The Kurdish administration in Southern Kurdistan is under immense pressure after the peshmerga forces retreated against Hashd al-Shaabi and left Kirkuk to the hands of the Iraqi central government without showing any resistance. Ali Kerimi, a well-known writer, is among the intellectuals who voice harsh criticisms against the Barzani and the federal government.

CORRUPTION IS THE MAIN REASON BEHIND TODAY’S DEFEAT

Speaking to ANF, Kerimi said that the independence referendum had nothing to do with the recent escalation with Baghdad and Erbil.

“See there is a 26 year-old government in Southern Kurdistan. It’s known that during this period there was corruption, pillage, execution of civilians and the rule of mafia type organizations were common. The corruption and theft hit its peak during this period” Kerimi said.

Kerimi defended that this corruption is the main reason behind today’s defeat and the government is solely responsible for the fall of Kirkuk.

“For years Masoud Barzani doesn’t leave his post and now he appointed himself as the commander in chief of the peshmerga. It’s the commander in-chief who is responsible for what happened in Kirkuk.

It doesn’t matter if it’s a betrayal or a tactic; Barzani is responsible for this. The Kurdish people should call him to account for this loss.”

IN 2005 KURDISH ADMINISTRATION DEMANDED MONEY NOT INDEPENDENCE

Kerimi recalled the events in 2005 and pointed out that the international and regional political circumstances were much more suitable for Kurdish independence back then. He explained;

“In 2015, we could have demanded an autonomous administration with broader authority if not independence. But our leader demanded money instead of this. This was a surprise for the US at that time. The Kurdish political representatives are responsible for what happened in 2005 and on October 16. Especially Barzani.”

BARZANI SNUBBED MCGURK’S PHONE CALL

Kerimi claimed that Barzani snubbed the call of Brett McGurk and said this is a sign that Barzani lost his head.

He pointed out that it’s unbelievable that Kurds are losing Kirkuk while they are liberating Raqqa.

Kerimi underlined the dangers that Southern Kurdistan faces and pointed out the national unity as the only way out from this crisis.

“If we achieved national unity Hashd al-Shaabi wouldn’t be able to attack Kurds. But we didn’t do that. We got even more divided against one another. We closed our doors to Rojava. We dug ditches on the border. Now Barzani talks about independence, he wants become a symbol of independence but he gave the order to dig ditches on the border with Rojava” Kerimi said.

KURDISTAN CAN BECOME A BATTLE FIELD IF KDP PULLS TURKISH TROOPS INSIDE

Kerimi said that Southern Kurdistan is going through the most dangerous period of its modern history and warned the KDP and Barzani over their relations with Turkey.

“We know that KDP is under the influence of Turkey. It’s said that KDP is planning to pull Turkish troops into Southern Kurdistan. If KDP and Barzani do this, Kurdistan will become a battle field” he said.