Assessing United States Policy in Iraq: The Kurdish Dilemma
Abstract
The strategic question this study seeks to answer is what an appropriate US Government policy should be regarding the Kurdish situation in Iraq. Are there larger implications for security and stability in the greater Middle East with respect to ethnic Kurdish identity and national aspirations? A distinct ethnic group within the greater Middle East, the Kurds lives predominantly in four countries of immense strategic importance for the US. These are Turkey, Iran, Syria, and Iraq where in each case they represent sizable minorities. Since at least the end of World War I, the Kurds have sought national sovereignty. However, any Kurdish sovereignty will come at the political and territorial expense of states within the region. The Kurds, and US policy with regard to them, may hold the key to either regional peace or instability. As Iraq faces its 2009 elections dealing with contentious issues such as resolution of Kirkuk's status and hydrocarbon control, the new American administration walks a thin line between furthering state relations with Iraq and regional states on one hand and a continuance of commitments to Kurdish interests. How US policy balances these two often-competing demands may hold the key to not only Iraq's stability but that of the entire region.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA497492
Entities
People
- Michael S. Higginbottom
Organizations
- United States Army War College