Skip to main content

A Fine Balance: Can Barzani Help Syrian Kurds?

Massoud Barzani, president of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, stopped short of a more active role in regime change in Syria recently, reflecting the complexities of the Iraqi Kurdish leadership’s predicament in managing the pressures — and opportunities — of dealing with both Baghdad and Ankara, while trying to assist Kurds in Syria. 
RTR2UNVH.jpg

Massoud Barzani, president of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, has emerged as a key broker among Syrian Kurds in opposition to President Bashar Al-Assad.

Barzani spoke at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy on April 5, saying that with regard to the Syrian Kurds, "We are ready to support them, but not with military support or providing ammunition. It could be moral support, political support, financial support. And we will use our influence to help solve their problems."

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.