Hiwa Jamil Mohammed – Activists
In military academies around the world, one principle is consistently emphasized: the most effective form of warfare begins not with physical confrontation, but with psychological dominance. When one intends to assert control or pursue a goal, the first step is often to instill fear, hesitation, or internal uncertainty—before any dialogue even begins. If the opposing side refrains from acknowledging or engaging in this “inner conflict,” then one has already achieved a form of psychological victory. From that point on, resistance diminishes and compliance becomes more likely.
This concept is particularly relevant when examining the political and social climate of the Kurdistan Region. While historical and structural challenges have long been present, the situation today is compounded by an increasing number of destabilizing events. What we are witnessing is not merely the persistence of unresolved issues, but a deepening fragmentation within society.
A significant share of responsibility lies with the current political elites, whose strategies have actively fostered division and mistrust among individuals and communities. Through calculated policies and manipulation of public discourse, they have eroded social cohesion and planted the seeds of conflict within the population itself.
As a result, the people of Kurdistan are not only subjected to external pressures—economic hardship, political stagnation, and institutional collapse—but are also burdened by a growing sense of internal disillusionment, insecurity, and psychological struggle. This inner war manifests in daily life, in relationships, in identity, and in hope for the future.
Unless addressed through comprehensive reform, accountability, and a reorientation of leadership priorities, the cumulative effects of this internal conflict may pose a greater threat to societal stability than any external enemy.
