The Necessity of Pursuing the Case of Leaders of Anti-Iranian Terrorist Groups in International Forums
A regional affairs expert has called for the serious pursuit of cases against the leaders of terrorist groups in domestic and international courts.
Asghar Zarei, a regional affairs expert, in an interview with Mizan News Agency, pointed to the history of the presence of counter-revolutionary and hostile groups in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, stating: “Since the victory of the Islamic Revolution and following the conflicts and seditions that began in the west of the country, unfortunately, these groups gradually gained power. However, after the Iran-Iraq War, considering that they no longer felt they had a place to continue their activities inside the country, they migrated to the Iraqi Kurdistan Region through the western borders and found this region to be the most suitable place for their establishment and activities.”
He added: “These groups, by stationing their forces, establishing certain centers, and exploiting the weakness and inability of the central government of Iraq, as well as the Kurdistan Regional Government—both in the Sulaymaniyah and Erbil regions—were able to consolidate their position. The competition between the two main Kurdish factions in the region, namely the Kurdistan Democratic Party led by the Barzanis and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan led by the Talabanis, provided a favorable environment for the presence of these counter-revolutionary forces.”
Zarei continued: “These groups, some of whom presented themselves as supporters of Kurdish movements, began extensive activities by taking advantage of the protective umbrella of Kurdish groups in the region. Despite numerous follow-ups by the Islamic Republic of Iran over the past few decades to counter these groups, their presence continued. In the meantime, even groups such as the PKK and other anti-Turkish government factions used this space and exploited the region as a base for their operations against Iran and Turkey.”
He pointed out: “Fortunately, with the coming to power of the people’s government in Iraq and the weakening of affiliated currents, extensive cooperation has been established between the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Iraqi governments. Within this framework, effective security agreements were signed between Iran and the Federal Government of Iraq—of which the Kurdistan Region is a part. These agreements obliged the Federal Government to take the necessary measures to disarm and expel anti-revolutionary armed groups from these areas.”
Zarei added: “In the first step, a significant portion of these forces were disarmed, and many of the bases and centers in their possession were taken back from them and serious pursuit of cases against the leaders of terrorist groups in domestic and international courts. The Kurdistan Region was also forced to concede to these conditions, and the space for these groups to continue their activities was severely restricted. With the finalization of this security agreement, it can be said today that anti-Iranian armed groups no longer have a position or base in these areas, and any action by them will be in violation of the agreement, with responsibility falling on the government of Iraq.”
The regional affairs expert further stated: “After four decades, it is possible to hope that the Iraqi Kurdistan Region and the western borders of the country will achieve lasting stability and tranquility. Of course, until a few weeks ago, some terrorist acts and clashes still occurred in these areas, causing damage to our border outposts, but with the full implementation of the provisions of the security agreement, these actions will also gradually decrease.”
He emphasized: “After more than 45 years since the victory of the revolution, we see the leaders of these groups freely traveling, giving interviews, and even confessing to their crimes and considering them a source of pride in Europe and America.”
He continued: “There is a wealth of documents and evidence regarding their crimes, and serious action must be taken, in cooperation with Interpol and the diplomatic apparatus, for their arrest and extradition. If sufficient evidence exists, they cannot escape the clutches of the law.”
Referring to the issue of the return of Iranian citizens who were not members of anti-revolutionary groups and whose hands are not stained with the blood of the people, Zarei said: “The Islamic Republic of Iran has always treated its citizens with a spirit of forgiveness, and now, too, those who do not have a criminal record and wish to return to the country can do so under the umbrella of their national and citizenship rights and will be subject to general amnesty.”
He added: “Many of these individuals are under the pressure of propaganda and threats from the leaders of terrorist groups. They imagine that they will be tried upon their return, while if they have no criminal record, the law of the Islamic Republic will provide them with the necessary protection.”
Zarei emphasized: “The governments of Iran and Iraq today believe that the joint border areas, especially in the Kurdistan Region, should not be exposed to insecurity, smuggling, and phenomena such as cross-border carrying (Kulbari). It is only through bilateral security, economic, and cultural cooperation that sustainable development can be fostered in these regions.”
He noted: “The establishment of border markets and stability at the borders will not only prevent the presence of armed and destabilizing groups but can also provide a dignified and sustainable life for citizens on both sides of the border.”
