Is Barzani Assuming Talabani's Role As Mediator in Iraq?
Kurdistan Region President Massoud Barzani has taken up the roles of both broker and mediator in Iraqi politics given Iraqi President Jalal Talabani's absence, in the midst of a tense situation in the country, writes Abdel Hamid Zebari.
Despite lingering and tense disputes with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki over the Iraqi budget and the oil law, Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani is increasingly perceived as taking up the mantle of mediator while Iraqi President Jalal Talabani remains outside Iraq because of health issues.
Following Barzani's return from his European tour at the end of last week, a series of meetings has been held in the region between Kurdish factions under Barzani’s supervision and Iraqi parties who have visited him in the last few days.
