First Kurdish Iraqi War

Quick Facts: Who was First Kurdish Iraqi War?

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First Kurdish Iraqi War

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Major armed conflict (1961–1970) fought between Iraq and Kurdish militias for autonomy.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The First Iraqi–Kurdish War (Arabic: الحرب العراقية الكردية الأولى), also known as the September Revolution (Kurdish: شۆڕشی ئەیلوول), was an armed conflict and major event of the Iraqi–Kurdish conflict, lasting from 1961 until 1970. The conflict was led by Mustafa Barzani, in an attempt to establish an independent Kurdistan. Throughout the 1960s, the insurgency escalated into a long war, which failed to resolve despite internal power changes in Iraq. During the war, 80% of the Iraqi army was engaged in combat with the Kurds. A series of Iraqi–Kurdish negotiations followed the war in an attempt to resolve the conflict, ultimately leading to the Iraqi–Kurdish Autonomy Agreement of 1970, which eventually failed, reigniting war between the two sides in the Second Iraqi–Kurdish War.

Career & Major Achievements

After the military coup by Abdul Karim Qasim in 1958, Barzani was invited by Qasim to return from exile. As part of a deal arranged by Qasim and Barzani, Qasim promised to give the Kurds regional autonomy in return for Barzani's support for his policies. Meanwhile, during 1959–1960, Barzani became the head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), which was granted legal status in 1960. By early 1960, it became apparent that Qasim would not follow through with his promise of regional autonomy. As a result, the KDP began to agitate for regional autonomy.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In the face of growing Kurdish dissent, as well as Barzani's personal power, Qasim began to incite the Barzanis historical enemies, the Bradost and Zebari tribes, which led to intertribal warfare throughout 1960 and early 1961. By February 1961, Barzani had mostly defeated the pro-government forces and Jash tribes slowly started submitting to him. At this point, Barzani ordered his forces to occupy and expel government officials from all Kurdish territory and issued an ultimatum to Baghdad demanding Kurdish autonomy. In September a local tribe (the Arkou) attacked an Iraqi army column, prompting a direct response from the government. Qasim ordered airstrikes on Barzani’s positions, stopping his push near the border.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1958: 1958 Milestone — After the military coup by Abdul Karim Qasim in 1958, Barzani was invited by Qasim to return from exile.
2. 1959: 1959 Milestone — Meanwhile, during 1959–1960, Barzani became the head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), which was granted legal status in 1960.
3. 1960: 1960 Milestone — By early 1960, it became apparent that Qasim would not follow through with his promise of regional autonomy.
4. 1961: 1961 Milestone — The First Iraqi–Kurdish War (Arabic: الحرب العراقية الكردية الأولى), also known as the September Revolution (Kurdish: شۆڕشی ئەیلوول), was an armed conflict and major event of the Iraqi–Kurdish conflict, lasting from 1961 until 1970.
5. 1970: 1970 Milestone — A series of Iraqi–Kurdish negotiations followed the war in an attempt to resolve the conflict, ultimately leading to the Iraqi–Kurdish Autonomy Agreement of 1970, which eventually failed, reigniting war between the two sides in the Second Iraqi–Kurdish War.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: First Kurdish Iraqi War

True or False: “The initial promise of regional autonomy to the Kurds was made by Abdul Karim Qasim after his coup in 1958.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): Qasim promised regional autonomy to Barzani in exchange for Kurdish support following the military coup.

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• Abdel Fattah al-Burhan — Historical peer (Born in 1960) (1960): Sudanese military officer and leader who assumed control of Sudan in 2019.
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