WINEP fellows, who had recently returned from a trip to Kurdistan, delivered to a crowded room of DC foreign policy watchers a very candid assessment of what they saw, both good and bad, in the Kurdistan Region.

One of the fellows, Michael Eisenstadt hadn’t been to Kurdistan since he participated in Operation Provide Comfort in 1991. He was first to speak, and was struck by both the strong sense of Kurdish identity that existed in Kurdistan, as well as the Region’s improved relations with Turkey.  On the latter, he said “attitudes of Iraqi Kurds towards Turkey have changed from hostile in ‘91 to grateful, today”. Referring to the general popularity of the United States in Kurdistan, Eisenstadt stated that it was nice to be somewhere “where US stock is high”.

Next up was David Pollock, whose last visit to Kurdistan was in 2008. Pollock focused his part of the talk on governance issues facing the KRG and the evolving nature of politics in Kurdistan.

Pollock explained how “people in Iraqi Kurdistan generally say that the economic situation is pretty good and expected to improve further” (he cited polling data indicating people’s perception of the economy’s overall direction as positive).  But he also noted that while there continues to be a lot of development, even improvement in the delivery of services, the economy still suffered from structural shortcomings, including high unemployment, especially amongst the youth, as well as the KRG’s over bloated civil servant workforce.

Pollock also gave disturbing examples of a diminishing work ethic among Kurds in Kurdistan, which according to him has led to an influx of foreign workers being employed across the Region, notwithstanding high unemployment among the youth.

On Kurdistan’s politics, Pollock made mention of the emergence of opposition politics in Kurdistan, noting that Gorran, a party that broke from the PUK, recently made inroads by winning 25 out of 100 seats in 2009’s Regional elections. Pollock added that while there was a “Kurdish ‘Spring’ of sorts” in Sulaimani (referring to demonstrations that were held in Sulaimani), it fell way short of a “revolution” and according to Pollock the reason for this was that many people in Kurdistan think that things are just not “so bad.” He added that “While there may be grumblings about corruption and unemployment, they are not big enough for people to ask to change the whole system.”

The final speaker, Michael Knights (who was the only person in the room other than me that has any idea of where The Waddon pub is in Croydon, England)  focused more on security and stability and had some poignant words of advice to our American friends. Knights bluntly echoed a statement by US army Lt. Col. Dennis Chapman’s that it’s time for the “US to end its benign neglect of the Peshmerga”.

While stressing the necessity of fully placing the Peshmerga under regional government and not political party control, Knights said that a professional security force (in Kurdistan) was a “good thing.”  Knights highlighted weak intelligence sharing between Regional and federal intelligence agencies and warned of increased “administrative segregation” between the KRG and the federal government in Iraq. He went on to say that while the US has been working with federal, provincial and at times municipal and district level security services across Iraq, it was time for the US to stop being so reluctant “to (openly) work with KRG security forces.”

In closing, Pollock paid tribute to “[the Kurds’] sense of pragmatism” while Knights, justifying a “profound reason for continued US engagement” went one step further by saying that if the “KRG and Baghdad work out their differences, the country (Iraq) will be fully integrated with a real potential for US strategic success, including a fundamental transformation of Iraq to a state that is not only democratic”, but a “true model for the region: a multiethnic, cross-sectarian, bilingual, federal democracy at the heart of the Middle East.”

The general impression left by the speakers was not that Kurdistan is the best thing since sliced bread, nor that it is the “disaster” that some pro-opposition commentators and Kurdish media outlets have proclaimed.  Rather it’s a part of Iraq that remains stable, progressing and ripe for investment; and while it needs to open up more, improve its level of governance, and place its security services under the governments control, it’s a place that “so long as it’s able to carve out a political and cultural identity”, is not only willing to stay part of Iraq, but can help shape its future.

No fuss. To the point. Refreshing.

For more on the event, including audio, go to:

http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/templateC05.php?CID=3369

No one is doubting the need to improve governance and the delivery of services in Kurdistan. But it is unfortunate, that rather than use the political process, Gorran’s leadership and a few of their supporters from outside of Sulaimani want to take advantage of peoples genuine complaints, and use this opportunity to sow trouble and attempt to destabilize the city of Sulaimani. Gorran have urged their supporters to join the demonstrations and instigate violence. They have also issued a statement calling on the government and parliament (of which they have 25 seats) of Kurdistan to stand down.

