Consistently worked for Iraqi democracy and to protect the rights of the people of the Kurdistan Region. With Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP): 1971, Member, Central Cttee; Member, Political Bureau; since 1979, Leader. Played key role in establishing the Kurdistan Front, an umbrella organization of political parties of Kurdistan. Following 1991 Gulf War, coordinated the Kurdistan Front to support the uprising of Kurdish people, leading to Saddam Hussein withdrawing his administration. 1998, signed the Washington Agreement peace settlement. 2003, following liberation of Iraq, appointed to Iraqi Governing Council; 2004, held rotating presidency. Helped to achieve official recognition of the Kurdistan Region and the Kurdistan Regional Government in Transitional Administrative Law. 2005, elected first President of the Kurdistan Region by the Kurdistan National Assembly; 2009, re-elected for second term. Has established institutions in the Kurdistan Region to develop its emerging democracy, strengthen alliances and improve the decision-making process. 2007, established Kurdistan Presidency Council; helped to form the Council of Kurdistan. Chair of several political parties. Author.