The International Relations and Diplomacy Department, Faculty of Administrative Sciences and Economics at Tishk International University, organised a National Workshop on Intra-Kurdish Politics in Iraq on December 5th, 2022. The workshop hosted two distinguished speakers, Mr. Ari Nanakali, a member of the Central Committee of the Kurdistan Democratic Party and Dr. Mohammad Salih Mustafa, the Head of the IRD Department. The workshop began with a welcome address delivered by Dr. Idris Hadi Salih, the Head of the Board of Trustees, TIU. The first speaker, Mr. Ari Nanakali, took the participants through the three (3) phases of the Kurdish liberation movement up to today, where democratic institutions developed. The second speaker, Dr. Mohammad Salih Mustafa, explained the current state of Intra-Kurdish Politics in Iraq, challenges and the way forward, where he gave the following relevant recommendations:

• The need to work towards preparation for a two-party system.
• The institutionalisation of the state apparatus and giving the fundamental role to the state and political parties, given their primacy in the protection and promotion of the welfare of the people.

• Finalising the Constitution of the Region, given the safeguards and modus operandi, would provide for both the government and the governed, hence, enhancing good democratic governance.

• Not delaying the general election for any reason.

A Q & A session followed, in which participants, including students, academics and political figures across the political spectrum, enriched the workshop theme by raising relevant questions, criticism and thoughts, and both speakers responded adequately and convincingly to them.

Finally, the President of Tishk International University, Dr. Abdulsamad S. Ahmad, issued certificates of appreciation to the two distinguished speakers. In contrast, Mr. Othman Salih issued a certificate of appreciation to the moderator, Mr. Firsat Shakur Omer.