I am currently in Sulaimani, and have been speaking to many of Sulaimani’s real residents; people who are non political, and are trying to go about their daily lives. Many do say that they hope Kurdistan improves, democratizes and significantly improves its governance and delivery of services. But they all agree that violence is not the way forward.

People are genuinely concerned that because Gorran has failed to utilize its position in Kurdistan’s politics, and is losing credibility with its supporters, that their only hope now is to try to foment instability and try to benefit from it. It is a shame that they are making a mockery of the many people who voted for them in the elections, and have failed to use their important standing as opposition to bring about change in a lawful way.

I genuinely hope that the demonstrations do go ahead on Monday, I am confident that people who are genuinely frustrated will exercise their given right to express their disappointment. But I am also confident, that these well intentioned people love their city, and their homeland, and will respect the law and demonstrate peacefully.

I am however growing increasingly less confident about Gorran’s intention to be genuine participants in Kurdistan’s political process.

Kurdistan for its faults has a political process that is maturing. It has a growing civil society, and a free and very opinionated press. We have a plural government, and parliament (not like Egypt’s ruling party’s 97% in parliament) with a viable elected opposition. While we are not yet Switzerland, we are certainly not Egypt or Tunisia – and most sensible Kurds understand that.

I also left feeling a little better about the resolve of Americans to remain committed to their friends and allies around the world, and that includes Kurdistan. Speaking at the World Affairs Council’s of Riverside (just outside LA), and San Francisco, I felt a reassuring sense of support from Californians to the cause of democracy outside of Americans borders, and why it’s important for the United States to remain invested in Kurdistan’s emerging democracy.

I say emerging, because it is just that, as we all admit we still have a ways to go. It is precisely because our democracy is in its infancy that continued U.S. support for and commitment to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq remains critical. This support need not come in the form of continued deployment of the United States armed forces. Rather it can come through increased diplomatic relations, and as importantly, economic relations.

I am confidant that 99.99% of Kurds, in Iraq, and elsewhere want a long term strategic relationship with the United States. But it is becoming clearer to us that solidifying this relationship means broadening our outreach beyond the nation’s capital, Washington D.C. – hence the importance of California.

Not only could we greatly benefit from California’s experience in prioritizing its agricultural sector, but like California, we can energize the entrepreneurial spirit of Kurdistan through further developing our IT sector. While I enjoyed giving my remarks at the WAC’s, the highlight of my trip came when I visited the headquarters of IT giants Google, and the social media sensation Twitter. In locations I felt innovation, creativity and drive like never before.

To see how Google, through its many departments is impacting the lives of hundreds of millions of people, in the U.S. and abroad by encouraging and at times improving peoples access to the Internet, and how Twitter, with so few, but so enormously talented and driven staff is changing the way the world communicates and shares information gives me hope that we in Kurdistan can jump on this technology boom bandwagon. With Kurdistan’s young society, and our people’s interest in new technology, we are in a prime position to utilize such technologies, channel the entrepreneurial spirit of our young workforce and further develop our fledgling IT sector.

I was beaming with pride to hear Google Executives who visited Kurdistan a few weeks ago talk of the potential they saw there. I felt that I didn’t need to do much convincing to the Twitter folks to entice them to visit Kurdistan, to see the potential first hand, and partner with us as we channel this potential. I am confident that with our developing IT private sector, along with our government’s dynamic director of the Department of IT – Botan Osman, any company visiting and working in Kurdistan will be in good hands.

Once revenues start streaming in from Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region’s oil and gas sector, we would be wise to reinvest those resources into strengthening our IT, and Agricultural sectors. These two sectors, if strengthened will ensure we don’t become another lazy oil dependent economic; rather it would position us at the forefront of innovation and human resource development. Nothing would be a greater reward for our citizens than to transform the once decimated Balisan Valley*, into our very own Silicon Valley.

