Barzani’s resignation seen as a ‘political maneuver’

As chaos in northern Iraq continues to deepen following Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) leader Masoud Barzani’s decision to resign on Nov. 1, political maneuvers have begun in earnest amid talks of Barzani’s nephew’s plans to succeed him.

Barzani announced Sunday he will not participate in the upcoming Nov. 1 presidential elections, after he became a “persona non grata” in the region following the illegal Sept. 25 referendum.

In a letter read out on his behalf during the regional government's parliamentary session, Barzani said: "I am the same Masoud Barzani, I am a Peshmerga and will continue to help my people in their struggle for independence.”

He also stated that he would not seek an extension to his presidency “under any conditions” and asked members to take measures to fill the resulting power vacuum.

Despite Barzani’s resignation being adopted by a parliamentarian majority, the move has been seen by many as a mere “political maneuver,” amid talks of a power transfer to Nechirvan Idris Barzani, Masoud Barzani’s nephew, which will alleviate tensions and enable to him to rule the region from behind the scenes.

In a televised speech, Barzani condemned the U.S. for not informing the KRG of the planned attack on Kirkuk by the Iraqi Central Government, saying, “The event that transpired in Kirkuk on the night of Oct. 16 was high treason. Kirkuk was handed over and a dagger was driven in the backs of both our people and the Peshmerga. What also surprised us was those who are listed by the U.S. as terrorists were using American Abrams tanks against us in front of American eyes, attacking the Peshmerga.”

A U.S. State Department spokesperson responded to Barzani’s comments by saying: “I would refer you to Kurdistan officials for information on President Barzani. Also, we are not going to get into any private diplomatic discussions.”