveness at the time.
Yet, in light of the present generation's inclination towards rejecting traditional party politics and the waning allure of political parties, Mam Jalal's stance then and thereafter has proven to be grounded in reality.
In our view, political life cannot progress without embracing the principle of political pluralism, encompassing both a diversity of political parties and freedom of expression.
In the end, Mam Jalal stands among the ranks of statesmen who accomplished what seemed difficult: leaving their legacy without resorting to violence, evasion, or facing consequences. He was a noble figure whose lasting impact merits remembrance, and his memory remains etched in our hearts.