* The Balisan Valley in Iraqi Kurdistan, close to the resort town of Shaqlawa just north east of the capital Erbil, was severely decimated by Saddam Hussein’s regime during the notorious Anfal Genocide of the Kurds in 1987-88. During that campaign, chemical and biological weapons where used extensively against civilian targets, throughout Kurdistan, but specifically in Balisan Valley. The Anfal, meaning ‘the spoils’, has been thoroughly documented by renowned international human rights organization Human Rights Watch.

During my two-day visit to Orlando, I had the opportunity to address students and faculty at UCF, thanks to its Office of Global Perspective—which today administers one of the United States’ first Kurdish Political Studies Initiative. UCF’s Kurdish Studies Initiative was inaugurated two years ago, and Pulitzer-prize winning former reporter John Bersia, who is now the Special Assistant to the University President for Global Perspectives, and his capable team including Mark Freeman and Gabriela Othon, did a wonderful job organizing the event.

Coinciding with a time when U.S. combat forces have now fully withdrawn from Iraq, the event provided an opportunity for some poignant reflection on the state of the country today, and what is around the corner. Continuing stability, obviously, is the foremost concern.
From the perspective of the Kurdistan Region, we desire to ensure that all of our progress is not compromised by neglect or hidden agendas. We have done a lot with the opportunities given to us, and we have much to lose. Indeed, since Iraq’s liberation, the investment licenses granted by the Investment Board of the KRG for projects in housing, banking, industry, tourism, education, agriculture, communications, and health service have amounted to nearly $13 billion.  Iraqi Kurdistan is an island of stability in an otherwise turbulent part of the world.

This is exactly why we were thrilled when U.S. officials recently announced a plan to open a diplomatic consulate in Erbil and Basra, as well as maintain temporary facilities in Mosul and Kirkuk. We see this decision as one in a series of steps by the United States to honor the pledges of President Obama and others for deeper and broader relations with Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region.

Our support does not end with President Obama, however. During my trip to Florida I had the chance to meet with Rep. Alan Grayson (D-FL 8^th), and I also addressed political and business leaders at a forum hosted by Orlando’s Foreign Relations Council.  Following on from other recent visits to Denver Colorado, and Columbia South Carolina, it is clear from my visit to Orlando, that it is very important to get beyond Washington, DC to inform Americans all over the country about the significant progress being made in Kurdistan. We have much support, but it is essential to highlight the important role the leaders of the Kurdistan Region are playing to build a viable, federal democracy in all of Iraq.

During the years of combat and conflict, the Kurdistan Region of Iraq has been an island of stability, prosperity and coexistence amongst Muslims, Christians and other religions. It has remained stable and secure. No American has been injured or killed as a result of hostile action in the Kurdistan Region. Economically and politically, Kurdistan is evolving into a model for the future of Iraq and a positive example for the entire Middle East.

As the U.S. begins drawing down its forces in Iraq, we look forward to increased diplomatic and economic relations between the U.S., Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Moreover, the KRG welcomes the U.S. Department of State’s decision to establish a diplomatic consulate in Erbil to solidify our mutual strategic, business and cultural interests.

This day is an important one to remember and celebrate, as we owe great thanks to those Americans who defend freedom, democracy and a peaceful future for Iraq and elsewhere, while paying homage to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice securing our freedom.

Happy Independence Day

On behalf of the people of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, I wish our American friends the best on this day of national celebration.  Today, 234 years ago, a group of Americans sought to control their own destiny and to provide a better future for their families and fellow countrymen. Over the centuries, this new state—the United States of America—has as a result become a symbol of hope, freedom and prosperity the world over. It remains so today.   

The Kurdistan Regional Government is proud of its friendship and partnership with the United States of America. We are today seeking to cement our own destiny within a constitutional framework in a federal and democratic Iraq; and through our elected government, aspiring to a brighter future for our citizens.  This opportunity is today possible because of the United States’ liberation of Iraq from Saddam Hussein’s dictatorship.

So again, to all Americans—especially American troops, veterans and their families—I wish you the best Fourth of July.

Qubad J. Talabani

Representative to the U.S.

Kurdistan Regional Government

The June 15-16 conference was hosted by the Kurdistan Regional Government U.K. Representation, with strong support from the UK government, and was designed to provide insight into foreign investment opportunities in the Kurdistan Region. The conference was well attended by a wide range of companies such as HSBC, Pepsico, Caterpillar, Lufthansa, Shell, PriceWaterhouseCoopers and Motorola, as well as embassies like Germany, Spain, Turkey, the United States and the Czech Republic.

