Qubad Talabani’s new home from home?

22 May 2012 – Kurdistan Tribune - By Harem Karem:
Over the past decade, much has been said about the oligarchs’ dubious domination of the market – from oil and telecommunications to property development – in the Kurdistan region and the enormous wealth they have accumulated, fast and easy. It comes as no surprise to us to discover how members of the ruling clans make large purchases of properties and businesses in Western countries, or invest their capital in international banks, because they fear their days of plenty in Kurdistan are numbered. Although his latest property purchase isn’t nearly as big and expensive as Masrour Barzani’s – and perhaps he can be praised for living within his means – it is notable that Qubad Talabani, the KRG’s representative in the USA, and his wife recently purchased a six-bedroom house, situated in Chevy Chase, Washington DC, for $1,155,000.

While there is nothing at all untoward about this purchase, it happens at a time when Qubad is expected to return to Kurdistan to try and help rescue his father’s fast-declining Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and perhaps take a post within the Kurdistan Regional Government.It therefore poses the question: Why buy a six-bedroom house, instead of keeping your own apartment, when you are leaving the US?


Is Qubad hedging his bets?