Perspective: Kurdistan not exactly as advertised

Kurdish police have been accused of excessive force in suppressing disenting views.

Unlike other parts of the country, the three-province autonomous northern region of Kurdistan is not the Iraq of roadside bombs and beheadings. It is relatively safe and well-protected by an experienced security force. Locals and foreigners alike can walk around freely and there is even an active nightlife.

"Have you seen the other parts of Iraq? It's spectacular. It's peaceful," states a website advertisement to lure tourists and investors to Kurdistan, which consists of Sulaymaniyah, Dahuk and Arbil provinces.

"Welcome to Iraqi Kurdistan where democracy has been practiced for over a decade. This is not a dream. It's the other Iraq," adds the advertisement.

However, not all Kurds are in accordance with the picture painted of their region by advertisements or politicians.

"If political parties in the government of Kurdistan do not invest in peace and prosperity for the interest of the people of Kurdistan, then they will face internal pressure from an angry people, which could lead to everything collapsing," Dr Azad Ahmed Qader, a retired political professor in Sulaimaniyah, said.

"There is no real democracy in Kurdistan. Press freedom is marginalised and people can't express opposing views about anything without fear of being jailed and tortured. Corruption is everywhere and the residents know that these politicians are just businessmen," Qader added.

Read the rest at Reuters/Alternet