Currently, the majority of investment in the Kurdistan Region comes from Turkey and Lebanon, but conferences like these allow for other foreign companies and governments to learn about the potential of the Region. The U.A.E. has since announced its plans to double investment in the Kurdistan Region to $6 billion by 2013, citing the Kurdistan Region as an important partner.

With over 1,200 foreign companies already present in the area, the Kurdistan Region’s economy is predicted to outpace Iraq’s expected overall growth rate of 7.3 percent this year.

The Region’s investment sectors continue to evolve, now reaching into the telecom, IT, infrastructure and agriculture sectors. Additionally, the financial industry is also taking off, with HSBC considering opening branches in the Region and a new stock exchange set to launch later this year.

The Kurdistan Region’s growth potential remains extensive, and as we hold more trade and investment conferences, we look forward to developing relationships with new international business partners. The London conference was an enormous success, largely thanks to the KRG U.K. team who worked tirelessly to organize the conference.

During the conference, foreign companies, governments, economists and industry analysts will have the chance to meet with KRG leadership, chambers of commerce, and major firms from the Region.

Prime Minister Salih, along with the KRG Ministers for Natural Resources, Trade and Industry, Higher Education and Scientific Research, the Interior and Agriculture and Water Resources, will speak at the event chaired by my counterpart in London, KRG Representative to the U.K., Ms. Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman. The KRG Head of the Investment Board and Head of Foreign Relations and will also attend, as will the Chairman of Iraq’s National Investment Commission and other officials from the Federal Government.

Conferences like these allow foreign companies to discover the Region’s rich potential and learn about unique investment opportunities.  Already, the Kurdistan Region is booming with involvement from numerous international brands, such as Coca Cola, Pepsi, Mercedes Benz, Ford and Land Rover. Foreign investment has been a key driver to the Kurdistan Region’s economy, and we are committed to increasing the number of foreign firms successfully doing business in the area.

While I am proud to be the son of Jalal Talabani, and the Grandson of Ibrahim Ahmed, the PUK has never been, nor will it ever be a family run party.  Although I feel that over the past ten years I have developed my career, and have worked tirelessly to serve Kurdistan, and strengthen Kurdistan’s relations with the United States, my decision to withdraw my candidacy serves the best interests of the PUK at this crucial time.  As I stated in a recent interview with Awena, every member of the PUK must put their party’s interest before their personal interest.

My decision to withdraw my candidacy, will in-no-way slow me as I continue serving the people of Kurdistan. Nor will it dampen my efforts to continue reforming the PUK.

I want to thank all the PUK members who have expressed their support to me during the party Congress, and wish all the delegates that are running for leadership posts the best of luck in the upcoming leadership elections.

–End–

What makes this Congress all the more special, is that it’s the first for nine years, and comes off the back of major defections within the party.  Over two years ago, several members of the party’s leadership broke ranks and formed a new political movement in Kurdistan called Change.  The Change Movement did surprisingly well in challenging the PUK’s dominance in Sulaimani during the Regions parliamentary elections in July 2009, and gave a good showing in the national elections this March.  So as close to two thousand PUK delegates, including myself, gather in Sulaimani to change the party’s platform, by-laws, structure and leadership you’d think that all the residents of Sulaimani (the party’s main support base) and delegates  would be gripped with Congress fever.    Well not quite.

In between debates about the future of one of Kurdistan’s main political parties, is real concern for the safety and perseverance of Jan Geum. Yes friends, Jan Geum fever is also gripping Kurdistan.

