The strengthening of relations between Israel and Iraqi Kurds began with the onset of the Kurdish rebellion, also known as the Barzani uprising against the Iraqi regime, which lasted from 1961 to 1970.
ALWAGHT- In the days following the missile strike carried out by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) on the Mossad headquarters in northern Iraq, Arab and Kurdish media outlets have actively engaged in the strategic broadcasting of reports. These efforts align with the stances of political leaders in Erbil and certain diplomatic authorities in the central government of Baghdad. The reports systematically counter Tehran's assertions and provide evidence supporting the lack of a connection between the targeted site and the individuals killed in the attack aimed at Mossad and Israel.
Within this media operation, the deceased individual known as "Pishro Dizayi" is presented as a mere businessman, the owner of two prominent companies, namely the "Falcon Group" and the "Empire World." Even in a notably dubious video shared by Kurdish media, featuring statements from a woman identified as Pishro Dizayi's wife conversing with officials from the central government's investigative team regarding the night of the attack, it creates an image of an ordinary household and family. While addressing the deaths of all "family members," these media outlets fail to address the question of how this woman escaped unharmed from the impact of multiple missiles. Furthermore, after just a few hours, she openly discusses the incident in Arabic and English. Notably, these outlets refrain from publishing any images of the bodies of children who were supposedly present in the house on the night of the attack and allegedly killed.
Despite numerous doubts and many lingering questions about the narratives presented by Kurdish media, these advertisements are currently being reissued in the statements and positions of official authorities within the central government. Qasim al-Araji, Iraq's National Security Advisor and the highest-ranking security official, asserted a day after the incident in a post on X (formerly Twitter):
"Last night, in the company of members of the investigation committee, we visited the residence of the targeted merchant in Erbil, and it became evident that the claim of targeting the Mossad headquarters is baseless. We will continue consultations with the security institutions of the region and will submit a report to the respected commander-in-chief."
Even the initiatives of think tanks and covert manipulations extend beyond influencing political figures. They are actively engaging in shaping public opinion in Iraq through a campaign named “Let it be destroyed”, with the aim of stirring public opinions.
In response to the missile attacks by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards on Erbil, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the city has advocated for sanctions on Iranian products.
Gilan Haji Saeed, the head of the Chamber of Commerce, mentioned locally, "This region used to import various goods, including industrial materials and health and medical products, from Iran. However, alternative options are now available."
Addressing the objections from Baghdad authorities regarding the violation of national sovereignty, Iran responded on Monday (January 22nd). Nasser Kanaani, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that Tehran has acknowledged the statements from Iraqi officials and has communicated its positions to the Iraqi side. He elaborated, "Iran's action against Israel's security headquarters in Erbil aimed to confront those threatening Iran's national security, not to target Iraq, its security, or governance. Iran has consistently warned Iraqi authorities, emphasizing that safeguarding Iran's national security is considered our red line."
While the Foreign Ministry spokesperson's remarks clarify that the Islamic Republic has shared evidence of Mossad's activities in the dismantled spy headquarters in Erbil with the Iraqis, and the recent Zionist attack on Iranian military advisors in Syria indicates a significant setback to Mossad's operational capabilities in Iraq exerted by the Revolutionary Guards. Nevertheless, establishing the Kurdistan Democratic Party's close collaboration with the Zionist regime requires a deeper understanding of the historical context.
The historical background of the Barzanis' association with Israel
Historically, Israel has established enduring connections, both overt and covert, and maintained close ties with leaders of independence-seeking factions in Iraq.
The relationship between the Zionist regime and Kurdish leaders in Iraq has been shrouded in secrecy, originating at least from the Six-Day War in 1967 and evolving significantly thereafter. Mullah Mustafa Barzani, the Kurdish leader, has visited the occupied territories on at least two occasions (in 1968 and 1973), engaging in meetings with Levi Eshkol, the former Prime Minister, and senior Israeli intelligence officials.