The Kurdistan Region of northern Iraq is experiencing a significant political crisis as hostilities escalate between its two dominant parties, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). This dispute threatens to fracture the autonomous region at a critical moment when it faces external pressures from Iran and ongoing negotiations with the federal government in Baghdad. The United States has closely monitored the situation, with US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack, who also serves as the Envoy to Syria and Iraq, emphasizing the necessity of a strong and unified Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).
The rivalry between the KDP and PUK has shaped Kurdish politics for decades. The KDP, led by Masoud Barzani, holds strong support in Erbil and Duhok, while the PUK, under Bafel Talabani, is centered in Sulaimani near the Iranian border. Historically, the KDP has aligned more closely with the West, whereas the PUK maintains ties with Iran and historic connections to the UK. Their conflicts have roots in the 1990s, including a period of armed conflict and a dual administration system that lasted until 2006. These divisions also affect the Peshmerga forces, with units often split along party lines despite previous reform efforts.
The current crisis began when the KDP moved to reactivate the Kurdistan Parliament after nearly two years of legislative inactivity. The parliament had been stalled since the October 2024 regional elections due to disagreements over forming a new government. In the 100-seat legislature, the KDP won 39 seats and the PUK secured 23, meaning neither party holds a majority. According to the news agency Rudaw, the KDP managed to gather 52 lawmakers, just enough to meet the quorum. The session included KDP members, minority representatives, and several PUK legislators who broke ranks with their party.
The PUK rejected the reactivation, calling it illegal and an attempt by a single party to impose its will. Bafel Talabani announced that the PUK would withdraw its officials from the KRG cabinet, stating that the government had failed. The party also declared it would not recognize the reactivated parliament or participate in future sessions. This move follows internal consolidation within the PUK, where Bafel Talabani strengthened his position after his brother and nephew were arrested in 2025 following an armed clash.
The dispute centers on fundamental disagreements about governance. The KDP argues that parliament should resume its legislative duties independently of cabinet negotiations, while the PUK insists that power-sharing arrangements must be settled first. These tensions are not new; during the 2017 independence referendum crisis, Bafel Talabani was accused of agreeing to hand Kirkuk to Baghdad, leading to a collapse in the Peshmerga lines and the city's recapture by federal forces. The PUK's withdrawal raises concerns about a return to a two-administration system, which could weaken the region and make it more vulnerable to a divide-and-conquer strategy by Iran.
Despite the crisis, efforts to reduce tensions are underway. On November 9, Masrour Barzani stated that he agreed with US Ambassador Barrack that the KRG must remain unified and that disputes with Baghdad should be resolved constitutionally. They also welcomed progress on the federal budget law and anticipated an agreement on oil and gas. On Monday, Masoud Barzani called for renewed dialogue with the PUK, asserting that the interest of the Kurdish people supersedes other objectives. He urged the PUK to sit down with the KDP to resolve the crisis.
The KDP spokesperson, Mahmoud Mohammed, confirmed the party's readiness for dialogue. The dispute is also linked to long-standing disagreements over revenue distribution and public-sector salaries. While the crisis complicates relations with Baghdad and weakens political institutions, the region has opportunities for progress. The new peace process between the PKK and Turkey has reduced tensions, with Turkish forces de-deploying from the area. On November 11, Ambassador Barrack met with PUK and KRG officials, reiterating US support for a united Kurdistan Region that reflects its diversity through devolved authority and stronger institutions.
The situation remains fluid as both parties navigate their historical rivalry. The KDP and PUK continue to define the political landscape of northern Iraq, and their ability to resolve these fundamental divisions will determine the stability of the region. As the US and other international actors watch closely, the outcome of these negotiations could have lasting implications for Kurdish autonomy and its relationship with the Iraqi federal government.