A South Korean TV show named “Jewel in the Palace” has the residents of Kurdistan hooked to KurdSat (a Kurdish satellite TV channel) and is very much ‘the talk of the town’. The soap opera portrays the story of Suh, Jang-geum, who struggles in life as the child of fugitives, to being a Court Lady of the Royal Kitchen, to becoming the first Female Royal Physician of Korea’s Joseon Dynasty.  Sub-plots and twists has PUK party members, in between bouts of campaigning and electioneering, fervently discussing the previous nights episodes and wondering if Jang Geum will ever get to record the truth about the attempted failed poisoning and subsequent murder of Queen Jeheon. (Jang Geum’s father, a former Royal Guard of the King, executed the Queen after an apprentice cook of the royal kitchen had attempted to poison her)

This pleasant, if at times confusing break from party politics is a refreshing sign that while politics is very much a part of many Kurds’ lives, that there is actually life beyond politics.  The continued normalization of our society, amidst Iraq’s, and at times the Kurdistan Regions political machinations is a healthy development for Kurdistan.  So is the fact that so many members of the PUK are passionately debating the party’s future and the need for continued political, economic and social reform at the Congress.

While Jan Geum will likely overcome the schemers and plotters inside the Korean dynasty’s Royal Court; I am certain that the PUK will overcome the set-back caused by its defectors, and its own plotters and schemers from within the party, and rise from this Congress stronger, more progressive and more in-touch with its base and supporters than ever before.  Something tells me that it’s no coincidence that this gripping show, is on, during these gripping times.

PUK Delegates vote during 3rd Party Congress in Sulaimani

Poster of Korean TV Show that has everyone in Kurdistan glued to the TV

I have frequently mentioned Kurdistan’s economic progression and development; but just seeing so many non-Kurds on board this flight to Erbil made me realize how far we have come, in such a short period of time.  I remember a time, not too long ago that a visit by a ‘foreigner’, be they a reporter, an NGO worker or a foreign government official, would create such a buzz that almost all leading officials and local journalists would know about their visits and would try to meet with them.  Nowadays, thousands of travelers, from all over the world visit Kurdistan and go about their business on a monthly basis, with no fuss from anyone.

I also remember a time, again not too long ago, when travelling to Kurdistan seemed daunting. If we tried to go through Turkey, we would have to endure the hours of waiting at the Xabur-Zaxo crossing, only to be infuriated by mundane and at times insulting questions from Turkish border guards.

If we tried to go through Syria, after arriving in Damascus, we would have to board this ancient plane from the rear, look in horror at the patchwork of duct tape and string holding the plane door together and experience the petrifying flight from Damascus to Qamishli  (I would not wish that experience on my mortal enemy).  Then we would take the pleasant, yet unsteady ‘boat ride’ across the river and across into Iraqi Kurdistan–again after being held up and questioned by Syrian security agents on the border.

And last, and definitely not least, the ‘interesting’ experience one faces traveling to Kurdistan via Iran.  If you survive the questioning from Iranian “airport security officials” upon arrival in Tehran, and the subsequent flight from Tehran to Kermansha,  you may not be so lucky surviving the treacherous drive from Kermansha to the Parwez Khan border crossing (A Taxi playing ‘Chicken’ with an 18 wheel truck grows old very fast).  Then comes more infuriating –and again –insulting questions from security officials at the border (does anyone see a pattern here?) until you finally cross into Iraqi Kurdistan.

Thankfully, we are now able to check in at airports all around the world, hand over our luggage and fly over those borders and touchdown in our beloved homeland.  Unless you have experienced one (or more) of the experiences I outlined above, you cannot appreciate how pleasant travelling to Kurdistan – by plane -has become.

As our Airports continue to develop, more flights will connect the Kurdistan Region to the rest of the world. As more airlines enter our emerging market, competition will drive down prices opening up Kurdistan to even more passengers, including tourists who wish to see Kurdistan’s natural beauty and experience our hospitable culture.

This progress would not have been possible were it not for the KRG’s progressive development policies, the diligence of the Region s security services in keeping Kurdistan safe and of course, our brave peoples warm and embracing welcome.

As we prepare to celebrate the opening of the new terminal at Erbil International Airport, we also celebrate the world getting that one step smaller.

Currently, I am in the Kurdistan Region. Yesterday U.S. House Representatives Lincoln Davis and Brian Baird also visited Kurdistan. During their visit they expressed recognition and appreciation for the friendship of the people of the Kurdistan Region toward Americans and the U.S. government. Our appreciation is especially true this Memorial Day.

In fact, when President Barzani met with the Congressmen, he reminded them that not a single U.S. soldier has been killed or even wounded in the Kurdistan Region since the war in Iraq began in 2003. This is a sign of the friendship and appreciation that exists between our people and the United States.

