Much has been written of late in newspapers across Kurdistan about the Kurdish lobby, or lack thereof. Before we start analyzing whether or not one exists, we should take a step back and ask ourselves if we know what one is or not!
We should also stop comparing ourselves to the Jewish lobby or the Armenian Lobby, as these lobbies have been active in the US for well over half a century.
Nowhere does grass roots advocacy affect policy more than in the US. Sure enough, if you get enough people out on to the streets of Europe, you will make a splash in the news, or even generate some sort of temporary intervention, but in the US, effective grass roots advocacy can actually change policy.
But a lobby is not something you can pick off the shelf at Wal-Mart, or buy with enough Franklin notes. No, a lobby requires hard work, dedication and sacrifice.
An effective lobby in the US requires a community that believes in the cause that they are lobbying for. This community needs to be united on the core issues. Moreover, this community needs to be organized; and be ready to dip into their pockets, contribute, donate and spend their hard earned cash on their efforts and advocacy.
It is unfair to say that there has not been any grass roots advocacy in the US, as some Kurdish Americans have said publicly. During the Anfal, and later during the exodus in 91, Kurdish Americans, such as Dr. Najmadin Karim, Hassan Jaff, Asad Khailany, and others (please forgive me if I missed your name!!), through established organizations such as the Kurdish National Congress of North America (KNC) did well to bring to the attention of US policy makers the plight of the Kurds. This was especially difficult at the time as the US had excellent relations with Iraq, and they viewed the Kurds as nothing more than a band of rebels.
But with the advent of the political party representations in the US, and subsequently the establishment of first, two KRG offices in the US, and later in 2006, the unification of the KRG offices, the Iraqi Kurdish interface with the US took on a more formal and structured feel. This, for a variety of reasons has created distance between the work of the Kurdish officials, and a-today-less-active Kurdish Diaspora in the US. This must change, and we must make that change happen.
Furthermore, we must manage our expectations. AIPAC (American Israeli Public Affairs Committee) is powerful because they are enormously wealthy, and very well organized. They are able at any given time, to fly into DC influential members of their organization, from any state, to meet with their representatives on the Hill. Their ability to do this, and fund raise for the a fore mentioned Senators and Congressmen make them formidable lobbyists.
The Armenians are less grand in their strategy, but equally effective. They use effective grass roots lobbying, in strategically targeted communities to let their respective members of congress know their clout when it comes to fund raising, or getting out the votes. What they lack in wealth or size (of community), they make up in spirit, hard work. Their focus on youth driven activities in Universities, Colleges and in placing interns in important congressional offices and think tanks in DC also makes them highly effective.
I regret to say this, but we must be true to ourselves: we neither have the size and wealth of the Jewish lobby, nor do we have the exceptional dedication or organization of the Armenian lobby; but as a good friend once told me, there are two times to plant a tree: 25 years ago, and today!
So today, we must plant the seeds to generating a grass roots advocacy campaign in the US that will compliment the work of the KRG office in DC. This will require the youth to lead the way, as it is the youth who are in colleges and universities. It is the youth who speak today's “lingo”, who can effectively use the multitudes of social networking internet sites to gather momentum and can start working at a grass roots level in their communities. They can even even get involved in politics, whether in their universities or later in their city councils, and why stop there?
But in order to be effective, we must overcome the resentment that some in the Diaspora have towards the political leadership in Kurdistan. There will be other platforms and avenues to put pressure on Kurdistan to change, modernize and reform, and in no way do I advise people from refraining to demand reform in Kurdistan. Armenian Americans are not entirely happy with the slow pace of political and civil society reform in Armenia, and they frequently let their government know their thoughts, but when it comes to defending their nation’s interests, they stand by the soil and flag of their country. When it comes to preserving Kurdistan, and strengthening her alliance with the US, we must also put forward a united front. We must put Kurdistan first.
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If anyone is interested in helping lay the foundations of a Kurdish American lobby in the United States, please contact me on qubad.talabany@krg.org
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Well said - I hope the community wakes up and moves forward - so much to do - instead of complaining - we should be working to bring the truth about Kurdistan to the Congress and the rest of the American people - thanks for the wake up call.
