Kurds’ uncertain presidential succession

The domination of Kurdish politics by the Erbil-based Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the extended Barzani clan, led by regional President Massoud Barzani, is in question for the first time in a decade. On 19 August, the president’s second extended term will expire. Under the regional constitution, he is term-limited from standing again. Barzani’s presidency ought to have ended in 2013, but the parliament awarded him two more years to avoid a divisive election during a period of great regional instability.