So this day is an important one to remember and celebrate, as we owe great thanks to those Americans who have fallen and continue to fight for freedom, democracy and a peaceful future.

The visit was a follow-up to Prime Minister Barham Saleh’s February trip to the UAE in which the importance of strengthening bilateral ties and UAE assistance to Kurdish businessmen were discussed.  For its part, the UAE has been receptive to trade discussions and supports investment and economic collaboration with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, specifically.

The UAE intends to double investment in the Kurdistan Region to $6 billion in the next three years, particularly in the power sector. Dana Gas currently operates in the Kurdistan Region and aims to increase production to 200 million standard cubic feet per day by the end of this year. Abu Dhabi’s national energy company Taga is also considering investment.

Already, the UAE has seized opportunities in the Kurdistan Region’s up-and-coming travel industry. Etihad Airlines will begin flights next month into Erbil International Airport’s new terminal, where Abu Dhabi-based Dnata has signed on as ground handler. Flydubai and Air Arabia have also shown interest in expanding their services to the Region.

Additionally, in September Abu Dhabi-based Rotana Hotels will open a five-star hotel in Erbil, and next year Millennium and Copthorne Middle East Holdings will open two hotels in Sulaimaniyah, with plans for more in Erbil. Even retail giant Emke Group, also based in Abu Dhabi, is considering opening shops in the area.

Our region sees value in promoting trade with foreign countries and has taken steps to facilitate opportunities with incentives and legal guarantees to protect investment. A continued partnership between the UAE and the Kurdistan Region will play an important role in contributing to the diversifying market of the Kurdistan Region while also benefiting the UAE economy.

The resolution affirms continued U.S. commitment to the stability, prosperity and democracy of the Region, even after U.S. troops redeploy under the Status of Forces Agreement—an agreement that originally raised concern over future U.S. support.

While seventeen countries are represented in Erbil, currently consular and citizen services are only provided by the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, more than 200 miles away from the safe and secure Kurdistan Region. U.S. citizens and visitors to the Region must travel this distance to receive such services. Establishing a consulate in Erbil, the Kurdistan Region’s capital, will increase travel to the Region and encourage more business investment and government and NGO missions to the area.

The House Resolution accomplishes several goals including: assisting to safeguard Iraqi territory from external aggression and supporting diplomatic initiatives to prevent outside interference in Iraq’s affairs; fostering continued dialogue between the United States and the KRG; and contributing to continued diplomatic initiatives between the KRG and Turkey.

I would like to thank the co-authors of the resolution and members of the Kurdish-American Congressional Caucus who supported this resolution. I also want to thank members of the Kurdistani-American community who worked tirelessly to exercise their rights as American citizens to meet with and encourage members of Congress to support the resolution. Through their efforts to meet with their respective members, we as Kurds have achieved this monumental goal.

If I had a take-away message for the audience, it basically was that the U.S. needs to get more involved—as noted in a summary of the event:

“Mr. Talabani urged the Washington foreign policy community to stay engaged in Iraqi issues, despite the new focus on the Af-Pak region and the imminent U.S. troop drawdown. He called on the U.S. administration to exert pressure on Iraq to achieve formation of a new government. Any further delay could destabilize the region. There is a long process ahead, and it is unlikely that a perfect Iraq will emerge. But if Iraq can become a relatively democratic, relatively stable, relatively pro-Western country, it could both play a stabilizing role in the region and act as an important and reliable exporter of hydro-carbons.”

This understanding was reiterated in a LA Times article written on the discussion:

“It would be a shame to see an undemocratic government, after all the sacrifices,” Talabani said in an interview after an appearance at the Nixon Center think tank in Washington…. “There has got be serious thought given to how the United States applies its leverage,” he said. “They’ve got to help us get our act together.”

This is something I firmly believe in. In fairness to the U.S., they are trying to avoid looking like they’re meddling in Iraq’s affairs or trying to concoct democracy in the country.  But at the same time, the U.S. did not sacrifice thousands of lives and trillions of dollars for an un-democratic Iraq.

