Evolving democracy in Kurdistan

Iraqi Kurdistan was then effectively split into two administrations, one PUK controlled from Suleimanyia and one PDK based from Erbil. The de facto delineation between both administrations naturally diluted full democratic practices. This period saw freedoms restricted and a tense political climate in the two major cities. Tolerance for supporters of each group in opposing regions was minimal.

A UN embargo on Iraq coupled with Saddam's own brutal economic impediment on the region, further compounded matters in the region.

This was made worse, as Kurdistan at the time before UN oil for food program, suffered from inflation and lack of commerce and basic necessities.

However, the UN agreed to permit authorised oil exports from Iraq, with the provision of aid for the people in return, brought welcome relief to the Kurdish people. A 13 per cent share of oil revenues, and custom duties from trade with Turkey, brought an income to kick-start much needed development in the region.

Washington Accord

No major fighting took place after September 1, 1996, however, it was a case of no war but no peace either. This was until a peace deal, referred to as the Washington Accord, brokered under the auspices of the Clinton administration, that saw both the PDK and PUK agreeing to transitional power sharing followed by elections, equitable distribution of revenues and the easing of restriction of movement between their regions.

With the Kurds extremely keen to win support for long-term Kurdish autonomy, there was little room for any lack of reconciliation.

In spite of the agreement, the thawing of ties was somewhat leisurely and animosity remained. Implementation of the accord was stalled by disputes over revenue and the format of the proposed joint administration.

In 2001, the administrations finally resumed formal dialogue and eased restriction of travel. The two sides moved quickly to resolve their differences with the emergence of a militant Islamist group, Ansar al-Islam with ties to al-Qaida. Reconciliation has deepened further with US plans for the removal of Saddam from power in 2002. Barzani and Talabani had the first face-to-face dialogue in this time for seven years.

The Kurdish parliament convened later that year for the first time since 1994 to implement the Washington Accord and get the ball rolling for legislative elections.

General elections were not held until 2005, almost 13 full years since the landmark elections of 1992 that offered so much hope to a nation ravaged by repression and war, but only delivered setbacks.

Changing political climate post 2003

Although a grainier form of democracy was still practiced with relative civil liberties and municipal elections in opposing administrations, it was hardly in commendable shape prior to 2003. The fall of Saddam Hussein and the second Gulf War not only brought unprecedented elections to Iraq, but also kick started democracy in Kurdistan.

With the removal of Saddam Hussein and with prospects of a new Iraq, Kurdish leaders were at a unique juncture. Under full international view there was a growing threat from the Turkish government over Kurdish ambitions at the dawn of their new era, Kurds could ill-afford not to present a united front. A united front was encouraged by the US, with strong ties and a reliance on Iraqi Kurds, as their Iraqi adventure was soon derailed.