At a Glance

• US envoy Tom Barrack says Washington supports a strong, united Kurdistan Region that reflects its diversity.

• Barrack said he discussed the Region’s future with PUK Political Bureau member Darbaz Rasool and Ahmed Mufti.

• He identified decentralization, stronger local government, institutional development and transparency as essential to lasting unity.

• His remarks come amid renewed political tensions between the PUK and KDP.

US Presidential Envoy Tom Barrack has reiterated Washington’s support for a strong and united Kurdistan Region, saying lasting unity requires devolving authority, empowering local governments, strengthening institutions and promoting transparency.

Key Statements and Focus Areas

Tom Barrack’s Message

In a post on X, Barrack said:

“The US supports a strong, united Kurdistan Region that reflects the Region’s diversity.”

He added that lasting unity could only be achieved through:

• Devolving authority: Transferring greater decision-making powers to local levels.

• Empowering local government: Strengthening the role and capacity of local administrations.

• Institutional development: Building stronger and more effective institutions.

• Transparency: Promoting greater openness and accountability in governance.

Meeting With PUK and KRG Officials

Barrack said PUK Political Bureau member Darbaz Rasool and Ahmed Mufti joined him for discussions on the future of the Kurdistan Region.

He did not provide further details about the meeting or specify any agreements reached.

US Presidential Envoy Tom Barrack has said the United States supports a strong and united Kurdistan Region that reflects the diversity of its population, while emphasizing decentralization and institutional reform as key elements of lasting unity.

Barrack outlined four priorities for achieving lasting unity: devolving authority, empowering local governments, strengthening institutions and promoting greater transparency.

His remarks place particular emphasis on the distribution of authority and the role of local administrations in the Region’s governance structure.

The statement did not outline specific proposals, implementation measures or a timeline for the changes Barrack described.

FYI

Barrack’s comments come amid renewed political tensions between the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), including disagreements over the formation and operation of the Kurdistan Region’s government and institutions. The PUK has announced its withdrawal from the current regional government, while KDP president Masoud Barzani has called for dialogue to resolve the dispute. Against this backdrop, Barrack’s emphasis on devolving authority, empowering local administrations and strengthening institutions adds a governance dimension to Washington’s public support for Kurdish unity.

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