Kurdish Policy Analysis

  Aziz Ahmad, deputy chief of staff to Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, on Sunday called on the federal government to lift the trade embargo imposed on the Kurdistan Region, warning that the restrictions have severely disrupted commerce, halted oil exports, and exacerbated economic and security challenges in the region. Ahmed emphasized that the KRG’s position has been consistent: there is only one request — lift the embargo enforced since January 1, which has effectively blocked formal bank transfers for imports. The embargo has forced businesses to rely on informal trade channels, with importers paying premiums of up to 15% on dollars. Commodity and food prices have risen across Iraq, while the KRG’s local non-oil revenues have declined, undermining its capacity to make the monthly salary transfers to public sector employees in the region. The official highlighted that Erbil has repeatedly offered solutions to Baghdad to safeguard national interests and maximize b...