“We recognize that Iraq is one of the few places with potential for progress and stability, unlike other countries in the region. That’s why Iraq’s development requires strong support. I believe that much of this progress depends on the role of the Kurds in the Kurdish regions of Iraqi Kurdistan, which is a key stabilizing force in federal, multiethnic Iraq,” Jurgen Hardt, a member of the Bundestag and foreign policy spokesperson for the Christian Democratic Union of Germany (CDU), told Rudaw.
Hardt said that Berlin is in constant coordination with Erbil to provide support and is ready to play a “leading role” in Iraq’s development, particularly with respect to its economy. He labeled the CDU’s relations with Kurds as “historic.”
“Our party indeed has a historic relationship with the Kurds in Iraq. I myself have been there, and I am in continuous contact with the Region’s political leaders and democratic representatives,” he said. “I think it is vital for the Kurdistan Region to serve as a model which could have a stabilizing influence on all of Iraq.”
He also stressed the importance of not dragging Iraq into regional conflicts, with tensions high over a year after the outbreak of the war in Gaza.
“What is happening is a huge burden for Iraq. I can honestly say that Iranian missiles are flying over Iraqi territory towards Israel or elsewhere every single day. This is a huge burden and a flagrant violation of Iraqi sovereignty,” Hardt said.
German forces in Iraq have served as part of a United States-led international coalition against the Islamic State (ISIS), supporting Iraqi forces and the Kurdish Peshmerga. German troops are also in Iraq as part of NATO’s mission, which focuses on security sector reforms.
Last month, the Bundestag overwhelmingly voted in favor of extending Berlin’s mission in Iraq for another 15 months, until the end of January 2026.
In addition to training and logistical support, weapons provided by Germany, especially the guided anti-tank MILAN missiles, have been essential to Peshmerga forces’ fight against ISIS.
Alla Shally contributed to this report.
