Kurdistan: Impact on United States Foreign Policy for the Middle East

Abstract

This paper examines the past, present, and potential future of the Kurdish struggle for recognition and independence and their potential impact on U.S. policy in the region. The relationships within the Iraqi central government, internal Arab-Kurd conflict, and the development of a separate economic base in Northern Iraq could have a critical impact on U.S. vital interests in Iraq. The disruption of stability and security in Turkey and Iran by Kurdish opposition groups further complicates relations between the United States and Iraq. How will Kurdish economic development affect relations within Iraq and among Iraq, Turkey, and Iran? How will Kurdish economic development affect relations between those three countries and the United States? Will a desire for influence in the region by Turkey and Iran affect U.S policy in the region? This paper answers these questions and explores potential U.S. policy options for the region. Right now, the highest priority of the United States is the prevention of a breakaway independence movement by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). While the United States believes that all nations capable of sustaining independence should be given the right and opportunity to do so, the disruption and instability in the region that would accompany such an act cannot be allowed at this time. Increased use of diplomatic pressure, economic aid, and even the threat to withdraw support to Iraq must be considered to prevent Kurdish independence. The United States, in conjunction with the United Nations Mission to Iraq (UNAMI), must continue to push for negotiated solutions to Arab-Kurd tensions. Although the constitutional and legal aspects of the tensions are internal to the GOI-KRG relationship, the U.S./UNAMI experience will help to guide the process.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 06, 2011
Accession Number
ADA560128

Entities

People

  • Christopher R. Parsons

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Autonomy
  • C4I
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Agreements
  • Ethnic Groups
  • Foreign Policy
  • Geography
  • Governments
  • Kurds
  • Law
  • Middle East
  • Military Operations
  • National Governments
  • National Security
  • Political Systems
  • Security
  • Students
  • Treaties
  • United States
  • War Colleges

Fields of Study

  • Political science

Readers

  • International Relations and Conflict Resolution
  • Political Violence and Terrorism Studies.
  • Strategic Security Studies