Peregraf
Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), stated that while European nations would welcome Kurdish gas as an alternative to Russian supplies, the region's output cannot fully replace Moscow's exports. Speaking at the Delphi Economic Forum, Talabani noted that Kurdish gas could instead bolster domestic development, meet local energy demands, and aid environmental protection efforts before being considered for wider export.
On the topic of oil, Talabani acknowledged its dwindling future, calling it a finite resource that has historically enriched nations. He pointed to a shift in economic terminology, remarking, "They used to call it the 'Dutch disease,' now they call it the 'Kurdish disease'—the 'Dutch disease' no longer exists." The reference alludes to the economic paradox where heavy reliance on natural resource exports weakens other sectors, a challenge now facing Kurdistan.
Talabani emphasized that while the KRG aims to support Iraq’s energy needs, Kurdish gas alone cannot fill the void left by Russian supplies in Europe. His comments highlight the region’s cautious approach to resource management amid global energy shifts and domestic economic pressures.
The Kurdistan Region of Iraq has long been entangled in issues surrounding the exploitation and mismanagement of its natural resources, particularly oil. Despite possessing significant reserves, the region has faced growing criticism for widespread corruption, opaque oil contracts, and the persistent smuggling of crude oil across borders. These illicit activities have reportedly involved powerful political and economic elites, undermining public trust and depriving the government of crucial revenue.
One of the most pressing consequences of this mismanagement has been the KRG's repeated failure to pay public sector employees on time. Many teachers, civil servants, and healthcare workers have gone months without salaries, sparking public protests and mounting frustration across the region. Critics argue that despite consistent oil revenues, a lack of transparency and systemic corruption has led to a financial crisis affecting the region’s most vital services.
International and local observers have frequently pointed out the absence of accountability in oil-related dealings, where profits often fail to benefit the wider population. Instead, they are seen to support a small circle of political and business elites. The term “Kurdish disease,” echoed by Deputy PM Qubad Talabani, captures the essence of this phenomenon: a modern variant of the "Dutch disease," where over-reliance on resource wealth damages other economic sectors and fosters a culture of dependency, misgovernance, and inequality.
Talabani’s recent remarks underscore the internal contradictions facing the Kurdistan Region—despite having the potential to contribute meaningfully to global and national energy markets, mismanagement at home continues to impede economic stability and social development.