MOST AMERICANS DON’T KNOW MUCH ABOUT KURDISTAN. There is a misconception we are a savage mountain people and that all we do is fight. Real Kurds, however, are tenacious, hardworking and proud of their identity. We have overcome savage persecution and genocide. All we want is to live in peace and get on with our political and economic development.
HAS YOUR STRONG RELATIONSHIP WITH THE U.S. CHANGED WITH OBAMA?
Many in the new administration wanted to prioritize other issues.
Now they are forced to come back to dealing with Iraq.
HOW DOES THIS CONCERN YOU?
Our horrible history [suggests that] the only way we can survive is by being strongly allied to a major power like the United States.
WHY SHOULD AMERICANS CARE ABOUT KURDISTAN?
We have much to offer, as we are an emerging democratic society in the heart of the Middle East and a leading component in a democratic Iraq.
IT’S AMAZING THAT YOU’VE BEEN A DIPLOMAT SINCE YOU WERE 22.
After ten years in office I am becoming the “old man” of the diplomatic corps!
YOU WANTED TO BE A MASERATI AND LANCIA MECHANIC. WHAT HAPPENED?
I have a degree in automotive engineering, but like most Kurds I ended up in politics.
