Kurdish Unity: The Crucial Challenge in Facing Iran's Expansionist Agenda
January 5, 2024, 5:14 pm

Kurdish Unity: The Crucial Challenge in Facing Iran's Expansionist Agenda

Michael Arizanti

In a recent interview on Kurdistan24 TV, I highlighted the growing threats posed by Iran-backed terrorists and the Hashd Al Shabi militia in Iraq, Kurdistan, and the broader region.

While the interview format did not allow for a comprehensive elaboration of my views, I would like to point out additional key points:

1. The Iranian Regime's Unrelenting War against the Kurdish People

Since its inception in 1979, the Iranian regime has pursued a ruthless policy of suppression and marginalization against the Kurdish people. The regime has sought to deny the Kurds their fundamental rights to self-determination, language, and culture. It has also resorted to violence and repression to suppress Kurdish dissent. The regime's brutal suppression of the Kurdish people has had a devastating impact on the Kurdish community. Thousands of Kurds have been killed or imprisoned, and countless others have been forced to flee their homes. The regime's actions have also stifled the development of Kurdish culture and society.

2. The Hashd Al Shabi Militia and the Threat to Kurdish Security

The Hashd Al Shabi militia is a pro-Iran paramilitary force that has been instrumental in the Iranian regime's efforts to suppress Kurdish aspirations. The militia has been involved in numerous attacks against Kurdish civilians and Peshmerga forces. It has also played a key role in the suppression of Kurdish protests. The Hashd Al Shabi's presence in Iraq and Kurdistan poses a serious threat to Kurdish security and stability. The militia's allegiance to Iran means that it can be used as a tool to undermine Kurdish autonomy and aspirations.

3. The Urgent Need for Kurdish Unity

In the face of these threats, Kurdish unity is more important than ever. A united Kurdish front is essential to resist Iran's predatory agenda and protect Kurdish rights. Sadly, the Kurdish political landscape is often divided by factionalism and short-sighted ambitions. This division has weakened the Kurdish movement and made it easier for Iran to exploit Kurdish divisions.

4. The Role of the Kurdistan Regional Government

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) bears a profound responsibility to lead the Kurdish people towards unity and self-determination. The KRG's actions must reflect the collective aspirations of the Kurdish nation, not the narrow interests of a few. The KRG must also prioritize the security of the Kurdish people. This includes providing the Peshmerga with the necessary resources to defend Kurdistan from external threats.

5. The Kurdish Peshmerga and the Global Coalition against ISIS

The Kurdish Peshmerga forces have played a pivotal role in the global coalition's efforts against ISIS. Their courage and determination have been instrumental in the liberation of Iraqi territory and the defeat of ISIS. The Peshmerga's contributions deserve recognition and support from the international community. The international community must also provide the Peshmerga with the necessary resources to continue their fight against terrorism, even Iran-backed terrorism.

6. The Importance of Kurdish-International Cooperation

The Kurdish people need the international community's support to achieve their aspirations. The international community must recognize the Kurdish people's right to self-determination and support their efforts to build a prosperous Kurdistan.

7. Confronting the Hashd Al Shabi Head-on

A proactive approach is essential to counter the threats posed by Iran and the Hashd Al Shabi. Confronting the Hashd Al Shabi head-on, as they have already declared war on Kurdistan, will force the international community to choose between the Kurdish people and Iran, the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism.

8. The Path to a Sovereign and Prosperous Kurdistan

Kurds must rise above political divisions and embrace their shared destiny. With unity and unwavering resolve, they can overcome Iran's oppressive machinations and pave the way for a sovereign and prosperous Kurdistan! In conclusion, the Kurdish people face several serious challenges, but they also have the potential to achieve great things. With unity and unwavering resolve, they can overcome the obstacles in their path and build a brighter future for their nation, themselves, and their children.

The Kurdish people, a resilient and vibrant community, have long faced the challenges of political oppression and territorial fragmentation. However, in recent years, the threat posed by Iran's expansionist agenda has emerged as a paramount concern for the Kurdish nation. Iran's relentless pursuit of regional hegemony has directly targeted the Kurdish people, posing a grave threat to their security, aspirations, and right to self-determination.

The Kurdish quest for self-determination is deeply rooted in a history of struggle against foreign domination and oppression. From the early 20th-century uprisings against the Ottoman Empire to the ongoing fight for independence in various Kurdish-populated regions, the Kurdish people have demonstrated unwavering determination to chart their destiny.

In recent decades, Iran has emerged as a primary antagonist of the Kurdish struggle for self-determination. Since the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran in 1979, the Iranian regime has waged a relentless war against the Kurdish people, seeking to suppress their aspirations and maintain its control over Kurdish-populated regions.

This sectarian conflict has had a devastating impact on the Kurdish people. Iran's proxies, such as the Hashd Al Shabi militia, have engaged in brutal crackdowns on Kurdish protests, orchestrated assassinations of Kurdish political leaders, and sought to destabilize Kurdish-controlled areas.

The October 2017 failed invasion of Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, by Iraqi forces and the Hashd Al Shabi, led by Qassem Soleimani, serves as a stark reminder of the dangers emanating from Iran's expansionist agenda. This blatant act of aggression demonstrated Iran's willingness to use military force to undermine Kurdish autonomy and aspirations.

Despite the valiant efforts of Kurdish Peshmerga forces, who have consistently demonstrated their unwavering commitment to protecting their homeland, the lack of adequate air defense systems leaves Kurdistan vulnerable to Iranian aggression. This deficiency must be addressed urgently by the international community and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to ensure the security and stability of the region.

The Peshmerga's crucial role in the global coalition's efforts against ISIS underscores their unwavering commitment to fighting terrorism. Their contributions to liberating the region from ISIS's grip deserve recognition and support from the international community.

In these immense challenges, Kurdish political leaders must prioritize national unity and self-determination over divisive factionalism and short-sighted ambitions. Collaborating with Iran or its proxies is tantamount to betraying the Kurdish nation and undermining its aspirations for a peaceful and prosperous future.

The KRG, as the de facto government of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, bears a profound responsibility, not just for Southern Kurdistan but for the Kurdish people as a whole. Its actions must reflect the collective aspirations of the Kurdish nation, not the narrow interests of a few.

Surviving Iran's predatory agenda requires a united and resolute Kurdish front. Iran has repeatedly thwarted Kurdish efforts for economic development and political representation within Iraq. It is now time for Kurdistan to chart its destiny, unshackled from the shackles of Iranian interference.

A proactive approach is essential. Confronting the Hashd Al Shabi head-on, as they have already declared war on Kurdistan, will force the international community to choose between the Kurdish people and Iran, the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism.

In the words of Qazi Muhammad, a prominent Kurdish leader of the early 20th century, "The success of any people is caused by, unity and. support of their whole nation, any nation that does not. have unity will forever be under its enemies' rule."

"The Kurdish people have a rich history of resilience and determination. They have faced adversity and oppression throughout history, yet they have never lost sight of their aspirations for self-determination and a prosperous future.

In the face of Iran's expansionist agenda, Kurdish unity is more crucial than ever. By rising above political divisions and embracing their shared destiny, the Kurdish people can overcome Iran's oppressive machinations and pave the way for a sovereign, independent, and prosperous Kurdistan."

BY: Michael Arizanti

Press release In the absence of official representation, Lebanese feminists use digital tools to speak out

BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.