ERBIL () — US Special Presidential Envoy to Iraq and Syria Tom Barrack said Wednesday that a new opportunity has emerged to address the complex issues between the Kurdistan Region and Iraq’s federal government, stressing that both sides are currently working in coordination but that resolving outstanding disputes will take time.
In an exclusive statement to on Wednesday, Barrack said Kurdistan Region authorities and Baghdad are now working together in a coordinated manner, creating an opportunity to make progress on longstanding disputes between the two sides.
He acknowledged, however, that the issues separating Erbil and Baghdad are complex and cannot be resolved immediately.
“An opportunity has emerged to resolve the complicated issues between Erbil and Baghdad,” Barrack said, adding that the current coordination between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government provides a basis for addressing the outstanding files.
Regarding the broader relationship between Erbil and Baghdad, Barrack said there had been instances in the past in which constitutional obligations were not fully respected.
He said the parties should now focus on the responsibilities they are required to fulfill, with each side expected to implement its respective commitments.
The remarks come as the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) continues negotiations with Baghdad over several longstanding issues, including the Region’s financial entitlements, the federal budget, oil exports and the implementation of agreements between the two sides.
Recent KRG discussions with Iraq’s Finance, Oil and Planning ministries have also focused on the draft 2027 federal budget and the Region’s constitutional financial rights.
Barrack also addressed developments in Syria, describing the changes that have taken place there as an “incredible achievement” and a “miracle.”
He said Syria had moved from the destruction and turmoil of the Bashar al-Assad era into a new phase, pointing to the country’s ongoing political transition.
Speaking about Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Barrack described him as “a calm, courageous and statesmanlike person.”
The US envoy said Syria now has new leadership and emphasized the importance of understanding, coexistence and reconciliation as essential steps toward moving the country forward.
His comments come as Washington continues to engage with Syria’s new authorities and Kurdish-led forces over the country’s political and security arrangements.
The United States has also been involved in efforts to advance an agreement between Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces on integrating their forces and resolving outstanding disputes.
