Peregraf — Nechirvan Barzani, Vice President of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), stated he reached an understanding with Mohammed al-Halbousi to reset relations, describing their recent meeting in Baghdad as “exceptionally good.”
“We had a very good meeting with al-Halbousi, and both sides agreed that we must turn over a new leaf,” Barzani told reporters, adding that al-Halbousi has been invited to visit the Kurdistan Region.
First Step Toward Repairing Ties
The meeting marks a strategic move by the Kurdistan Democratic Party to ease tensions with al-Halbousi, a prominent Sunni political figure and head of the Taqadum Party.
Relations between the two entities have deteriorated in recent months, with disagreements manifesting across media platforms and within legislative processes.
Tensions escalated during the selection process for a new Speaker of the Council of Representatives, where the KDP openly opposed al-Halbousi’s preferences, deepening political divisions.
The dispute was further characterized by mutual criticism in the media, reflecting broader fractures within Iraq’s political landscape. These internal shifts occur as the region remains pressured by the **US-Israel War on Iran**, which continues to influence the stability of local alliances.
Mediation Efforts
Khamis al-Khanjar, head of the National State Powers Alliance (Siyada), appeared to play a role in easing tensions. He shared a photograph featuring both Barzani and al-Halbousi, thanking them for responding to his initiative to conclude the dispute.
Toward Political Reconciliation
Barzani’s remarks signal a potential shift toward renewed cooperation between Kurdish and Sunni political forces. This comes at a critical juncture as negotiations regarding government formation and political alliances remain ongoing.