Iraq’s Future: Shiites and Sunnis Unite as Kurdish Parties Remain Divided

Reports 05:01 PM - 2025-11-24

Iraqi flag next to the Iraqi map.

As Iraq moves towards forming a new government, Shiite and Sunni political blocs have consolidated their positions, while Kurdish parties remain divided. The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) stresses that Kurdish unity is essential for safeguarding Kurdish rights and ensuring strong participation in Baghdad.

PUK Urges Dialogue and Unity

Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, stressed the need for dialogue and inclusive participation in the formation of the next Iraqi government.

“We need dialogue to form the new Iraqi government, and all parties must participate so that we can serve the people effectively. For this, we need unity, and the PUK is always ready for dialogue,” he said.

Pire: Kurds Must Go to Baghdad With a Unified Position

Saadi Ahmed Pire, member of the PUK Political Bureau, reaffirmed that Kurdish citizens expect their political leaders to visit Baghdad with a unified stance.

“People expect the Kurdish leadership to go to Baghdad with a unified stance in two stages: first at the level of all parties, and second at the level of the parties that won the elections,” he said.

Pire stressed: “It is important that the Kurds present their demands in Iraq as a unified package. More importantly, the PUK and the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) should work together to pass key legislation—particularly the budget law and the Kurdistan Region’s share of the federal budget—and to secure the financial entitlements of public employees. They must also ensure the implementation of Article 140, obtain the financial rights of the Peshmerga and the families of martyrs, and strengthen education for future generations. Only through unity can we achieve a stronger position in Baghdad.”

PUK: Kurdish Unity Is Essential for Political Strength

Dr Adalat Abdullah, Assistant to the Head of the PUK Media and Awareness Bureau, told PUKMEDIA that Iraqi political forces are already manoeuvring to secure maximum influence in the next government.

“Kurdish parties must take their own steps and strengthen the Kurdish position in the upcoming government. If the Kurds go to Baghdad united, their position will be stronger,” he said.

He stressed that the PUK has always acted as a national force supporting Kurdish cohesion in Baghdad and in Kurdish-majority areas outside the KRG’s administration.

“Unfortunately, a party such as the KDP has created obstacles and prevented Kurdish unity in Baghdad. It must take responsibility and stop causing damage to the Kurdish position,” he added.

Shiite and Sunni Blocs Move Forward

On 17 November 2025, members of the Coordination Framework — including Nuri al-Maliki, leader of the State of Law Coalition; Hadi al-Amiri, Secretary-General of the Badr Organisation; Faleh Fayaz, leader of the Ataa Coalition; Humam Hamoudi, Leader of the Islamic Supreme Council; Ammar al-Hakim, leader of the National Wisdom Movement; and Sadeh Al-Freji, Secretary General of the Alnahj National Alliance — met and agreed to form the largest parliamentary bloc in order to proceed with the formation of the new Iraqi government.

At the same time, Sunni parties have announced the establishment of the National Political Council, uniting their forces ahead of government negotiations.

Sunni parties — including the Progress Party, Azem Alliance, Sovereignty Alliance, the National Resolve Alliance, and the Al-Jamahir Party — met last night and formed the National Political Council to participate in the next Iraqi government.

As both Shiite and Sunni factions are seeking to consolidate their positions. However, the Kurdish bloc remains divided. The PUK has consistently sought to unite the Kurdish home front in Baghdad, believing that all Kurdish parties working together can achieve more for their people and safeguard their rights effectively.



PUKMEDIA