American-Kurdish History

The partnership between the United States and the Kurds is cross-generational and complex. From Nixon’s support of Kurdish freedom in the early 1970s through both US Iraq wars and to the present, America has recognized the benefits of a Kurdish alliance. Unfortunately, the US has also been fickle about its support. Meanwhile, the Kurds have kept up their defense of similar values, and action against our common enemies.

 

The Kurds are a fiercely independent people, struggling for their freedom. Kurdish values are unique, as they reject anti-American and antisemitic sentiments that are mainstream in most parts of the Middle East. Kurds have been our loyal allies, and continue to fight for our shared values. Kurds have fought against every major enemy and threat to the US throughout the Cold War, first and second Gulf wars, war against ISIS, and the ongoing proxy war with Iran. Yet very few Americans know about the Kurds, and the US government continues to ignore the Kurdish struggle for freedom. Although they're our allies in spirit and values, Kurds have suffered terribly and unjustly at the hands of Turkish, Syrian, Iraqi, and Iranian tyrants. Kurds are the largest untold story of genocide, occupation, and systemic racism in the Middle East – especially tragic given their loyalty to the United States and the West.

 

Yes, the Biggest Secret in the Middle East is that in its center live the Kurds: about 60 million strong across Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Iran. The Kurdish people have been our staunch allies for decades, defenders of freedom and democracy. They are our hedge against authoritarian aggression throughout the region – and we need them now more than ever before.