The Reality of Iraq and Kurdistan: A Voice From Exile

Iraq is a broken country — not because of the people, but because of the ones in power. The politicians in Baghdad wear suits and speak of democracy, but they serve only themselves. They sit in mansions while the people live without clean water, electricity, or medicine. Hospitals are crumbling. Schools are abandoned. Workers go unpaid for months, even years. And still, those at the top grow richer.

The KDP and PUK pretend to be the protectors of the Kurdish people. They wave the flag, speak of martyrs, and call themselves leaders. But the truth is — they are thieves in suits, warlords in government buildings.

They have ruled Kurdistan for decades, not to serve, but to steal. Billions in oil revenue have disappeared while villages go dark, hospitals run out of supplies, and teachers wait months to be paid. Their children study in Europe. Ours sit in classrooms with no heat, no books, and no future.

They don’t just steal — they silence. Speak out, and they’ll call you a traitor. Post something critical on Facebook, and you could be arrested. Organise a protest, and you’ll be met with riot police, tear gas, or bullets.

Ask yourself: how many journalists have they jailed? How many activists have vanished? How many families have been punished because one member dared to raise their voice?

The KDP controls with fear. The PUK controls with spies. Together, they have created a system where loyalty is rewarded, truth is punished, and power stays in the hands of a few corrupt families.

They talk about independence, but they can’t even give us justice. They say they represent Kurdistan, but they only represent themselves.

We’ve had enough. Enough lies. Enough theft. Enough blood.