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ReplyDeleteWhile I do admire your attempt at directly engaging the Kurdish diaspora, I am left quite perplexed. On one hand, you mention that you're the official representative of the KRG, and on the other hand, what you say doesn't represent the KRG. Which one is it, Qubad?
ReplyDeleteThe reality is you're left in an unenviable position - that whatever disclaimer you attach to any blog or Facebook account (I'm surprised you have time for either) will not undo the fact that you are a KRG representative, and son of the Iraqi President & PUK leader. If you are unable to reconcile these facts, the audience sure can. And if you're unable to comprehend this basic axiom of politics, you should question whether you should be blogging on a personal level, and more importantly, whether you are in the position of sufficient knowledge to speak about the role of lobby groups within the complexity of US governance structures and processes.
You mention that the increased 'formalization' of the KRG within US policy and politics has "created distance between the work of the Kurdish officials, and a-today-less-active Kurdish Diaspora". I disagree. With increased formalization comes responsibility and accountability. The performance of our KRG offices has been, to put mildly, lacklustre - almost dismal. This level of incompentence (almost negligence), despite all good intentions, has led to much of the distance you speak of.
As for a "less-than-active" diaspora, well, as the saying goes: "first, look in the mirror". Many grassroots Kurdish groups have done amazing work, with little or no working budgets.
Do not paint those who hold the KRG to account as lacking a sense of pride and love in their country. If you expect to seriously engage the Kurdish youth, start by showing us that we're dealing with a serious, competent and accountable KRG.
So yes, Qubad - put Kurdistan first. Let us feel that our overseas KRG offices are a little more than just private business development offices of "The Other Iraq".
Sincerely,
Ali Tawfik-Shukor
American and Kurdistan people have a common serious threat against them. This threat is the long-term threat of terror and terrorism, which is ideologically driven and anything, ideologically driven, can not be eradicated quickly by force. The conditions, which breed this particular threat, mainly exist in Middle East. The ideology behind this threat is based on a rigid culture, which can not tolerate and coexist with other cultures and adapt to change. In other words, it is not terror and terrorism, which is threatening American and Kurdistan people. Rather it is a certain rigid culture. So rather than concentrating on terror, why not concentrate on the culture behind terror. Taking a gun, terror, from a threatening man, the culture behind terror, doesn’t remove the threat because he can get another gun somewhere. But recultivating this threatening man does remove the threat.
ReplyDeleteModern secular civil ideals in liberty, free market, free enterprises, plural governance, individual freedom and free media can tame this culture and make it flexible to adapt and change positively. But this needs a leading example in the region. People of Kurdistan have already proved to become a leading example to apply modern secular civil ideals in the region. Since 1991 especially after the liberation of Iraq on 2003, Kurdistan people have gone forward a lot to eradicate this rigid culture in favour of embracing modern secular civil ideals. People of Kurdistan have proved to be as enterprising as people of Hong Kong. If people of Kurdistan become certain of a secure future, they can propel Kurdistan to become another Hong Kong in the region. When this happens, the rest in the region will follow Kurdistan example to give up this rigid culture in favour of embracing modern secular civil ideals, a sure way to eradicate terror and terrorism, which is threatening both people, America and Kurdistan.
Kurds need to concentrate on this point with Americans. This should create a strong Kurdistan lobby in America.
Dear Ali
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments and feedback.
It is fact that the diaspora in the US is less active today than they were 15-20 years ago.
That is not to say they have done or are doing nothing; but back in the day, Kurdish Americans were testifying in Congress, appearing on TV stations, writing articles in national newspapers, responding to negative articles, all the while organizing meetings with Senators, Congressmen and Governors, with no guidance, funding or oversight by the political parties or government.
As for our performance, I would like to know what indicators are you using to determine the KRG offices "dismal" and "negligent" performance by?
I am not sure where you live, but the next time you are in DC, I ask that you visit our office, meet the staff and see what we actually do.
