Anti-Iran Kurdish Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: We Want to Establish Independent State

A woman walks on the street, between banners supporting the referendum for independence of Kurdistan in Erbil, Iraq September 24, 2017. (Reuters)
A woman walks on the street, between banners supporting the referendum for independence of Kurdistan in Erbil, Iraq September 24, 2017. (Reuters)
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Anti-Iran Kurdish Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: We Want to Establish Independent State

A woman walks on the street, between banners supporting the referendum for independence of Kurdistan in Erbil, Iraq September 24, 2017. (Reuters)
A woman walks on the street, between banners supporting the referendum for independence of Kurdistan in Erbil, Iraq September 24, 2017. (Reuters)

Vice President of the anti-Iran Kurdistan Freedom Party and commander of the military wing of the party, Hussein Yazdan Bina declared that the fate of any future Kurdish state will be decided by the people through ballot boxes.

He told Asharq Al-Awsat that his party is seeking to follow in the footsteps of Qazi Muhammad, the Kurdish separatist leader who founded the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan and headed the short-lived Republic of Mahabad 73 years ago.

The Kurdistan Freedom Party had, along with the Kurdish Peshmerga forces, waged four years of war against the ISIS terrorist group in Iraq in defense of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. The party is led by the Muhammad’s oldest son, Ali. It controls the Kurdistan capital Erbil and has tightened its grip over the city after the redeployment of the Iran-backed Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). The Kurdish authorities in the autonomous have rejected repeated pressure from Tehran to expel the Freedom Party from the region.

Yazdan Bina spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat from Kirkuk city, saying that “Iran has failed in its pressure.”

“The balance of power has changed, as have political equations in the region,” he explained. “It is no longer in a position to dictate demands or exert pressure on the Kurdistan region.”

“The Iranian regime has become exhausted in its search for an exit to its crisis,” he added.

“Iran is unlike any other country in the world. It is a Persian empire that has been built at the expense of other peoples, such as Kurds, Arabs, Balochs and other minorities.”

“The Persians have been hostile to these communities, which are now beginning to reject their rule and are waiting for the right moment to liberate themselves from them,” Yazdan Bina said.

Moreover, he declared that the “empire” has become a major threat to regional and international peace and security.

“Tehran is expanding its hegemony in the region,” he warned. “Should Washington continue its pressure on Tehran and should it bolster its cooperation with the oppressed people, then they can rise up in the near future and liberate themselves.”

“The international community will also be rid of a regime that is the world’s greatest sponsor of terrorism,” he stressed.

Addressing US sanctions against Iran, Yazdan Bina said that they are tailored to ensure Washington’s interests in the region.

“American and western interests coincide with those of the Kurdish people in regards to combating global terrorism, cementing democracy in the region and weakening the Tehran regime,” he went on to say.

He noted that the American administration's declaration that it does not seek regime change in Iran has not really helped Tehran maintain its stability. He instead predicted that the regime will collapse “soon.”

“The regime’s reckless disregard of the sovereignty of regional countries and its arrogance may lead to a wide-scale war in the area. This may ultimately lead the US or even Israel to resort to military force because Iran is a great threat to Israel,” Yazdan Bina warned.

Asked if the Freedom Party would take part in any American military strike against Iran, he replied that the regime left the Kurds with no choice but to take up arms to fight for their legitimate rights.

Iran is the Kurds and democracy’s greatest enemy, he declared.

The party will support any political, military or economic effort aimed at overthrowing the regime, he vowed.



Nigeria Nears Military Agreements with Saudi Arabia to Boost Security, Combat Terrorism

Nigerian Minister of State and Saudi Deputy Defense Minister in Riyadh (SPA)
Nigerian Minister of State and Saudi Deputy Defense Minister in Riyadh (SPA)
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Nigeria Nears Military Agreements with Saudi Arabia to Boost Security, Combat Terrorism

Nigerian Minister of State and Saudi Deputy Defense Minister in Riyadh (SPA)
Nigerian Minister of State and Saudi Deputy Defense Minister in Riyadh (SPA)

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defense, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, told Asharq Al-Awsat that his country is close to signing military agreements with Saudi Arabia. These deals will include joint training, capacity-building programs, counterterrorism training, and intelligence sharing.

He said Nigeria is working to strengthen its strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia. “My visit focused on boosting military cooperation and ties with the Saudi Armed Forces,” he added after meeting Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman.

Matawalle said his country believes in Saudi Arabia’s role in promoting regional stability and global security. He noted that his visit aimed to explore new opportunities, share ideas, and strengthen cooperation to address common security threats.

Matawalle said the talks focused on boosting security ties, including counterterrorism training and intelligence sharing.

“We aim to solidify Nigeria’s partnership with Saudi Arabia and finalize agreements on joint training programs and capacity-building initiatives to strengthen our armed forces,” he said.

He also visited the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) headquarters in Riyadh, where he met Secretary-General Maj. Gen. Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi to discuss enhancing cooperation in security and counterterrorism with Saudi Arabia and other member states.

Counterterrorism Efforts

Nigeria has made strong progress in fighting terrorism, thanks to multi-faceted strategies, according to Matawalle. He pointed to the success of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, which has significantly reduced banditry in the northwest.

In the northeast, groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP have been largely defeated through Operation HADIN KAI, he said, crediting military action and international partnerships, including with Saudi Arabia, for improved intelligence and training.

Matawalle also praised a recent counterterrorism conference in Nigeria, calling it a vital step.

“It highlighted the importance of working together to tackle terrorism and strengthen regional security,” he said.

Matawalle said that the recent counterterrorism conference helped countries share strategies, intelligence, and best practices. He stressed the need for a united front against terrorist networks and highlighted the event’s role in boosting collaboration between African nations and global partners.

Matawalle added that the conference reinforced Nigeria’s leadership in regional security and the importance of partnerships like the one with the IMCTC.

Nigeria Calls for Stronger Arab-African Role in Regional Crises

Matawalle urged Arab-African nations to work together to stop the wars in Palestine and Lebanon. He called for collective action to push for a ceasefire and provide humanitarian aid to those affected.

He emphasized the need for Arab-African countries to use their influence in organizations like the UN and African Union to seek a fair resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

On Sudan’s crisis, Matawalle reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for peaceful solutions through inclusive dialogue. He stressed that clear mandates, logistical support, and collaboration with local stakeholders are essential for success.

“Nigeria is ready to work with regional and international partners to ensure peace initiatives succeed,” he said, highlighting Nigeria’s leadership roles in ECOWAS and the African Union. He also backed deploying mediators to secure ceasefires and deliver humanitarian aid.

Matawalle said deploying African forces in Sudan could succeed if efforts are well-coordinated, properly funded, and internationally supported.

He expressed optimism, pointing to growing agreement among African nations on the importance of African-led solutions. With backing from the African Union and global partners, he believes such initiatives could protect civilians and promote lasting stability.