KURDS ARE A PEOPLE IN SEARCH OF INDEPENDENCE
A PEOPLE WILLING TO BUILD A NATION
The Kurdish people are an ancient ethic group that has desired their own nation for centuries. Located at the corners of Iraq, Iran, Syria and Turkey, they have been persecuted for many years. They were a subject of a gas attack by Saddam Hussein in the 1980's, The Turkish and Iranian governments vehemently oppose any independence for the region. All the while they have been fiercely persistent in fighting for an independent state.
With the loss of northern Iraq and Syria to ISIS and the void created in control from Baghdad and Damascus the Kurd's have taken the opportunity to strengthen their position. The Kurdish Regional Government, KRG, which is a regional government under Iraq's control has fought to increase their influence in the area. They were the most organized and fierce fighters against ISIS in that area, and were successful in limiting ISIS influence in their area.
On September 25th, they held an independence referendum. While non-binding, over 70% of the population voted with 93% in favor of independence. Iraq, Turkey and Iran condemned the vote and threatened embargoes and sanctions. The United States and the UN declared the vote illegitimate. Russia voiced its opposition and called for a long term peaceful transition. While the KRG and the population celebrated.
With the present instability in the region all concerned fear any independence move from the Kurds will exasperate and already complicated situation. Which no one can deny.
While the United States has given limited support to the Kurds in their fight against ISIS, Turkey and Iran have been opposed to any substantial military aid. The Kurds have demonstrated their organized and effective ability to fight for their land. This is a group that does not need to be a subject of nation building. They are willing and able to do it on their own, if only they would have the support of their neighbors and the international community..
The future of a Kurdistan in the immediate future is unlikely, but they seem to be on the right track for future independence. Hopefully as the instability in the neighborhood is diminished, they will have earned the respect and stature for an independent country of their own. They seem to be on track for a peaceful and determined fight for that goal.
It is interesting to note that Paul Manafort was instrumental in working with the Kurds in their independence vote. This fact added to the ire of the U.S. state department.
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