Aram Mohammed- Activist
The ongoing political crises in Kurdistan have generated profound and multifaceted consequences that are increasingly visible across all levels of society. The repercussions are not confined to political institutions but extend to individuals, families, public spaces, markets, and even religious and cultural centers. These developments manifest in a broad spectrum of instability, affecting the political, social, and economic dimensions of life.
The lack of political and security stability has led to widespread uncertainty regarding the lives, dignity, and futures of citizens. Deepening political and partisan conflicts, the absence of a functional labor market, and the dominance of monopolistic capital have further aggravated social and economic hardships. In the sphere of education, systemic shortcomings—including the shortage of teachers, financial and administrative mismanagement, and conflicts between educators and institutions—have eroded the quality of learning. Similarly, the unregulated nature of both traditional and digital media, coupled with the erosion of respect for the rule of law and justice, has fostered conditions conducive to disorder and instability.
These crises are compounded by the broader regional political and military conflicts, which inevitably affect every Kurdish individual, from Zakho to Arbat. Although economic expertise is not required to recognize the problem, it is evident that sound financial conditions are indispensable for ensuring social welfare, reducing disorder, and preventing destructive phenomena. The absence of such stability has increasingly eroded the social, personal, and spiritual wellbeing of individuals in Kurdistan, leading to widespread disillusionment and hopelessness.
The rising rates of public violence and clandestine killings further reflect the diminishing value of life, the weakening of judicial authority, and the normalization of lawlessness. Alongside these are the spread of illicit trades ranging from narcotics and weapons trafficking to human trafficking and prostitution which signify a deeper moral and institutional breakdown. Additionally, the rise of exploitative practices under the guise of entrepreneurship, real estate projects, and tourism has exacerbated inequality and fostered resentment toward illegitimate forms of wealth accumulation.
These dynamics raise critical questions: why should young people, if living in an organized society that safeguards their rights and guarantees their economic security, resort to dangerous or illegal activities such as drug trafficking, armed smuggling, or participation in organized crime? The answer lies in the systemic failures that undermine trust, distort legitimate economic activity, and weaken social cohesion.
The high divorce rate in Kurdistan and Iraq exemplifies the deterioration of family structures, which in turn disrupts the wider social fabric. This erosion of social order encourages immorality, disobedience, crime, and unhealthy living conditions. It also normalizes destructive practices such as addiction, illegal trade, and violent conflict.
Moreover, the burden of combating these phenomena cannot be placed solely on security forces and state institutions. These entities are constrained by limited resources, inadequate staffing, and insufficient infrastructure, making them incapable of addressing such widespread and complex challenges in isolation.
As a Kurdish proverb reminds us, “A bowl full of peace is a house.” Yet in the current context, the proverbial bowl is nearly empty. Patience is wearing thin, and the urgent need for good intentions, honest governance, and ethical behavior—free from deception, manipulation, and corruption—has never been more critical.
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