In the heart of Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan, a testament to resilience and hope unfolds before those who take a moment to observe. Despite decades of conflict, the Kurdish people have forged a community defined by safety and prosperity, grounded in religious freedom and racial tolerance. The contrast with the devastation wrought by extremist groups is stark and deeply felt.
Dlo, the 38-year-old country director of Free the Oppressed, reflects on the horrors faced during the ISIS invasion. “During the war with ISIS, if they captured our village, they would just behead us,” he recalls. The brutal reality of that time serves as a haunting reminder that even in the face of shared faith, the ideologically driven violence perpetrated by ISIS knew no bounds, targeting and persecuting those they deemed infidels.
The Kurds, numbering between 30 and 40 million across Turkey, Iraq, Iran, and Syria, have long been a stateless nation—a fact that underscores their distinctive identity. Predominantly Sunni Muslim, they are often more secular than their neighbors, embracing a culture that values tolerance and coexistence. Kurdish is their native language, an Indo-European tongue that connects them to a rich historical and cultural heritage.
Kurdish military forces, the Peshmerga, developed into key allies of the United States during critical campaigns against tyranny. Their bravery in fighting alongside American troops to overthrow Saddam Hussein in 2003 and later to combat ISIS from 2014 to 2019 stands out. When the Iraqi army faltered, the Peshmerga stood resolute, with U.S. air support playing a pivotal role in thwarting ISIS’s advance.
This alliance was more than military; it represented a shared commitment to democracy and human rights. The contribution of Kurdish women in the Peshmerga is a progressive aspect of Kurdish culture, contrasting sharply with the misogyny of their adversaries. By 2014, at least 600 women served in the military, carving out roles that reflect a deep-seated commitment to gender equality.
The decades of Kurdish persecution under Saddam are deeply ingrained in collective memory. Dlo shares his family’s story of survival amid devastation. “I remember when we were in Iran, my parents were telling me the story… We came back, everything was gone—windows broken, everything taken.” This poignant recollection encapsulates the cycles of displacement that many Kurds endured, characterized by resilience and the relentless pursuit of a stable future.
The fight against ISIS was costly. From 2014 to 2017, the Peshmerga endured heavy losses, with over a thousand fighters killed and thousands more wounded defending Kurdish districts and liberating land from ISIS control. Their bravery not only saved Kurdish lives but also defended Yazidi communities—a peaceful religious minority—who relied on Kurdish forces for sanctuary. Their cooperation demonstrated a shared resolve against a common enemy, yet the aftermath of conflict has not been without complications.
Fractured U.S. relations with Kurdish groups, particularly following the American withdrawal from Syria in 2019, raised concerns. Many Kurds, previously supportive of the U.S., found themselves questioning their alliance. The complex politics of the region involve various Kurdish factions, each with ties that are sometimes contradictory. While the Iraqi Peshmerga remain allied with the Kurdistan Regional Government, other groups like the PKK and YPG face designation as terrorist organizations by the U.S. and Turkey, complicating support networks and strategic decisions.
Historically, American support has been crucial for Kurdish autonomy. The establishment of a no-fly zone back in 1991 allowed the Kurds to develop self-governance, culminating in the formal recognition of the Kurdistan Region in Iraq by the new constitution in 2005. Thanks to U.S. intervention, the Kurdish autonomous zone flourished, providing a safer environment than much of the rest of Iraq, which saw rampant violence and instability.
Today, Erbil stands as a success story amid turmoil. Unlike many other regions, Erbil boasts substantial stability and prosperity, with investments pouring in and infrastructure development expanding. The average income in Erbil is comparable to the national average, and essential services are reliably provided—a remarkable feat considering the struggles surrounding them.
With a vibrant café culture and constant construction creating a modern skyline, Kurdistan showcases a spirit of renewal. Dlo’s commitment to his homeland reflects a broader sense of purpose among the Kurdish people as they navigate a challenging landscape, striving for self-determination while maintaining ties with global allies.
This narrative offers a candid look at how, even in the darkest of times, communities can rise, stand together, and seek a better future. The Kurds exemplify a determination not only to survive but to thrive, reminding the world of their enduring strength and spirit.
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