SULAIMANI, Kurdistan Region — Baghdad’s Rashid Hotel agreement on Kirkuk’s local governance is drawing sharp criticism as it reveals a notable decrease in Kurdish influence. Despite the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) securing the governor’s position, a detailed investigation by Zoom News shows a significant reduction in Kurdish representation.
Before October 16, 2017, when the Iraqi forces launched an offensive that resulted in the Kurdish Peshmerga forces retreating from disputed territories, Kurds held 60 out of 98 positions in Kirkuk.
However, since that date, they have lost 36 positions, including the governor’s role, which was held by Deputy Governor Rakan al-Jibouri until last month. In the seven years since al-Jibouri’s appointment, Kurdish representation has further diminished to just 24 positions.
The new agreement, while granting the governorship to the PUK, only allocates 16 out of 98 positions to Kurds. This represents a further loss of eight Kurdish posts, which have been reassigned to Arabs and Turkmen.
Once holding 60 out of 98 government positions in Kirkuk until 2017, the Kurds have seen a dramatic reduction in their influence, now controlling just 16 positions under Baghdad's Rashid Hotel agreement, where the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) secured the governorship. pic.twitter.com/tRLQeu0dEz
— Zoom News (@zoomnewskrd) August 15, 2024
The only positions subject to change under the agreement are the governor, his deputies, and the head of the council, with all other roles remaining unchanged until the next elections.
The reduction in Kurdish positions highlights a significant shift in Kirkuk’s political landscape.
Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Muhammed Ali Tamim noted that Arabs and Turkmen now hold more government positions in Kirkuk than at any time since 2003.
Mozahim Hueit, a leading Arab figure in Kirkuk, praised the agreement, claiming it marks a significant shift for Arabs, who he says are no longer just guests but have reclaimed their national identity in Kirkuk.
