Dabashan at the Centre of Regional Diplomacy as PUK Shapes a New Political Phase

Kurdistan 03:14 PM - 2026-02-25

Dabashan’s meeting between Bafel Jalal Talabani, Tom Barrack, and Mazloum Abdi.

Dabashan has once again become a hub for major meetings discussing Middle Eastern issues. The visit of US President's envoy, Tom Barrack to Sulaymaniyah clearly confirms that the United States now fully understands that the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) holds the key to resolving the Syrian and Iraqi crises.

Observers believe that the PUK's current approach—meeting with Barrack, holding talks with Mazloum Abdi, and engaging in dialogue with Baghdad—should become a permanent practice and a consistent standard. The PUK is the central force capable of maintaining this balance and leading Kurdish unity. Its history, vision, and current actions are shaping the future. Furthermore, today's and tomorrow's meetings not only form the basis for a new political phase for the PUK but also hold significant importance for the Kurds and the Kurdish liberation movement in the region.

Sulaymaniyah and Dabashan: Centers of Quiet Diplomacy

Latif Nerwayi, a member of the PUK’s Leadership Council, told PUKMEDIA that the meeting at Mam Jalal's residence and the joint meeting between President Bafel Talabani, Tom Barrack, and Mazloum Abdi carry multiple messages and implications. On one hand, it underscores the PUK's role in providing political and diplomatic support to strengthen and protect Rojava. On the other hand, it demonstrates that Sulaymaniyah and Dabashan have become centers of quiet and balanced diplomacy, contributing to accelerating the path to a solution.

He added that Barrack's presence in Sulaymaniyah and his meeting with President Bafel clearly indicate the role and wisdom of the PUK's young leadership at the Kurdistan, Iraqi, and regional levels in resolving political disputes. Furthermore, the presence of the US president's representative alongside a pivotal figure from the Middle East, a symbol of the fight against terrorism, and a defender of his people's just cause (Mazloum Abdi) is further evidence that the PUK, just as it was a key partner in the war against terrorism, is now playing a fundamental role in addressing issues, foremost among them the issue of Rojava.

He emphasised that Sulaymaniyah once again demonstrated Kurdish unity to the world, and that the results of the tripartite meeting spoke for themselves, as the images and smiles of the participants conveyed the message.

President Bafel Leads National Issues

Khdhir Mustafa, a member of the PUK's Leadership Council, told PUKMEDIA that Dabashan has always been a significant location where influential decisions are made at the local, regional, and even international levels. This is a continuation of the approach and policies of President Mam Jalal, who played this historic role.

He noted that President Bafel has played a crucial role in addressing regional issues and that he is currently leading national efforts toward fundamental solutions, continuing the same approach established by President Mam Jalal.

The PUK: A Stronghold of Support for Rojava

Salar Mahmoud, a member of the PUK's Leadership Council, told PUKMEDIA: "The world recognises that the PUK has stood as a stronghold of support for Rojava throughout its history, and that Rojava represents a strategic depth for the Kurdistan Region of Iraq."

He explained that the PUK has a distinguished historical record of supporting the Kurdish liberation movement in other parts of Kurdistan, while adhering to a policy of non-interference in internal affairs—an approach rooted in the political writings of President Mam Jalal.

Geopolitical Center Shifts from Baghdad and Damascus to Sulaymaniyah

Journalist Arslan Mahmoud told PUKMEDIA: "What happened in Dabashan was not an ordinary meeting. It brought together the US President's representative to Syria, the US Ambassador to Ankara, the US Ambassador to Baghdad, and the Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces around one table. This was not a coincidence; rather, it reflects the shift of the region's political centre of gravity for a few hours from Baghdad and Damascus to Sulaymaniyah." He pointed out that the passage of three months since the Iraqi elections without the formation of a new presidency or government, coupled with Erbil's preoccupation with its own internal affairs, has made Sulaymaniyah the link between the Iraqi and Syrian issues and the Kurdish question. He added that the meetings of February 24, 2026, proved that Washington has fully grasped this reality.

The Kurds constitute a fundamental element of stability in the Middle East and have made significant sacrifices in confronting terrorism, particularly the threats posed by al-Qaeda and later ISIS. In light of the ongoing transformations in the region, the need for unity is paramount to safeguard gains and prepare for all future eventualities.


PUKMEDIA