Brat
Qubad
p.s. In this day and age, one is allowed to have his own opinion, if I say something that cheeses off my government or party, then I will deal with that. Furthermore, my almost 10 year interaction with various lobby groups in the US gives me a tad of credibility when it comes to talk about their work and how it relates to what we are trying to do.
Well said..
ReplyDeleteDear Qubad,
ReplyDeleteAlthough I don't know you personally, upon reading your reply, I can't help but feel that you're one of the few remaining politicians who are genuine in their intentions. There was something in your words that was intrinsically Kurdish - the sense of fierce pride, accompanied by a passionate and honest attempt to explain and defend your position - I must admit, this atypical response (from a politician) put a smile on my face. It's rather, well, refreshing.
I regret that you, and the KRG foreign representations bore the brunt of my criticism and frustration - which was not necessarily constructive. I realize that your offices in Washington and London are woefully under-resourced, considering the mammoth tasks and challenges facing you. I also realize that many of the decisions emanating from KRG are beyond your control, and that if you had the choice, you'd probably do many things differently (as I can tell from your personal blog).
Personally, I have developed wonderful friendships with many of those at the top tiers at our overseas KRG representations. It was a very difficult decision to put forward my criticism, but they know full well that I personally have nothing but the utmost respect for them, and I know they too share my deep sense of frustration. They have always included me in their events, and have frequently asked me for policy advice, which is truly humbling. I signed my name to my comment - as I have always been sincere and honest in my intentions, and accept full responsibility for my words, with nothing to hide.
Qubad, we have inherited an enormous responsibility from our forefathers - who have sacrificed all they have, and suffered immensely to keep our beautiful culture, history and language alive. Without their sacrifice, we wouldn't be here.
I don't doubt the good intentions of our overseas KRG representations - but good intentions aren't enough. They need to be matched with well-resourced and competent staff who are fit-for-purpose. Start using and mobilizing both Kurds and non-Kurds who genuinely believe in the Kurdish cause, for our cause is an honorable one that merits only those who deserve to serve it. Beware special advisors from industrial management consultant firms, or special interests from UK or US parliamentarians who seek nothing but a quick buck - their contractual interests are fleeting, and self-serving.
Kurds don't have much in this world - the least we owe them is a little respect and sensitivity - we expect nothing less from our representatives. We need to be able to go back to our poor people in Kurdistan, and look them in the eye when they hold us to account.
If we expect to build a country, we need to start refocusing on building the foundations - tackling education, poverty, health, infrastructure, and rebuilding the villages where the essence of Kurdiati still lives. The 'American Villages', 'Hawler Dream Cities' and "Other Iraqs" will follow in due time. With no infrastructure, no healthy, education population - with no solid grounding - we will have no base to fly our beloved Kurdish flag, for which so many of our family died.
I will always be there to offer any support, in whatever small way I can.
Kind regards,
Ali
This is how wars are prevented, not allowing pride to get in the way of reaching out and communicating.... Building a foundation based on common interest....Well done....
ReplyDeleteI command you for initiating this blog. It has surely given the Kurdish youth in the diaspora an opportunity to connect with their representatives. It is my hope that other respective Kurdish leaders would take suite with forms of communication in order to reach the people and hear their grievances. The starting of such blogs would provide a means for the Kurdish diaspora to hold accountable their delegated leaders. It would also ensure the Kurdish voice be heard no matter what the plea. I believe as you do that grassroots organizations and participation in them is imperative to Kurdish ambitions for stronger and united communities in which they live. The empowerment of education in the youth with involvement in political institutions and institutions of higher learning, will pave the way for a new generation of Kurdish academia. This academia will act as a vanguard of the Kurdish ideological perspectives allowing for the Kurdish question in all four parts of Kurdistan access to success and advancement. it will enable our people socially, economically and politically on the world stage. It is thus a question of education, participation and trust.
