Barzani visit signifies thawing relations with Shia ruling elite

Masoud Barzani’s six-year absence from Baghdad reflects the turbulent relationship between the federal government and the KRG since the ill-fated 2017 independence referendum. His decision to meet counterparts in Baghdad at this time signifies a healthy degree of alignment over Kurdish demands and potential to build on the agreements of the last few months.

Barzani’s visit to Baghdad is not just symbolically significant; it ostensibly marks a new chapter in efforts by Iraq’s ruling elite to resolve longstanding disputes between the federal government and the KDP. Barzani had effectively boycotted Baghdad to display his displeasure over the state of affairs in Iraq.

The timing of his visit is deliberate, coming after months of negotiations that led to Baghdad establishing regular monthly budget transfers to cover KRG salaries and setting a new date for the Kurdistan Region parliamentary election, including the issuing of a number of favorable rulings by the Federal Supreme Court. The backlash from remarks by a US congressman last week may have also spurred on Barzani to keep relations with the judiciary cordial.