Much like the current conversation in the U.S., the conference focused on improving the effectiveness and transparency of government, opening up information, and making data readily accessible for potential investors.

Although the KRG established the Information Training Technology Center in Erbil in September 2009, ministries still send regular mail to communicate with each other and some have yet to develop IT departments. Now it is a priority to establish a sound, secure network to connect ministries and to enable the ease of sharing information with citizens.

But the KRG cannot fulfill such a goal alone. We’ve brought in experts from the UK, Scotland, Bahrain, Geneva and Ireland to make sure our goals are realistic and transparent.

Currently the KRG IT department is drafting its vision and mission for information technology in the Kurdistan Region, with the ultimate goal of supporting economic development, modernizing administration and service delivery through electronic government, and enhancing the KRG’s technology capacity. It’s just one more step we’re taking to ensure our Region is well suited for long-term economic development and continued modernization.

The Kurdistan Regional Government strongly condemns the kidnapping and murder of Sardasht Osman, who was kidnapped on May 4 by a number of unknown persons in Erbil, and his body was found two days later in Mosul.

The Kurdistan Regional Government considers the murder of Sardasht Osman a major crime, whose aim is to attack stability in the Region as well as jeopardizing people’s lives and freedom. Therefore, the relevant security agencies will continue their vigorous investigation until the criminals are found and are justly tried in court.

The Kurdistan Regional Government is responsible for the safety and security of citizens and takes all legal measures to prevent crime and punish criminals.

While the Kurdistan Regional Government conveys its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sardash Osman, it reiterates that it will spare no effort in finding those who committed this heinous crime.

Just recently, the Region has attracted international power providers (IPP) to build two plants to generate electricity. Even though the lights may still go out every few hours, the electricity switches back on immediately. The people in the Kurdistan Region experience a lot less disruptions then 30 years ago, during Saddam Hussein’s era, when power would be down several hours a day. And, when a third plant is completed by the end of this year, we hope to provide 24 hour power supply to our Region. Now the Iraqi Ministry of Electricity is following the Kurdistan Region’s example and seeking contracts with IPPs.

We have come a long way, and still have much to do, but we are proud of how we as a Region are setting a positive example. All this is possible because the Kurdistan Region is fulfilling its goals of self-improvement and good governance. We must continue to work hard to attract foreign investment, while improving our governance and accountability. There remain so much investment and business development opportunity in the Kurdistan Region and I am thankful that this is finally being recognized.

This continually developing relationship bodes well for the people of the Kurdistan Region, as well as for the U.S., which has increasingly aligned allies in the Middle East.

By investing early and more than any other country, Turkey has a reaped the benefits, earning approximately 80 percent of goods sold in the area. Turkey also accounts for 55 percent of the foreign companies registered in the Kurdistan Region. Turkish Consul General Mehmet Aydin Selcen estimates the country’s investment at over $9 billion.

The KRG is now looking to expand trade relationships beyond the Middle East, focusing on opportunities in the U.S. and European countries. The Import and Export Association is sending a delegation to France to develop deals with French companies to bring their products to Region. We, of course, also highly encourage the U.S. to promote increased trade and investment.

While we as a government MUST focus on developing locally produced or manufactured goods, we do welcome quality foreign ones. I am pleased to see our efforts to strengthen Kurdistan’s economic ties with foreign countries blossoming as these steps will forge lasting bonds of friendship and interdependency.

Etihad is among several airlines that have moved to the Kurdistan Region, impressed by our growth and progress. Bahrain’s Gulf Air, Royal Jordanian Airlines and Austria’s own Austrian Airlines already fly to the Kurdistan Region. Recent additions include Air Berlin, which commenced alternating flights between Erbil and Sulaymaniyah in February, and Lufthansa, which will begin flights this month.

While many carriers are taking advantage of Iraq’s emerging market, the United States still operates under Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) Number 77. The regulation dates back to 1996 during the regime of Saddam Hussein, and it prohibits flight operations within the territory and airspace of Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region by any U.S. air carrier or commercial operator.

Today, the policy is exceptionally antiquated as the country is a vastly different place and a peaceful partner of the United States. The U.S. should join the likes of Western and international carriers and lift SFAR 77. Until they do, they will be missing the opportunity to compete in our emerging market.