Workshop on Constitutional Disputes Between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Federal Government
On Thursday, September 24, 2026, the Faculty of Law at Tishk International University organized an academic workshop entitled “Constitutional Disputes Between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Federal Government” at Ibn Sina Hall. The workshop was attended by the president of Tishk International University, several former members of the Iraqi Council of Representatives, university professors, and a large number of Faculty of Law students.
The workshop hosted Dr. Bashir Khalil Al-Haddad, former Second Deputy Speaker of the Iraqi Council of Representatives during its fourth term. The session was moderated by Assistant Lecturer Abdullah Shakhawan Najm Al-Din from the Faculty of Law at Tishk International University.
The workshop discussed several constitutional and legal issues related to the relationship between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Federal Government. It focused on the federal system in Iraq, the distribution of powers and responsibilities between the federal government and the Kurdistan Region, and the major issues that remain subjects of discussion and disagreement between the two sides.
During the workshop, Dr. Bashir Khalil Al-Haddad presented several relevant constitutional articles and principles. He discussed the challenges related to implementing certain constitutional provisions, particularly those concerning powers and responsibilities, financial rights and entitlements, the management of natural resources, disputed territories, and Article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution. He also discussed several constitutional provisions that have not been fully implemented or continue to face difficulties in practice. In addition, he examined the legal and institutional reasons behind the continuation of these issues.
The workshop not only focused on identifying existing disputes but also presented several possible solutions and proposals to address constitutional challenges. These included respecting the Constitution, strengthening institutional and legal dialogue between the two sides, improving the role of relevant constitutional and judicial institutions, and completing the necessary legislation to provide clear legal solutions to outstanding issues. These measures could help strengthen the federal system and uphold the rule of law.
The workshop witnessed active participation from the audience. Several professors, guests, and Faculty of Law students took part in the discussion and asked questions and raised inquiries to the guest speaker. Their participation contributed to enriching the discussion and expanding the dialogue on the constitutional and legal aspects of the relationship between the Federal Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government.
This workshop was part of the academic and scientific activities of the College of Law at Tishk International University. It reflects the faculty’s commitment to discussing contemporary constitutional and legal issues and strengthening communication between academics, legal experts, and experienced figures in the legal and political fields. It also provided law students with an opportunity to engage directly with constitutional issues that play an important role in Iraq’s legal and political environment.
At the end of the workshop, the Faculty of Law expressed its sincere appreciation to Dr. Bashir Khalil Al-Haddad for his participation and valuable contributions to the academic discussion. Appreciation was also extended to all attendees and participants. The workshop concluded by emphasizing the importance of continuing to organize such academic events to promote constitutional and legal awareness and encourage meaningful academic dialogue on national and constitutional issues.
Keywords: Constitutional, Disputes, Federal Government, Legal issues, Faculty of Law, Tishk International University, Dr. Bashir Khalil Al-Haddad,Deputy Speaker of the Iraqi Council of Representatives.
