THE NEED OF PRESERVE THE NATIONAL WEALTH AND ADDRESS THE OIL SMUGGLING ISSUES IN IRAQ BY DINAR REVALUATION, 14 AUGUST

 Masoud Barzani Calls For National Wealth And Wants To Preserve It, But What Is The Story Of The “Committees Of Commitment”?

Politics |Baghdad Today – Baghdad  Today, Wednesday (August 14, 2024), the leader of the Coordination Framework, Saad Al-Saadi, revealed the results of the agreement between the framework and the leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, Masoud Barzani, regarding the oil smuggling file.

Al-Saadi told Baghdad Today, "Smuggling natural resources, including oil, in any country represents a drain on the economy, destruction of infrastructure, and loss of the rights of the people of all stripes. Therefore, the smuggling file must be stopped."

He added, "During the visit of the President of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, Masoud Barzani, to the capital, Baghdad, and his meeting with the leaders of the framework, the issue of natural resources was actually raised within a broad agreement to preserve them as a national wealth."

He continued: "It was agreed to form committees whose mission is to oblige all parties to abide by the decisions of the Federal Court on the oil and gas file, in addition to the rest of the other agreements with Baghdad," adding: "We hope at the same time that there will be seriousness and credibility on the part of our brothers in the region in implementing the terms of the agreement."

He pointed out that "the management of oil and other wealth by the central government and its institutions is within the context of the Iraqi constitution, and this will must be respected and adhered to because it will address many problems and provide greater protection for the national wealth."

The visit of the leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, Massoud Barzani, to Baghdad attracted attention because it came after six years of "estrangement" with the ruling political class in Iraq, which suggests that a remarkable development has occurred in the relationship between the Kurdistan Region and the central government.

Political circles believe that the aim of the visit is to crown the partial understandings that occurred recently and covered several files with a comprehensive settlement between the region and the centre.

Barzani's presence as a prominent Kurdish figure aims to lend legitimacy to the settlement and raise its value so that it appears to be an important event and not just a passing meeting, which is what the central government needs to confirm its ability to bring the region's leaders to its square, while the settlement reduces internal pressures on the region's officials, especially if he succeeds in ensuring smooth and continuous payment of salaries.  LINK

ANALYSIS

The recent developments involving Masoud Barzani and the Coordination Framework in Iraq reflect a significant shift in the political landscape concerning the management of natural resources, especially oil.

Background Context:

• Masoud Barzani's Visit: Masoud Barzani, a prominent Kurdish leader and head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), made a notable visit to Baghdad after a six-year hiatus. This visit is seen as a strategic move to address and resolve long-standing disputes between the Kurdistan Region and the central Iraqi government.

• Committees of Commitment: During his visit, Barzani and the Coordination Framework, a coalition of Iraqi political groups, agreed on the formation of specialized committees. These committees are tasked with enforcing compliance with decisions from the Federal Court regarding oil and gas management. Their broader mandate includes ensuring adherence to agreements made between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad, with a focus on preserving national wealth and addressing oil smuggling issues.

Key Points of the Agreement:

1. Objective of the Committees: The committees' primary role is to oversee and ensure that all parties adhere to the Federal Court's rulings on oil and gas management. This move aims to tackle the smuggling of natural resources, which is seen as detrimental to the country's economy and infrastructure.

2. National Wealth Protection: Both Barzani and the Coordination Framework emphasize the need to preserve Iraq's natural resources as national wealth. This is intended to safeguard these resources from misuse and ensure they benefit the entire country rather than being exploited for regional or individual gain.

3. Central Government Control: The agreement underscores the importance of managing oil and other resources through central government institutions in line with the Iraqi constitution. This is expected to resolve many ongoing issues and offer greater protection for Iraq's national wealth.

4. Political and Economic Implications: Barzani's visit and the subsequent agreement signify a potential thaw in relations between the Kurdistan Region and the central government. The settlement aims to address internal pressures within the Kurdistan Region by ensuring regular and transparent salary payments and other financial commitments.

Broader Impact:

• Political Settlement: The visit and agreement highlight a significant effort to mend relations and settle long-standing disputes. The presence of Barzani lends considerable weight to the settlement, aiming to solidify it as a crucial development rather than a transient event.

• Regional Stability: Successful implementation of the agreement could enhance stability in both the Kurdistan Region and the broader Iraqi state by addressing economic grievances and improving governance over national resources.

This development suggests a pivotal moment in Iraqi politics, with potential long-term implications for resource management, regional autonomy, and national unity.