ERBIL — Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region, has evolved into a crucial center for decision-making and diplomacy, influencing both Kurdistan and Iraq, according to diplomatic experts and political analysts. 

Over the past 28 years, the city’s economic development and advancements in public services have significantly enhanced its stature on the national stage. 

Political analyst Farhad Kakeyi highlighted Erbil’s strategic importance, stating, "If any world leader visits Iraq without engaging Erbil, their decisions or recommendations are unlikely to succeed. Iraq has struggled to form successive governments without Erbil's support." Kakeyi pointed to the city's unique atmosphere of coexistence as a driving force behind its development, with progress in services, infrastructure, and trade setting Erbil apart from other Iraqi provinces.

Hama Farj, an expert in diplomatic relations, echoed Kakeyi's sentiments, noting that decisions made in Erbil not only shape the future of the Kurdistan Region but also have a substantial impact on Iraq as a whole. Farj credited this influence to the strategic leadership of Masoud Barzani, president of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), whose vision has been instrumental in elevating Erbil’s role in both national and international affairs.

Erbil’s rise as a diplomatic and political hub underscores its growing importance in Iraq’s political landscape, where its decisions and actions increasingly influence critical national issues. This transformation reflects Erbil's expanding role as a center of influence, both within Iraq and beyond.