The Right to Defend Ourselves

Iraq's Kurds have been enthusiastic U.S. allies since before the 2003 invasion. But as the Kurds have expanded their control over their oil-rich territory—and as they reassert claims to the contested city of Kirkuk ahead of a constitutionally mandated referendum—tensions are mounting with the central government of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki and with Arabs and other ethnic groups. Last week, Massoud Barzani was reelected president of the Kurdistan Regional Government despite a strong opposition showing. Days later, he sat down with NEWSWEEK's Larry Kaplow in his mountain complex high above the Kurdish city of Irbil. Excerpts:

How should people interpret the election?
This was a success for the people of the Kurdistan region. In the past, our people were subject to annihilation. Now we have reached a stage where they can vote freely for whomever they want.

How should we view the emergence of a new opposition?
I welcome it. I see having an opposition as a healthy phenomenon.

What do you say to charges that there is too much corruption, not enough democracy?
We will immediately constitute a public integrity or anticorruption commission. Whoever has any complaint, any evidence, they are welcome to come forward.

For the first time in many months, you and Prime Minister Maliki spoke yesterday. is your relationship improving?
Prime Minister Maliki called and congratulated me. This was a good initiative, and we believe it will help break the ice.

You have made some tough statements lately about how bad relations are with Baghdad.
There has been misinterpretation of what I said. In fact, my position has been the same from day one. I did not ask for anything else for my people beyond what the Constitution entitles us to. I have always stated that I will defend the rights of our people, and the only weapon in my hand will be the Constitution.

How concerned are you about the U.S. withdrawal?
Within the time that's left, we all have to sort out Iraq's problems. The important thing here is the political [will] of the United States and not the number of troops left on the ground. Will the United States leave Iraq and allow the situation to collapse, or will they withdraw in a way that leaves stability?

Has there been improvement in relations with Turkey, seen as an adversary to Kurdish ambitions?
There has been remarkable progress. We welcome it and we will try to make sure that this progress is sustained.