The United States has spent trillions of dollars and lost thousands of its bravest soldiers in three major wars in the Middle East since 9/11, and continues to have an active military presence in the turbulent geopolitical area.
The Kurdish people – a stateless ethnic group of about 60 million spread across Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Iran – have been one of America’s most steadfast and loyal allies for decades. Repeatedly proving themselves in the two Iraq wars, and as a key player in defeating ISIS, the Kurds could play an even more significant role in an expanded partnership to advance US interests throughout the region.
Now that the second Trump administration is poised to recalibrate American foreign policy, here are six policy recommendations to help create a powerful, mutually beneficial alliance between Washington and Erbil in the uncertain years ahead.
Policy Recommendation #1: Recognize Kurdish Autonomy
The Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) in Iraq could finally be recognized by the United States as a key partner in the Middle East. Arguably more complex, such regional autonomy could also be recognized for the Syrian Kurds (Rojava) within Syria.
The KRG has already demonstrated governance and stability, particularly in regions liberated from ISIS, as has the the Kurdish-led Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES). Both principalities exemplify many Western values and have championed progressive governance, including gender equality and religious freedom, making them a model for regional democratization.
Official recognition would bolster the legitimacy of eventual Kurdish self-governance, and provide the KRG and Rojava with strategic leverage and a stronger negotiating position with contentious neighboring states, and international organizations with a vested interest in improving Middle East stability and peace.
Kurdish autonomy would help balance Iranian and Turkish influence in the region, and position the U.S. as a supporter of pluralistic and inclusive governance. Increased Kurdish autonomy would also enable the Kurds to more effectively partner with the United States from a strategic and tactical perspective for their mutual interests.
Arguably the most significant obstacle to recognizing Kurdish autonomy is the American foreign policy principle of “one state,” which on the highest level is meant to preserve the territorial integrity and sovereignty of existing countries and nation-states.
The principle asserts the maintenance of internationally recognized borders, and opposes unilateral secessionist movements or the redrawing of boundaries, unless broad international consensus or compelling humanitarian reasons intervene. The aim is to avoid destabilizing precedents that might encourage fragmentation and conflict in regions with strong legacy division across ethnic, religious, or political lines.
Given the complexity of about 60 million Kurds spread across multiple countries, the “one state” principle is thought to preclude regional tension or trigger a conflict by infringing on territorial sovereignty, or in any way suggesting to redraw borders. Turkey, a NATO ally, is a particular cause for concern, as are fears of a secessionist “domino effect”. Considerable oil reserves and other economic concerns heighten this fear.
All these factors and others have favored an American goal of Kurdish autonomy in lieu of independence, but even that aspiration has been fraught with peril. Although the “one state” policy has not precluded cooperation between American and Kurdish forces in Iraq and Syria directed toward defeating ISIS, the principle continues to place the US in a subtle balancing act between supporting Kurdish freedom while not upsetting powerful allies and enemies throughout the Middle East.
Policy Recommendation #2: Increase Humanitarian and Development Aid
Kurdish areas in Iraq and Syria have suffered devastation from decades of conflict, especially as a consequence of the war against ISIS. Cities like Sinjar, Mosul, and Kobani still show the destruction. By investing in reconstruction and economic development, the US can help transform these regions into more economically sound and politically stable areas, and reduce the allure of extremist ideologies that feed off poverty and turmoil.
The US could therefore help the Kurds to rebuild infrastructure, provide healthcare, educational support, and the assistance of displaced populations, including Yazidis, Assyrians, and other minority groups. Humanitarian aid can also address critical needs for vulnerable populations, such as internally displaced persons and refugees. Providing resources for women's empowerment programs, trauma recovery, and education initiatives would further promote human rights and economic growth.
Policy Recommendation #3: Promote Kurdish Representation in Peace Talks
Excluding the Kurds from peace processes has marginalized their legitimate aspirations and ignored their essential contributions to defeating ISIS. Including Kurdish voices in peace talks would ensure their concerns are addressed, reducing the likelihood of future conflict, and creating a more inclusive framework for governance.
America could legitimize the inclusion of Kurdish representatives in broader Middle Eastern peace talks by including the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) and other Kurdish-led organizations in discussions about current issues, and the future of Syria, Iraq, and the entire region. Such inclusion also has symbolic significance, affirming that the international community values the Kurds' sacrifices and their shared vision for a democratic and multi-ethnic Middle East.
Policy Recommendation #4: Designate Kurdish Allies as Security Partners
Despite their limited resources, Kurdish forces have bravely and consistently proven their loyalty, effectiveness, and reliability against America’s enemies, including Saddam Hussein and ISIS.
Formal recognition and support of Kurdish forces would enhance their capabilities, including long-term military training, funding, and logistical support, thereby ensuring they remain a bulwark against future threats from extremist groups, and the Kurd’s own hostile neighbors.
Policy Recommendation #5: Support Kurdish Culture and History
Hostile assimilation policies in Turkey, Iran, and Syria have targeted Kurdish culture, attempting to weaken and even destroy the Kurds. Preserving Kurdish identity is just, and an investment in the rich cultural diversity of the Middle East.
Programs that celebrate Kurdish contributions to art, literature, and history can foster mutual understanding between Americans and Kurds, while countering attempts by hostile states to erase the peoples’ unique heritage.
The US could also help fund programs aimed at preserving Kurdish language, history, and traditions. Academic and cultural exchanges between Kurdish institutions and US universities and advocacy organizations should be encouraged.
Accountability is also essential for justice and reconciliation. Highlighting and addressing past and ongoing crimes against Kurds reinforces America’s commitment to human rights and international law. Pushing for international investigations into war crimes and atrocities committed against Kurds, including Saddam Hussein’s chemical attacks in Halabja, Turkey’s operations in northern Syria, and crimes committed by ISIS against Yazidis and Kurds is long overdue.
Policy Recommendation #6: Formalize Kurdish-American Partnership
A dedicated office within the State Department should be created to focus on Kurdish-American relations, oversee policy coordination, aid distribution, and other advocacy efforts.
Ensuring that Kurdish concerns receive consistent attention in US foreign policy is essential, facilitated by closer communication between Kurdish leaders and American policymakers. A goal would be to streamline efforts to address mutual priorities, such as counterterrorism and reconstruction, and the various policies outlined above.
Congressional engagement and the introduction of new legislation would raise the profile of Kurdish issues within US politics, and hopefully accomplish these important goals. Bipartisan support for the Kurds could create a lasting foundation for long-term foreign policy reform, with the intent of empowering the Kurds to become America’s most effective ally in the Middle East.
Summary & Conclusion
The Kurds have consistently demonstrated their value as allies, their commitment to shared democratic ideals, and their resilience in the face of adversity.
By implementing these and other recommended policy changes, the US has an opportunity to create a partnership with the Kurds that advances security, stability, and human rights in the Middle East.
The goal of evolving American-Kurdish relations is not to merely support an ally—it’s about defending the foundational principles that define American foreign policy, and removing some of the burden of maintaining and active US presence in the region.
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