Opinion

Understanding the meaning of Political Philosophy in the Kurdistan Region

Wissam Massify

Nov. 09, 2024 • 3 min read
Image of Understanding the meaning of Political Philosophy in the Kurdistan Region Kurdistan Region administration map. Photo: KRG

Unfortunately, up until now some individuals lead big parties in Iraq and specifically in the Kurdistan Region with basic or limited understanding of political philosophy and express that to their audience through an attitude unbecoming of their status

 

Philosophy and politics are closely correlated fields. At this point, philosophy asks for essential reality inquiries, knowledge, and values, and these inquiries shape and organize how society should be, how force should be distributed, and how human activities will be guided through fairness and morals in their community.

 

Political philosophy is a field of philosophy that addresses theories of governance, rights, justice, and the nature of political commitment.

 

Moreover, politics and philosophy share some key aspects, for example theories of justice. Philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, John Rawls, and Amartya Sen have shaped our understanding of justice in society.

 

John Rawls’ main contributions to theory of justice were his idea of "justice as fairness" and his "veil of ignorance" thought experiment, which aimed to define the principles of justice that are fair to all society.

 

Unfortunately, up until now some individuals lead big parties in Iraq and specifically in the Kurdistan Region with basic or limited understanding of political philosophy and express that to their audience through an attitude unbecoming of their status.

 

In my perspective, politics is an art and science not screaming and using vulgar and offensive language in public without accounting for the values and traditions of the Kurdish community.

 

This transition period is deeply sensitive for our nation and country, and all parties must put aside their disagreement and look for prosperity and a bright future for future generations. Today is an era of technology and advancements; these leaders need to understand that it is not 1994 anymore and those mindsets are in need of drastic change.

 

It is clear that Iraq faces difficult challenges at this stage due to uncontrolled militia groups. We should take advantage of this, as it is a silver period for the Kurdish nation to improve their doctrine and rectify the mistakes of the past and focus on the how people are thriving in the Kurdistan Region after decades of hardship.

 

It is crucial to focus on the fields of agriculture and industry, encourage the youth, and open the closed doors for creativity. It is time to make the impossible possible.

 

Philosophy is not only books to serve the people who govern us and limit our power and enthusiasm, but it is about sharing ideas on how to make our nation more powerful, more influential, more creative, and one that can compete with other nations. We have been struggling and sacrificing for decades. We have a great reference and leader represented by his excellency President Masoud Barzani who is a symbol of the Kurdish nation.

 

Political philosophy frees your mindset and expands your horizons through teamwork, and cooperation, the understanding of which would lead to putting the right people in the right positions without accounting for nepotism. It is time to make these necessary changes for the sake of our future generations.

 

The views expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the position of The New Region

Profile picture of Wissam Massify
Author Wissam Massify

Wissam Massify has a Master’s degree in international law and diplomacy

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