'Founding Leader'—what is he founding?!

The events that erupted in California against irregular migration policies in the US have greatly pleased members of the MHP.

The reason for this joy is that Bahçeli had already warned the US back in 2017, saying, “The US, which hosts discord in our region, what will it say to the search for independence that may arise in its own states in the future? For example, if California’s demands for secession become concrete, what will the US do?”

Since this warning, which did not make much noise at the time, coincides with what is happening now, praise has been showered upon Bahçeli, saying, “Wisdom is to see behind the mountain, intelligence is to know what is to come... What he said is coming true.”

Is that all? The very important warnings Bahçeli made in the past, especially regarding our region, are also coming to life. And with his own shocking contributions to boot!..

THE US'S ''KURDISTAN'' PLAN 

Before recalling one of those warnings from Bahçeli, let us summarize the developments in Barzanistan that have gone unnoticed because all attention is focused on the Syrian PKK within the scope of a “terror-free Turkey.”

About twenty days ago, Mike Pompeo, the former CIA director who served as Secretary of State during Trump’s first term, shared the details of the “Kurdistan” plan and, while stating that the US should provide more support to the “Kurdistan region,” emphasized the following:

- “The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) alone holds an estimated 45 billion barrels of oil, equivalent to about one-third of Iraq’s total reserves. It is also home to large natural gas fields and valuable mineral deposits that have not yet been fully exploited due to political constraints. If given economic freedom, Kurdistan could rapidly transform into a self-sufficient partner and strengthen the US’s strategic position without depleting our resources.”

- “Now, in this critical period, the US must make the Kurds a part of its regional strategy. The US must strongly oppose regional initiatives that seek to undermine the Kurds’ efforts at self-governance.”

- “The US must respect the legitimacy of the independence referendum held in Kurdistan in 2017... At that time, the US placed Iraq’s artificial stability ahead of the desires of the Kurdish people. This is a mistake that must now be corrected... The US should support a peaceful, negotiated process of autonomy and independence with the Kurds. This long-term goal must be pursued through diplomatic channels to avoid leading to new conflicts, but it is a valuable goal in terms of American interests.”

- “Dialogue should be entered into with Turkey, which hosts a large Kurdish population, by emphasizing the strategic benefits of a more independent Kurdistan and the end of its ongoing insurgencies.”

The reason for these statements by Pompeo was the visit of Barzanistan Prime Minister Masrour Barzani to the US. At that time, Ahmet Davutoğlu, whom Bahçeli nicknamed “Serok Ahmet,” was also explaining the new opening to the Barzanis in northern Iraq, who are neck-deep in the process!..

What happened during Masrour Barzani’s US tour?

Meanwhile, at a meeting of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee, the situation in Iraq, the “role of the Kurdistan region,” and the influence of Iran were being discussed. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that “the autonomy of the Kurdistan region is a ‘key element’ in America’s approach to Iraq” and reported that Iran was trying to block oil agreements there.

In the meantime, they had already signed two major energy agreements with Masrour Barzani with a total value of 110 billion dollars.

Following the meetings, Masrour Barzani said, “We heard the support of President Trump’s administration. They expressed that they are ready to both support these agreements and maintain relations at every level.” and while saying, “Our Peshmerga fought shoulder to shoulder with the Americans against terrorism. We are a friendly and reliable ally,” the Baghdad administration announced that it rejected the agreements on the grounds that they were not legal. Masrour Barzani, while defending that the agreements were legal, made the statement, “Federalism is the best system for Iraq, but it is not being fully implemented. The Constitution must be respected.” In the meantime, he also touched upon Masoud Barzani’s efforts to unite the Kurdish parties in Syria and spoke as follows:

“A unified Kurdish front will be stronger in negotiations with Damascus... Federalism in Iraq has remained on paper. The viability of a similar system in Syria depends on the negotiations between Damascus and the Kurds.”

Returning to the agreements between the US and Barzanistan; while the Iraqi central administration softened its objections, Barzanistan officials emphasized that Baghdad was not fulfilling its financial obligations and that these agreements were a strategic step not only in terms of economics but also in terms of “political autonomy”...

Some Republican members of the US House of Representatives called for sanctions on Iraq, alleging that it had “become a puppet of Iran”...

In the “productive” meeting held between Nechirvan Barzani and US Secretary of State Rubio, “developments in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the wider region” were discussed. Prior to this, Barzani met with Kevin Leahy, Commander of the International Coalition Against ISIS, and the US Consul in Erbil. The meeting focused on reform efforts in the Ministry of Peshmerga as well as the security situation in Iraq and Syria...

