In The Shadows Of Iraq: Qubad Talabani (Part 2)

Iraq is one of the most resource-intensive areas of the Middle East, yet to date has perhaps some of the least actualization of that potential. The Kurdish autonomous area has fared better than the rest of the country, and in the first portion Qubad points out the political stability which has given them a 10 year head start. It is also surprising to realize that the agricultural resources are also expected to become a significant opportunity for the area. While both oil and agriculture are feasible today, I am still curious to see what the area will be able to deliver in terms of technological development – can it achieve something similar to Israel in the Middle East, and be an example for the rest of the region?

SM: Iraq is a difficult place right now, with most of the country going through some very difficult economic problems. It appears that Kurdistan is different in that regards. Why is this? QT: In 1991, shortly after the end of the Gulf War, and the subsequent crashing of the Kurdish uprising by Iraqi forces, a no-fly zone was established in northern Iraq in order to provide security for Kurdistan. These events altered Kurdistan’ s future, and essentially provided the Kurds with the opportunity to prosper separately from the rest of the nation.

The Kurdistan region of Iraq is relatively secure compared to any other province or region in Iraq. The security that is critical to the successful development of Iraq has been present in Kurdistan for the past decade. Consequently, business is thriving, development is booming, and investment is ripe.

One major factor to Kurdistan’s stability has been the close cooperation between the citizens of Kurdistan and its security forces. Unlike other parts of Iraq, the Kurdish security forces are seen as the defenders of the state and are generally trusted and respected. The Kurds of Iraq capitalized on an opportunity and through this, displayed their resilience.

SM: What are some of the natural resources you can draw on in Kurdistan? Obviously, oil is a major one for the Middle East. What are the other resources you look to capitalize upon? QT: Kurdistan is endowed with rich natural resources, including fertile land for agriculture, water, oil, gas, and many minerals. Much of these resources, however, have yet to be fully and efficiently utilized. I am a strong believer that our Agro-Industries will be as fruitful to our society as our oil and gas sector. Unlike other oil rich countries, we won’t need to be dependent on oil to prosper.

[to be continued]

[Part 1]

This segment is part 2 in the series : In The Shadows Of Iraq: Qubad Talabani
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