Masoud Barzani portrait

Masoud Barzani

Quick Facts

  • Region: Mahabad (historic Kurdistan, now Iran)
  • Born: August 16, 1946, Mahabad (Republic of Kurdistan)
  • Died: Living
  • Known for: President of the Kurdistan Region, leader of the KDP

Overview

Masoud Barzani is a Kurdish politician who has led the Kurdistan Democratic Party since 1979. He served as President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq from 2005 to 2017.

His tenure coincided with the consolidation of Kurdish self-rule in northern Iraq and major political developments after the fall of Saddam Hussein.

Life and Leadership

Born during the brief existence of the Republic of Mahabad, Barzani inherited a prominent role in Kurdish politics from his father, Mustafa Barzani. He later guided the KDP through civil conflict and the post-2003 political order.

Legacy

Barzani remains an influential figure in Kurdish politics, particularly within the Kurdistan Region and the KDP.

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