ReplyDeleteI speak of trust because more and more people within the sphere of Kurdish politics and out are complaining of the undemocratic activities in the Kurdistan Regional Government. We must remember that just because a state, defacto in the case of Kurdistan holds elections and has an electoral process it does not deem it democratic. Divisions between both the ruling KDP and PUK are very troubling. It is troubling because, they have lost a great amount of trust with grassroots people in Kurdistan. It also becomes troubling because groups that are adamant on creating instability seek them when the system of governance is weak. The people have lost trust, because they see the old "jahash" as a ruling class in the region, they are tired of false promises, the gap between the rich and the poor, and they are frustrated at the leadership. I can relate to such frustrations. With all due respect it was your father Mr. Celal Talabani who on his trip to Turkey made such swiping comments to the Turkish executive stating " My brothers do not be worried Kurdish independence is written in some poetry and is only a dream". may i remind you that your father leads a Kurdish Nationalist party and well if Kurdish ambitions for statehood are just a dream then the core values of such parties is not needed in the fight for self determination and should be abandoned. Many mistakes have been made, but i do believe as you do that we must not misplace our frustrations. Constructive criticism is healthy for democracy and it can be the building blocks in the search for better standards of living for all the people of Kurdistan. The shaping of a confident means of governance is in our hands and requires diligent action. Only when trust is restored will we see confidence within our government, leading to participation and a heightened sense of social capital.
Meriwan Kestay
Dear Kak Qubad,
ReplyDeleteThe great majority of Kurds living in the Diaspora are those who not only sacrificed their lives, but the lives of their family members. In majority, the Kurdish exiles joined the revolution because of a deep sense of patriotism, and a strong belief in liberating our beloved homeland, Kurdistan, from the hands of oppressors.
Kak Qubad, I command you for providing a channel of communications and directly engaging your fellow compatriot Kurds. In your blog you stated that the Kurds in the Diaspora must stop the resentment towards KRG to effectively establish a strong lobby in the United States. From my own personal experience living in aboard, I have witnessed that sense of nationalism is extremely high amongst the overwhelming majority of the Kurds living outside of Kurdistan. However, in many ways this sense of nationalism has been suppressed as the great majority of the local party representatives and community center leaders are completely unqualified and incompetent when it comes to leading and communicating effectively. In fact, they have been an obstacle to the progression of lobbying here in the United States.
Furthermore, at the third annual conference of Kurdish American Youth Organization in San Diego, California on April 18th, 2009, you stated within your speech, that you should not be concerned with what takes place in Kurdistan; but should be concerned with getting involved and organizing a strong lobby in the U.S. Well, I certainly agree that we must establish a strong and effective grass root advocacy and unite in order to influence U.S. policy. However, I disagree with the notion of not worrying about what takes place in Kurdistan.
Kak Qubad, we are the sons of Peshmargas; we are the infants of Aylul and Gulan; we are the children of Halaja, Gellye Bazze, Anfal and Rapparin (Serhaldan). Our childhood memory from war and the experiences of being oppressed is embedded in our blood; we have always stood behind our nation and we will always do so. Supporting our nation and getting involved is an obligation of every Kurd to its nation. As we all have obligations of supporting the Kurdish cause and standing behind our nation, our leaders have obligations to the nation as well. It is extremely disappointing to hear about KRG’s decision not to allow the Kurds living in the Diaspora to cast their votes in the upcoming election scheduled for July 25th. How would such decision affect the psyche of your fellow compatriots and encourage their engagement? What type of a message is that to the families that sacrificed their lives and gave martyrs?
Perhaps you should influence KRG to reverse their decision and allow the Kurds in Diaspora to cast their votes to effectively gain their support!
With regards,
Delovan Barwari
Macedonia beats Kurdistan
ReplyDeleteGreetings Kak Qubad
Macedonian Government beats Kurdistan in attracting foreign investments to Macedonia. They advertise continuously many times each day on Bloomberg TV calling on foreign investors to invest in Macedonia. They offer 1001 incentives to encourage and attract foreign investments and investors.
Kurdistan Regional Government may not have resources enough to advertise on Bloomberg TV but actually it could do a lot a better than Macedonia in attracting investment and investors from American, where we want to create a strong and a reliable lobby. All needed is a small weekly advert in a local paper, each week in a different American locality like this week in New York, next week in Washington, third week in silicon valley, fourth week in California and so on. A small eye-catching advert with a headline like: “Help to make Kurdistan another Hong Kong” should do the job very well.
Regards