Mam Jalal: A Dream That Began in Koya and Reached Baghdad

Narmin Othman Mohammad

Written by Journalist Narmin Othman Mohammad.

Many are the leaders recorded in history who fought with sincerity, courage, and nobility for the freedom and independence of their people. Yet, only a few have managed to remain immortal in the minds of their nation after their passing, respected during their lifetime and after their death by foe before friend, and by opponent before ally. Such was the case with the late Kurdish leader, Jalal Talabani, who began his struggle and dreamed of his nation’s independence from a young age, before launching his actual political journey in his youth with unmatched enthusiasm.
Mam Jalal’s leadership was a unique experience, as he relied across all stages of his struggle upon solid and exceptional principles. He applied the very same ideals during both the armed resistance and the period of civil political struggle—principles summarised in unity, coexistence, acceptance of differences, and a continuous pursuit of the national rights of the Kurds through peace and ongoing dialogue. Just as he was a devoted leader who stood alongside young Kurdish fighters in the mountains with the same unwavering spirit and faith, he also played a pivotal role in drafting the permanent Constitution of Iraq in 2005 and securing the legitimate rights of the Kurdish people within it.
With that same responsible leadership spirit demonstrated during the drafting of the permanent Constitution, Mam Jalal succeeded—during his tenure as President—in uniting and bridging all religious, sectarian, and ethnic components of Iraq based on consensus, wisdom, and profound foresight. It was from this approach that he earned the title "Iraq’s Safety Valve", a description that continues to be recalled whenever his name or achievements are mentioned.
As we mark the ninth anniversary of Mam Jalal’s passing, it is not only the Kurdish people who miss a unique leader of the contemporary Kurdish revolution. Indeed, all of Iraq mourns him, displaying large portraits of him across the squares of the capital, Baghdad. How could it be otherwise, for he was renowned for his respect towards all and his extraordinary flexibility with everyone. He was the leader who faithfully safeguarded Iraq and its sovereignty throughout his presidency, established balanced diplomatic relations with all neighbouring countries and the wider world, and championed justice and social fairness.
He treated all citizens with the same care and regard as members of his own party—an approach he famously declared publicly through his philosophy of the "Language of Flowers". He was a firm believer in constructive criticism and actively encouraged it, declaring: "Start by criticising me and fear nothing; whoever criticises me will face no legal repercussions." Furthermore, Mam Jalal established the Monument of Freedom in Sulaymaniyah to enable all segments of society to freely express their views.
What has been mentioned above is merely a drop in the ocean of the attributes of a historic leader who honoured his nation in life and in death. He achieved his dream of bringing the voice and struggle of the Kurds from his hometown of Koya to the whole of Iraq—becoming its first President—and to the international stage through his presidency. Finally, on the ninth anniversary of Mam Jalal’s passing, we can only say: May your memory live on forever, O you who elevated the stature of your nation.