The Washington Times Highlights President Barzani & Peshmerga

The Washington Times Publishes a Special Analysis on President Barzani’s Historic Struggle and the Nationalization of the Peshmerga

The renowned American newspaper The Washington Times has published an extensive article and analysis in a special section regarding the historical turning point of the Peshmerga forces and the role of President Masoud Barzani. The report highlights that the Kurdistan Region’s recent efforts toward the complete nationalization and unification of the Peshmerga under a single command are not merely ordinary steps, but a historic achievement and a decisive phase in President Barzani’s political and military life after more than 60 years of struggle in the ranks of the Peshmerga.

The piece was published in early October 2026 in The Washington Times—one of the prominent newspapers in the U.S. capital—in the special and sponsored pages section under the headline: “Why President Barzani Deserves Recognition at This Historic Moment.”

This analysis was written by author and journalist Rahim Rashidi, widely known as “Mr. Kurd,” who serves as the Head of the International Relations Office of the Kurdistani Diaspora Confederation and the Washington Bureau Chief for Kurdistan24.

Accompanying the report is a historical photograph of President Barzani dating back to November 13, 2015, when he announced the complete liberation of Sinjar from ISIS terrorists during a press conference atop Mount Sinjar overlooking the city. This serves as visual evidence of President Barzani’s direct presence on the front lines of national defense.

The publication of this article in The Washington Timescarries several specific messages and profound significance. Notably, the newspaper boasts a large readership among members of Congress, the Pentagon, the White House, and decision-making centers in Washington. Highlighting the Peshmerga file at this juncture reaffirms the status of the Kurdistan Region as a primary Western ally in the Middle East.

Simultaneously, it serves as a message to diplomatic circles that, unlike other illegal armed groups and militias in Iraq, the Peshmerga forces have transitioned from a partisan phase toward an organized national army, remaining bound solely by the law and legitimate institutions. Furthermore, it showcases President Barzani’s standing as a historic and strategic leader who—even by the acknowledgment of U.S. congressmen, generals, and senior politicians—has been able to make decisive choices during major crises.

In the article, the author points out that President Barzani took up arms as a Peshmerga at the age of 16, and today, at 80 years old, he is witnessing the greatest turning point of his life: transforming the Peshmerga forces into a modern, unified national army free from partisan dominance. The Peshmerga is not merely a military unit; it is an integral part of the Kurdish national identity and dignity. Strengthening this force directly translates to safeguarding the survival and stability of the Kurdistan Region.

The article also discusses how unifying the chain of command, ensuring financial and administrative transparency, and separating military forces from political conflicts will strengthen Erbil’s standing vis-à-vis Baghdad. Moreover, it will elevate military coordination between the Region and the United States into a long-term, institutionalized phase.

The divided structure of the Peshmerga forces after 1991 was a historical legacy and the product of internal conflicts. However, a major turning point occurred in 2014 during the ISIS attacks on Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. By order of President Barzani, all partisan flags and symbols were removed from the trenches, leaving solely the Kurdistan flag. This marked the beginning of true rapprochement and unification of the Peshmerga on the defense frontlines. Since then, the U.S. Department of Defense and coalition allies have continuously supervised the reform and unification project of Unit 70 and Unit 80 commands under the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs, ensuring that a modern, unified force represents the defense of Kurdistan.