LETTER TO THE MESOP EDITOR By Dr. Denise Natali

Islamist Votes in Kurdish elections

Thank you for your report.  I noticed that you stated “In contrary to Denise Natali” regarding the Rudaw piece.  I have read it, and if you read my article carefully, there is little difference or dispute in points of the article.  I have noted clearly that the Islamic parties have not gained ground, and will not get more than 8 seats, because the secular nationalist parties have won out.  My point is that the parties will need to court the Islamists as a swing vote, while they MAINTAIN CONTROL.  I noted in my conclusion that there is unlikely to be a strong Islamic party or movement, because of the very strength of the Kurdish secular nationalist parties.  Those Islamic influences that are salient are coming from within the secular nationalist parties, and not as a cohesive opposition.