Internal Challenges to the Role of Peshmerga Forces in the State Building Process in the Kurdistan Region after 2003

Abstract

The Peshmerga forces are regarded as the most significant contributors to the state-building process in the Kurdistan Region since 2003. Nonetheless, these forces have encountered various internal obstacles that negatively impacted their role in this process. Consequently, the study aimed to address a key question: What are the primary internal challenges that have influenced the role of the Peshmerga forces in the state-building process?This research intends to analyse and investigate the internal challenges and their implications for the Peshmerga forces within the framework of their participation in state-building in the Kurdistan Region. This study is qualitative and relied on a descriptive analytical approach to identify, describe, and analyse the problem. Various sources were used to gather information, including written materials such as reports, books, and academic journals in different languages, as well as official statements. alongside official statements. Furthermore, in-depth interviews were conducted with a selection of political figures and Peshmerga leaders. In conclusion, the study reached several findings. While theoretical perspectives generally coincide with the views of the majority of political leaders and military officials regarding the presence of political and institutional challenges and their effects on the Peshmerga's role in the state-building process, there are discrepancies concerning the extent and nature of these challenges’ impact on their ability to defend Kurdistan and its citizens. Although the economic and social challenges identified by researchers are acknowledged as real by the respondents, differences exist between theoretical viewpoints and practical assessments regarding their effects and strategies for addressing them. Theoretical perspectives stress the urgent need for comprehensive reforms across all dimensions of the Peshmerga forces, whereas practical views emphasize existing achievements and the capability to tackle challenges gradually without making dramatic changes.