Afterwards, the Iraqi Ministry of Oil filed a lawsuit due to the agreements Barzanistan signed with US companies... Consequently, a crisis erupted between Baghdad and Erbil due to the non-payment of civil servant salaries. 43 political parties in the Barzanistan region held a meeting and reacted to Baghdad... Masoud Barzani warned, “The only way to overcome the crises in Iraq is for all parties to act within the framework of mutual respect and cooperation based on the constitution.” KDP Politburo member Hoshyar Zebari claimed that “the salary embargo on Kurdistan is a political and planned decision” and said, “This will have consequences.” The Governor of Sulaymaniyah decided that no ceremonies would be held during Eid al-Adha as a reaction... It was reported that the International Coalition forces against ISIS, which plan to withdraw from Iraq, will settle in the “Kurdistan region” at the end of September... The International Coalition provided the May payments for the personnel of the Barzanistan Ministry of Peshmerga... The Barzani Charity Foundation submitted a report to UN Secretary-General Guterres, complaining that “the Iraqi government uses salaries as a political tool and has not implemented the Constitution for 10 years.” General Erik Kurilla, Commander of CENTCOM, the patron of the PKK in Syria, also argued that Baghdad’s stance stemmed from Iranian influence...

Finally, Trump decided to evacuate the US Embassy in Baghdad on the grounds that “the region could become a dangerous place”...

Yes, the decision in question has to do with the step-by-step approaching Iran operation of Israel and the US... But, let us ask, “Are there other goals involved as well?” and come to the predictions or warnings of MHP Leader Devlet Bahçeli in 2017.

BAHÇELİ WARNED FOR YEARS

When the referendum, which former CIA Director and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said “the legitimacy of the independence referendum held in Kurdistan in 2017 should be respected,” took place during Trump’s first term, Bahçeli stated that “a vandal trap was set against Turkey and the countries of the region” and that “the maps drawn at the table a century ago are now wanted to be updated,” and then drew attention to the following for years:

- “It should be known that the September 25 referendum is the preliminary work, preparation, and front door of a great four-part Kurdistan.”

- “Barzani’s September 25 conspiracy is an attempt to revive Sèvres. This conspiracy is a test to partition Turkey and neighboring countries.”

- “The Trump administration is not questioning Barzani’s pirate referendum in terms of legitimacy, it only finds it untimely. The US has never told Barzani not to hold the referendum... The White House administration has acted ambiguously and hypocritically... Those who push Barzani from behind, those who encourage him, are the dark faces around Trump.”

- “Barzani’s passion for independence, if there is no other calculation and preparation behind it, has been put on hold for now and out of necessity, it has been shelved.”

- “Barzani’s departure will not mean that regional calculations and plans have been postponed, or even completely shelved.”

- “Those who arm the PYD in northern Syria, those who encourage Barzani for a so-called independence referendum in northern Iraq, and those who protect the PKK in Turkey have also targeted Iran.”

THE POINT REACHED: ESTABLISHING A GREAT KURDISTAN IN İMRALI 

I wonder if MHP members are happy that these warnings of Bahçeli are also coming true one by one—after the İmralı opening he initiated himself?

Didn’t terrorist leader Öcalan, whom Bahçeli now calls a “founding leader,” also say the following in the article titled “Perspective” that he sent to the PKK’s so-called congress?

“My belief and hope for success are high. Achieving this will lead to important successes not only for the Kurds and Kurdistan but also for the region. A success to be achieved here will also reflect on Syria, Iran, and Iraq... Regional confederalism is coming to the fore as an absolute necessity. The antidote to the Israel-Palestine conflict, sectarian conflicts, and nation-state contradictions is democratic confederalism.”

While the PKK, which supposedly decided to lay down its arms, has not handed over a single pistol, the final point reached is this:

DEM Spokesperson Ayşegül Doğan not only confirmed the terrorist leader’s “perspective” text, but said, “It is highly probable that Mr. Öcalan will also meet with representatives of different political parties. Considering the scope and weight of the issue, we think it would be beneficial for Mr. Öcalan to meet with Mr. Masoud Barzani, Mr. Nechirvan Barzani, Mr. Mazloum Abdi, and Mr. Qubad and Bafel Talabani. We also know that he wants to hold these meetings... This is also Mr. Öcalan’s wish. We also think it would be beneficial for many reasons. It is very valuable for him to come together with leaders from different political parties and important figures. It is also necessary for the upcoming process,” is that so?!

You might as well have announced that the “four-part great Kurdistan,” or rather “Greater Israel,” will be established in İmralı!..

Müyesser YILDIZ

June 13, 2025