The story: Rising economic and political dissatisfaction in Iraqi Kurdistan is bolstering an apparent belief that devolved rule under the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) only benefits the ruling elite, rather than the broader population.

While this dynamic may not pose an immediate threat to the political dominance of either party, it could undermine the legitimacy and effectiveness of their rule. It is also dangerous for the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in the context of its ongoing disputes with the federal government over the budget, oil, and the disputed areas.

The coverage: A new opinion poll conducted by Erbil-based research firm Sheekar Research shows that just over half of respondents believe they’d be better off if the KRG was dissolved and central authority from Baghdad reasserted.

• On its face, the seemingly prevalent sentiment is surprising given the decades-long struggle for Kurdish autonomy in Iraq and the horrors under the previous Baathist regime. It would also be a profound shift from just six years ago, when 92.73% of participants in the Kurdistan region’s 2017 independence referendum cast ballots in favor of seceding from Iraq.
  
  
• The survey polled 1,000 people between Jan. 27-28 from across Iraqi Kurdistan using a weighted sample to reflect local demographics. It was conducted using...