Understanding the Psychology of KDP Peshmerga Amid Unpaid Salaries Through a Video

While KDP and PUK security forces have yet to receive their April salaries, KRG civil servants are expected to be paid their May salaries next week, effectively putting them two months ahead of the KDP and PUK security forces. This is the first time such a disparity has occurred. Meanwhile, the unified Peshmerga under the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs command are being paid on time through the US-led coalition forces.

In this video, a KDP Peshmerga, likely from the Zeravani unit, states that as long as the Barzani family and "big brother" Masrour Barzani are well, salaries are of little concern, and they will not go hungry. He even invokes a Quranic verse, "With difficulty, there is ease," suggesting that hardships will eventually lead to relief.

This sentiment comes in the wake of a couple videos showing Peshmerga fighters grappling with the challenges of unpaid salaries. The video offers valuable insight into the mindset of some forces, particularly those affiliated with the KDP, and how they maintain their core functionality.

We will discuss the selection process and hierarchy of these forces in an upcoming post.