ASAYESH

(Security)

   This is the name of the current and apparently effective internal security and counterterrorism organization run by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). It possesses executive power and presently is headed by Masrour Barzani, the son of Massoud Barzani, the president of the KRG and the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP). The KDP's closely related intelligence-gathering agency is known as Parastin (Protection), also headed by Masrour Barzani.

   Since 11 September 2001, the KRG has established an umbrella organization that coordinates the security and intelligence bodies of the KDP and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). Although mostly successful in providing internal security, there have been accusations of human rights violations against Asayesh.

   See Qadir, Kamal Said; Counterterrorism Group (CTG).