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Daqti: The Kurdistan Regional Government Does Not Want Religion to Enter Politics

Jan 27, 2026 January 27, 2026 1 min read 📰 Radio Farda
📋 Key Takeaway

Reza Daqti, an Iranian journalist, reports on the positive atmosphere in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq during the recent referendum, highlighting the people's desire for autonomy away from Iranian influence. He notes that the Kurdistan Regional Government aims to keep religion separate from governance, which reflects a significant political stance in the region. This situation is crucial as it showcases the aspirations of the Kurdish people amidst regional tensions.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: The Kurdish people's aspirations for autonomy and secular governance pose a challenge to Iranian influence in Iraq.

👥 Key Players

Reza Daqti MENTIONED
Iranian photojournalist
"Daqti provides insights into the political and social climate in the Kurdistan Region, reflecting broader sentiments against Iranian influence."
Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) MENTIONED
Governing body of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq
"The KRG plays a crucial role in the political landscape of Iraq and its relationship with Iran, advocating for autonomy and secular governance."

📰 What Happened

Reza Daqti reported on the positive atmosphere in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq during a recent referendum, highlighting the people's desire for autonomy from Iranian influence. He noted that the KRG aims to keep religion out of politics, which resonates with the local population's aspirations.

  • Daqti observed a strong desire among the people in Kirkuk and Erbil for autonomy and freedom from dictatorship.
  • Many Arabs in Kirkuk expressed a willingness to be part of the Kurdistan Region while rejecting the rule of Iran's Shiite Islamic government.

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: The situation highlights the challenges Iran faces in exerting influence over Iraq, especially in regions seeking greater autonomy.
🌍 Regional: It underscores the ongoing struggle for Kurdish autonomy and the potential for increased tensions between different ethnic and political groups in Iraq.
🌐 International: The international community may view the KRG's stance as a model for secular governance in contrast to Iran's theocratic model, influencing foreign policy decisions.

📚 Background

The Kurdistan Region has a history of seeking autonomy from Baghdad and resisting Iranian influence, which is significant given the complex ethnic and political dynamics in Iraq.

Kurdish independence movements Iran-Iraq relations
📡 Source: NEUTRAL
📊 Confidence: 70%
Radio Farda is known for providing independent news coverage, particularly on issues related to Iran and its neighboring regions.

Reza Daqti, a prominent Iranian photojournalist, recently traveled to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq to take photographs and report on the situation during the referendum. In an interview with Radio Farda in Erbil, he was first asked about the status of the region in northern Iraq and the mood of the people in the Kurdistan Region. Daqti stated, "What I saw in the cities of Kirkuk and Erbil was that a nation had reached its best aspiration. I have seen this state in other places when people are freed from a dictatorship." He added, "In the city of Kirkuk, pro-Iraq groups had sent messages to the Arabs of Kirkuk not to participate in the elections. However, the Arabs who came to vote 'yes' told me that they are willing to be in the Kurdistan Region but do not want to be under the rule of the Shiite Islamic government of Iran in Iraq." Daqti emphasized, "The Kurdistan Regional Government does not want religion to enter politics."

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Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 85%

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