ABSTRACT
Organized political groupings in Iraqi Kurdistan have been a powerful variable in the dynamics of the region since the foundation of the KDP in 1946, and this has especially been the case since 1991. The withdrawal of the GOI in 1991 from Iraqi Kurdistan gave an opportunity to the principle political groupings to present themselves as organizations capable of mobilizing widespread popular support, military personnel and substantial financial resources. In effect, they were presented with the opportunity to behave as political parties rather than as guerrilla movements. The political system in Iraqi Kurdistan displays bewildering complexity and possesses parties of considerable sophistication. Much has been written on Kurdish political history, yet the internal aspects of the organizational structures and decision-making processes of the parties have rarely been addressed. Without such an understanding, it is impossible to appreciate the dynamics of the Kurdish political system. The aims of this chapter can be summarized as follows: (1) to provide an assessment of the development of the party political system, focusing on the transition of the organizational structure and personnel from guerrilla movements and peshmerga to political parties and politicians respectively; and (2) to identify the development of power groupings within the principle political parties and their impact upon the overall decision-making process. The structure of the analysis is chronologically based. This is of particular use as the foundations of many of the parties have roots in other parties. The analysis is weighted towards the internal rather than external dimensions, illustrating: (a) how the main political actors and groupings formed; (b) the main tensions, alliances and mechanics of Kurdish politics in Iraq; and (c) the significance of key events, when necessary, to provide further understanding. The chapter is concluded with an assessment of the situation of the parties on the eve of the Second Gulf War.
