-
Federalism: A Salvation or a Division? A Study of the Experiences of Iraq and Syria
Introduction
When the central state collapses and the voices of marginalized identities rise, the big question arises: Can federalism be a lifeline or a recipe for explosion? In Iraq, the Kurdistan Region was born from the ashes of wars and sanctions, while in Syria, a system of self-administration has formed amid the dust of battles. Both projects raise the banner of federalism, but the paths are divergent, and the outcomes are uncertain. This article delves into the depths of these intertwined experiences, analyzing the challenges, examining the potentials, and attempting to answer: Can the Kurds in Syria draw inspiration from the model of Iraqi Kurdistan? And is federalism still a viable project in the Middle East, or is it a postponed dream?
First: Federalism as a Political Theory
Federalism is defined as a constitutional political system based on the distribution of power between a central government and regional units, so that sovereignty is exercised in a dual and integrated manner. Federations often emerge as a result of a political agreement between previously independent entities or as a reaction to central tyranny.
Among its most notable advantages are:
- Enhancing political participation.
- Protecting minorities.
- Encouraging local development.
- Reducing secessionist tensions.
However, these advantages can only be realized with a democratic political culture, strong institutions, and fair distribution of wealth.
Second: Successful and Failed Federations Around the World
Federations can be classified into two main types:
- Successful Federations:
- The United States: where the federal system has been cohesive for over two centuries.
- Germany: developed a "cooperative federation" after World War II.
- Switzerland: a model to emulate for its linguistic and religious diversity within a strict federal system.
- Struggling or Failed Federations:
- Yugoslavia: where federalism led to separation due to the absence of a unifying national identity.
- Ethiopia: experienced a partial breakdown of relations between the center and the regions and the outbreak of internal conflicts.
Third: The Iraqi Experience – An Immature Federation?
The Iraqi constitution of 2005 established the federal system as the legal framework for rebuilding the state after the fall of the central government. Although the constitutional text is clear in guaranteeing the rights of regions, practical application has been largely limited to the Kurdistan Region.
The Kurdistan Region as a Model
The region has an independent government, parliament, security forces (Peshmerga), and significant authority over its natural resources. However, it has faced recurring crises with Baghdad, the most notable being:
- Disputes over oil revenues.
- The status of disputed territories.
- Freezing the region's financial budget.
Internally, the region suffers from:
- Political disputes over power.
- Regional external interventions.
It is a case of "semi-federalism," successful at the administrative level but struggling regarding internal democracy and institutional building.
Fourth: Kurdish Federalism in Syria – A Project in Formation?
The "Self-Administration of North and East Syria" was declared in 2014, evolving into a "Democratic Federation" in 2016, led by the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Democratic Council of Syria.
Despite limited international recognition, the self-administration has achieved some important steps:
- Establishing local civilian institutions.
- Providing relatively stable services.
- Involving diverse components (Arabs, Kurds, Assyrians) in local governance.
However, the challenges are significant, including:
- The Syrian government's and opposition's rejection of federalism, considering it a "separatist project."
- Geographical, political, and economic blockades from Turkey and some regional powers.
- Accusations of dependency on the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which diminishes its international legitimacy.
Therefore, this federation remains in a gray area: it is neither a recognized state nor an active part of the existing Syrian state.
Fifth: Can Syrians, especially Kurds, Benefit from the Iraqi Experience?
What can be learned:
1. Constitutional Recognition of Pluralism
The Iraqi constitution recognizes national and religious diversity, and Syria could adopt a similar model if a new consensus constitution is produced.
2. Establishing Effective Local Institutions
Similar to the Kurdistan Parliament and its government, the self-administration can develop its institutions within a Syrian national framework.
3. Language and Cultural Identity
Allowing space for local languages and cultures within the educational and media systems enhances coexistence rather than conflict.
What to be cautious about:
1. Ongoing Conflict with the Center
The Iraqi experience has
By: Mahin Sheikhani
