After the collapse of the fascist Ba’athist regime in 2003
Renwa Ibrahem – Activist
There was a brief sparkle of hope in Southern Kurdistan that the Kurds could finally govern themselves. However, this hope soon faded due to the failures of our politicians. Today, people of all ages are fleeing—not only to escape economic hardship but also to escape the oppression within their own families. The country’s infrastructure has been plundered to benefit a few ruling families, leaving the nation without true leadership.
For many, the most pressing issue is their salaries,the most fundamental right. which remain inconsistent and unreliable. At the same time, trust in Kurdish politicians has waned, as they neglect to invest in their own country. Instead, they move their wealth abroad, contributing to an unstable economic environment.
What I want to emphasize is the extreme contrast between the image of Kurdistan presented to the international community and the reality on the ground. After 34 years of self-rule, the lives of ordinary citizens and the quality of public services have not improved. The Kurdish leadership remains weak and submissive toward Turkey and Iran while smuggling the region’s oil to these very countries.
Public services have been taken over by private companies ,making them unreachable to most people, particularly in healthcare. The education system has also been neglected, leaving a generation without basic literacy and essential skills.
Corruption within the two controlling political families is boundless. This deep-rooted malfunction and despair have driven not just young people, but entire families, to flee the region in search of a better future.
