{"id":12633,"date":"2025-10-30T21:31:22","date_gmt":"2025-10-30T18:31:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bayancenter.org\/en\/?p=12633"},"modified":"2025-10-30T21:31:22","modified_gmt":"2025-10-30T18:31:22","slug":"al-bayan-center-participates-in-the-vision-forum-in-sulaymaniyah-to-discuss-the-future-of-federalism-and-decentralization-in-iraq","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bayancenter.org\/en\/2025\/10\/12633\/","title":{"rendered":"Al-Bayan Center Participates in the Vision Forum in Sulaymaniyah to Discuss the Future of Federalism and Decentralization in Iraq"},"content":{"rendered":"

Al-Bayan Center for Studies and Planning participated in the \u201cVision Forum\u201d organized by the Vision Foundation for Strategic Studies in the city of Sulaymaniyah, held under the title: \u201cTwenty Years After the Approval of the Constitution\u2026 Where Do We Stand on Federalism and Decentralization in Iraq?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

The Center was represented at the forum by the Head of the Research Department, Mustafa Al-Saray, who delivered a presentation during the session entitled: \u201cFrom Dispute to Partnership: An Analytical Approach to Developing the Federal System in the Context of Democratic Transformation.\u201d<\/em> He emphasized a number of key points related to the reality of federalism in Iraq and the challenges of its implementation.<\/p>\n

Al-Saray explained that federalism in Iraq has shifted, as a result of political disputes, from a constitutional and institutional system to an identity-based and political conflict. He noted that although the Constitution laid the foundations for federalism, the practical application has produced a model different from what is stipulated therein.<\/p>\n

He clarified that this shift has created a structural dilemma in dealing with the federal system. While Baghdad views federalism as a means to share power, diversify resources, and distribute roles in a manner that preserves state unity, the Region views it as a mechanism to safeguard its own political and economic gains and objectives.<\/p>\n

Al-Saray pointed out that these differing approaches have produced a complex triad within the structure of federalism, consisting of: an identity-based vision, a strategic objective, and partial reform measures \u2014 emphasizing that any solution must be grounded in these three dimensions.<\/p>\n

He proposed a set of steps and measures to address the existing challenges, most notably: redefining the relationship between Baghdad and the Region, and determining whether it is one of cooperation, partnership, or integration; enacting legislation that aligns with the requirements of the federal system; maintaining dialogue through a high-level federal committee comprising representatives of both sides to follow up on contentious issues in areas such as education, health, and resources; implementing clear economic reforms to strengthen the concept of \u201ceconomic federalism\u201d; the necessity of legislating the Law of the Federation Council and forming it in accordance with what is stipulated in the Constitution; and introducing constitutionally grounded amendments that are agreed upon politically and socially, stemming from long-term dialogue. He also stressed the importance of supporting economic integration projects \u2014 particularly the \u201cDevelopment Road\u201d \u2014 as a model that can enhance interconnectedness and shared benefits. Additionally, promoting a culture of political partnership through academic and cultural elites and civil society organizations, alongside political elites, is essential.<\/p>\n

In concluding his remarks, Al-Saray underscored the need to clearly redefine the relationship between the Region and Baghdad, asking: Are we thinking in terms of two states, or a genuine federal relationship?<\/em> He affirmed that federalism today suffers from administrative issues, and that any alternative to it is limited to three options: two states, a confederation, or a return to centralization \u2014 options that are not supported collectively by political forces, particularly the Shi\u2018a or the Sunnis.<\/p>\n

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