Stability in Iraqi Kurdistan: An Institutional Challenge
The Evolution of Iraqi Kurdistan
During my visits to Iraqi Kurdistan as a journalist in 2002 and 2003, I witnessed the upheavals following the fall of Saddam Hussein. Returning more than twenty years later, I discovered a profoundly transformed territory. The cities of Duhok and Erbil, known as Hewlêr in Kurdish, have undergone a remarkable metamorphosis. New buildings, luxury hotels, shopping centers, and higher education institutions have emerged, creating an impression of economic dynamism.
Prosperity Accompanied by Challenges
This modernization is accompanied by the presence of European brands mingling with local products, thus creating a varied offering for consumers. However, this rapid growth raises challenges, particularly in transportation. While cars dominate the roads, public transport remains insufficient. Taxis are ubiquitous, and off-road vehicles have become symbols of wealth and power. This contrast is striking: while tourist cable cars are under construction in the surrounding mountains, the cities struggle to develop collective transport systems suited to their expansion.
The Importance of Institutions
Beyond these visible changes, a fundamental aspect of stability in this region lies in the strength of institutions. The Kurds have understood that external support, whether American, Turkish, or Iranian, does not guarantee long-term security. Their true shield lies in the ability to establish robust institutions that promote unity and cohesion within their society. These institutions must be capable of managing the political, economic, and social challenges they face.
The Lesson from Great Powers
Recent history has shown that great powers tend to intervene and then withdraw, leaving behind countries beset by instability. This reality has prompted the Kurds to question the sustainability of their own situation. By developing strong institutions, they equip themselves with a framework capable of resisting geopolitical fluctuations and maintaining their identity and autonomy.
Conclusion
The reality of Iraqi Kurdistan today illustrates how economic transformation and the establishment of strong institutions are interconnected. Challenges remain, but by strengthening their institutional structures, the Kurds can hope to build lasting prosperity and long-term stability.
The path towards greater autonomy and harmonious development lies in the consolidation of institutions, which are the key to their future.