What Should Kurds Do If Baghdad Still Tries to Weaken Their Status After the US Withdrawal from Iraq?

After the US withdrawal on September 30, 2026, ending 23 years of military presence, the Kurdistan Region has entered a sensitive phase. If Baghdad continues to weaken the Region despite all diplomatic efforts, Kurds need a realistic five-point strategy. First: Internal unity. The experience of 2017 and the salary crisis proved that when Kurdish parties are divided, neither Baghdad nor Washington listens. A unified and transparent government and parliament are essential. Second: Multi-track diplomacy. Relying only on Washington is risky. Relations must be strengthened with France, the UK, Germany, the EU, Turkey and Gulf states, and the Region's file must stay alive at the United Nations. Third: Economic independence. Dependence on 13% of Baghdad's budget is a strategic risk. Internal revenues, customs, agriculture, tourism and renewable energy must be developed and the oil file made fully transparent. Fourth: Soft defense. The Region has no air defense and cannot directly procure it. It must demand protection through the constitution, reorganize the Peshmerga and strengthen intelligence. Fifth: Constitutional protection. Federalism is the basis of the 2005 constitution and abolishing it requires a referendum. Any unilateral attempt must be taken to the Federal Court and the international community. Iraq's stability lies in preserving federalism, not erasing it.