By: Dr. Adnan Bozan

The Kurdish political landscape is plagued by chronic fragmentation, with Kurdish parties and politicians lacking the ability to unite under a single political vision or even within a single negotiating delegation in regional and international forums. This phenomenon is not merely a reflection of natural political differences; rather, it is a manifestation of a deep structural crisis in Kurdish political thought and practice. As a result, Kurdish actors often become hostages to external agendas instead of independent agents working towards higher Kurdish interests.

I. Structural Causes of Kurdish Disunity 

1. Ideological and Historical Rivalries Among Kurdish Parties 

Kurdish parties emerged within different political contexts, adopting divergent ideologies ranging from nationalism and leftism to Islamism and liberalism. Over time, these ideological differences have evolved into the foundations of partisan conflicts rather than serving as a source of diversity enriching the political landscape. Additionally, the historical roots of disputes—especially among parties with influence in Iraq, Syria, Turkey, and Iran—have made it difficult to establish strategic understandings. 

2. Lack of Institutionalization and the Monopoly of Political Decision-Making

Most Kurdish parties suffer from the dominance of charismatic leaders who exercise unilateral control over political decisions, leaving little room for the emergence of new political elites capable of bridging divisions. This dominance has weakened institutional structures within Kurdish parties and made any attempts at unity contingent upon narrow personal or partisan interests.

3. Regional and International Interventions 

External influences are one of the primary reasons behind the failure of Kurdish unification, as regional and international powers seek to use Kurdish parties as tools for their own interests, further deepening divisions. Instead of formulating an independent Kurdish agenda, many parties find themselves orbiting around the interests of external actors, whether regional states like Turkey and Iran or global powers such as the United States and Russia.

4. Lack of Trust Among Kurdish Factions

The history of Kurdish politics is filled with conflicts and mutual accusations among various parties, sometimes escalating into armed confrontations, as seen in the 1990s clashes between the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) in Iraqi Kurdistan. These conflicts have left deep psychological scars, making any attempt at unity collide with a wall of distrust.

II. Consequences of Kurdish Disunity on the Kurdish Cause

1. Weakening the Kurdish Negotiating Position 

When Kurdish factions enter international and regional negotiations with conflicting positions, they lose the ability to impose their demands or achieve tangible gains. Instead of presenting a strong and unified voice, the political stage becomes open for external actors to exploit Kurdish divisions for their own benefit. 

2. Persistent Dependence on External Powers 

Due to the lack of unity, Kurdish leaders often find themselves in constant need of an external mediator to reconcile their differences. Ironically, these mediators do not seek to serve Kurdish interests but rather use the Kurdish issue as a bargaining chip to further their own geopolitical goals. This has been evident in multiple historical instances, from the 1975 Algiers Agreement to U.S. interventions in Kurdish affairs in Iraq and Syria.

3. Loss of Popular Legitimacy

With internal conflicts escalating, Kurdish politicians are losing the trust of their popular base, which increasingly perceives these parties as pursuing narrow self-interests rather than a collective Kurdish national project. This disconnect between leadership and the people further weakens the ability of Kurds to form a unified political pressure bloc.

III. Is There a Path to Kurdish Unity?

Despite the grim reality, there are genuine opportunities for unity—but they require a strong political will. The key steps to overcoming this crisis include: 

1. Launching a Comprehensive Kurdish National Dialogue o Bringing together all political factions to develop a unified vision beyond partisan interests. 

2. Strengthening Democratic Institutions Within Kurdish Parties

o Ensuring power-sharing and the emergence of new political elites.

3. Establishing a Unified Political Authority

o A representative body for Kurds in international forums, similar to the Palestinian National Council in the past. 

4. Minimizing External Interventions 

o Developing an independent Kurdish strategy based on Kurdish national interests first and foremost. 

Conclusion 

The fundamental question remains: Can the Kurds overcome their internal divisions before it is too late, or will their fate remain tied to external agendas? Ultimately, Kurdish unity is not a luxury but an existential necessity. Continued fragmentation means perpetual dependency and the loss of any real opportunity to build a future that fulfills the Kurdish people's national aspirations.