After 23 years apart, Iraqi Kurd reunites with family in Duhok via Instagram

DUHOK, Iraq — A Kurdish Iraqi man who left his country 23 years ago over a family land dispute has reunited with his relatives in the northern Kurdish region after reconnecting with them through an Instagram message. Qasim Hussein told local media that he traveled from Iraq to Mahabad, Iran, after the argument over inherited land, and later lived in several other Iranian cities. He said he worked in trade in Iran, mainly selling tomatoes and oranges, and that contact with his family had largely been severed for more than two decades. About two months ago, Hussein said, he saw a photograph of his family on social media. He sent a message to one of his sons on Instagram and, after a series of phone calls, re-established contact. His brother Jassim Hussein said earlier searches for Qasim had failed because his brother had changed his name in Iran, even though the family had tried to trace him through consulates and other channels. Jassim described the reunion as an indescribable joy. Qasim said he has decided to stay with his family in the Kurdistan Region, noting that he had married during his years in Iran.