ERBIL RRT: KURDISTAN REGIONAL POLITICS THROUGH THE EYES OF

UNCLAS BAGHDAD 000770

C O R R E C T E D C O P Y (TEXT)

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV IZ SOCI
SUBJECT: ERBIL RRT: KURDISTAN REGIONAL POLITICS THROUGH THE EYES OF
ITS YOUTH


1. (U) SUMMARY: Students in the Kurdistan Region (KR) uniformly
stress that the Democratic Party of Kurdistan (KDP) and the
Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) dominate both the political and
private spheres of the KR. But their opinions differ on whether
these political parties have advanced the democratic process in the
KRG. With few exceptions, students are dissatisfied with the
current political status quo and seek greater participation in the
socio-political development of the KR. END SUMMARY

POLITICAL PARTIES: TRAILBLAZERS OR ROADBLOCKS?
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2. (U) Since the creation of the modern autonomous region, the
Democratic Party of Kurdistan (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of
Kurdistan (PUK) have held heretofore unchallenged dominance of the
political sphere in the Kurdistan Region (KR). Over the course of
history, their influence over the private sector, civil society, and
media has also grown. Students say that political party connections
are now more essential than actual qualifications when applying for
jobs in either the public or private sector. But while students
agree on the power of political parties, their opinions vary greatly
on the degree to which political parties represent the interests of
their constituencies and have advanced the democratic process.
Regional Reconstruction Team Officer (RRTOff) met with small groups
of students and the youth leagues of the three largest political
parties in the KR to ascertain their views on the roles that
political parties play in KR politics.


3. (U) During interviews with RRTOff, students' opinions on
political parties' effectiveness in serving the interests of the
people seemed to depend on students' proximity to party
decision-makers and the degree to which their personal interests
were gratified by party membership. Those who were leaders of
political party youth leagues, very much the "inner circle,"
obviously identified most strongly with party ideology. Students in
the Dohuk and Sulaimaniyah branches of youth leagues of the two
dominant political parties, the Democratic Party of Kurdistan (KDP)
and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK),offered rousing support
for their respective parent parties and gratitude for all that the
party founders had "sacrificed on behalf of the people of
Kurdistan." They were also the most forgiving of the degree to
which the two parties have monopolized the political debate since
the creation of the modern Kurdistan Region. "Neither party is
perfect," said a member of the KDP Youth League in Dohuk, "but for
now, we two are better than the others."


4. (U) Members of the youth league of the Kurdistan Islamic Union
(KIU) were equally supportive of their parent party. However, they
were extremely critical of dominant party control of all political
and socio-economic developments in the Kurdistan Region. They
accused those parties of closing the larger political process to
anyone not affiliated with the KDP or PUK and using any means
necessary to prevent the development of a proper opposition party
within the government. (Note: The KIU is the third largest
political party in the KR, and received seven percent of the Kurdish
vote in 2005. Although KIU influence is slowly growing, it does not
constitute a threat to either of the two major parties.)


5. (U) Political party youth leagues are also extremely vocal on
the issue of a future independent Kurdistan. Said a 23-year-old
member of the KDP Youth League in Dohuk of the Iraqi federal system,
"This union is a compulsory marriage and we want a divorce!" Some
Q"This union is a compulsory marriage and we want a divorce!" Some
went so far as to suggest that those who call for additional steps
toward decentralization (such as a plethora of strong political
parties rather than the current two-party monopoly) are insensitive
to the fact that the Kurds must remain unified if they will ever be
able to secure an independent Kurdistan. Said another member of the
KDP Youth League, "The most important goal is to be recognized as an
independent nation. Once we are independent, we will be able to
have more parties. But for now, we must unify against external
threats instead of fighting against one another."


6. (U) The most critical students were those either not affiliated
with political parties or affiliated in name only as a sort of
"insurance policy." The variance in their opinions was reflected in
the responses of the different groups to similar questions.
Unaffiliated students cited unemployment, the lack of essential
services and corruption as the issues of greatest significance,
while political party youth league students replied Article 140
implementation, Kurdish independence and the upcoming legislative
elections. (Note: Responses from the unaffiliated group track
popular opinion more closely. During a recent youth-focused radio
program on which RRTOff is a regular guest, 90% of callers'
questions and comments were about fears of unemployment. End Note)
Many youth admitted that they were members of political parties not
because of ideological affinity, but rather to bolster their chances
of financial security.


7. (U) However, even within the "inner circle," there are signs of
discontent. Some members of PUK Youth League in Sulaimaniyah
expressed frustration with the political parties' obstructionism in
fostering political and economic development in the KR. "The

parties are run by old revolutionaries with tribal mentalities."
said one youth league member. Still another said, "The role of the
youth league is marginalized. If we have ideas for projects and our
leaders disagree, the project goes nowhere." Some members of the
KIU Youth League were also frustrated. "Civil society organizations
and the media are important for exposing problems in society, but
here, neither are free from political party domination."


8. (U) For many, dissatisfaction with all the political parties'
failure to place the interests of the common people over their own
personal gain has led to a general malaise with the political
process. "We do not believe in political parties anymore," said a
fourth-year Information Technology student at the University of
Sulaimaniyah. "The parties have been unable to carry the interests
of the youth into the government." Said one second-year biology
major at the University of Dohuk, "The government exists to serve
the political parties. The political parties exist to serve
themselves." Said another Engineering student at the University of
Sulaimaniyah, "The political parties do not really care for the
problems and concerns of youth. The parties are struggling to
maintain their influence in society and we are caught in the middle.
Youth are used as tools in the party." Others believe that vested
interests in the KRG are actively working against democratization
and are incapable of moving democracy any further, since to do so
would jeopardize the influence that politicians' have over
socio-economic and political issues. (Note: RRT local staff persons
remark that previously, students were much more receptive of
political party ideology. RRT local staff believe that the change
reflects the degree to which elected KRG officials have failed to
keep campaign promises. End Note)


9. (U) COMMENT: Conversations at universities in Kurdistan can
sound very similar to those at schools in developed countries.
Youth here, like elsewhere, are eager to participate in a modern
life that suits a youthful perspective, and take their place in
society. Recent changes in the Kurdistan Region indicate that
students may soon have a greater chance to do so. On February 11,
the Kurdistan National Assembly lowered the minimum age of
parliamentary officials from 30 to 25 and there is already
competition for those seats. Whether these young people will be
able to affect change from within the system remains to be seen. END
COMMENT

BUTENIS