The Peshmerga, the armed forces of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), constitute a highly effective and well-trained military organization that protects not only Kurdistan, but also much of northern Iraq. The rapid disintegration of the Iraqi military in 2014 – after minimal resistance to ISIS – left the Peshmerga as the sole on-the-ground force capable of halting the terrorist group’s expansion and even reversing its advances. 

During my recent visit to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq for the promotion of my book, Peshmerga: A Remarkable Journey from Guerrilla to Soldier, I toured several frontline positions of the Peshmerga forces, where they are engaged in counterterrorism operations against active ISIS cells. Initially, I visited the headquarters of Brigade 14 in Dibaga, around an hour’s drive from Erbil, the capital of Kurdistan. There, I met my acquaintance, Brigadier General Almi Mzuri, a seasoned officer who has held numerous senior positions within the Iraqi Army . In 2014, he joined the Peshmerga to protect Kurdistan from the ISIS assault. 

General Mzuri explained that his brigade is responsible for the Makhmur district, including Mount Qarachukh, and they remain on high alert owing to the persistent activity of ISIS cells. I proceeded from the Brigade HQ toward the Peshmerga border posts in the mountains. At all the border outposts I visited, I observed a consistent pattern: Peshmerga soldiers, despite lacking heavy and sophisticated weaponry, demonstrated remarkable motivation and determination to eliminate the remaining ISIS elements.

Reliable and dependable

The Iraqi Kurds have been a pivotal component of the United States’ policy in the Middle East for more than three decades. The primary objective of the 1990 Gulf War was to reverse Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Kuwait. Consequently, the United States implemented a no-fly zone over the oil-abundant northern region of Iraq in April 1991. This facilitated the Kurds’ development of their own autonomous governance structure, the KRG. 

The regional framework was strengthened following the United States’ invasion of Iraq. Consequently, the KRG developed into the most stable, reliable, and U.S.-aligned region within the country. The Peshmerga played a vital role alongside Western coalition forces in opposing Saddam Hussein’s Ba’athist regime, ultimately leading to his removal in 2003. The Peshmerga have consistently proven themselves to be the most reliable allies and dependable forces for the United States and its partners in efforts to stabilize the region and combat terrorism. It has been demonstrated numerous times that the Peshmerga forces are a more reliable and credible partner than the Iraqi army. 

The United States has fostered a longstanding relationship with the Iraqi Kurds through humanitarian and military assistance, rooted in a strong partnership dedicated to addressing the security issues in the volatile region. Regrettably, the bilateral relationship between the Iraqi Kurds and the United States is at a turning point. While a shared history fosters a connection, tensions are increasing due to shifting U.S. objectives, apprehensions concerning the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq and Syria, perceived disregard for KRG interests by the United States, and doubts regarding U.S. commitment to Kurdish security. 

Areas for enhanced support

This perilous situation threatens the political, economic, and security progress attained by the Iraqi Kurds in the Middle East, with the potential to lead to violence, instability, and humanitarian crises. The Iraqi Kurds are effectively governing their autonomous region; nonetheless, they require support across various sectors to strengthen their position as the dominant force in Northern Iraq. The United States must provide support to the Iraqi Kurds regarding the following essential matters.

Air defense systems: Iraqi Kurdistan is under aerial assault from adversaries and adjacent nations, which utilize drones and missile strikes. This constitutes an unequivocal infringement upon its sovereignty. The deployment of an air defense system such as THAAD or Patriot in Iraqi Kurdistan would safeguard U.S. strategic assets and personnel, while simultaneously sending a clear message to allies and adversaries, underscoring Washington’s commitment to defending its partners.

Support from high-level U.S diplomacy: Baghdad often delays the transfer of funds to the KRG, resulting in Peshmerga personnel remaining unpaid for several months. The United States can strengthen high-level diplomatic initiatives to facilitate a comprehensive agreement between Erbil and Baghdad regarding budget allocation, the timely release of funds, oil revenue management, and export procedures.

Supply of heavy weapons: The Peshmerga have received some heavy weaponry, including heavy machine guns, artillery, and infantry fighting vehicles, from allied nations such as the United States, Germany, and the UK, to strengthen their operational capabilities and allow them to combat ISIS. The Iraqi federal government in Baghdad opposes providing direct military support to the Kurds and aims to impose restrictions on the supply of armaments. The unwarranted apprehensions of Baghdad often deter allied nations within the international coalition from supplying vital military hardware to the Peshmerga. In November 2024, the United States provided 24 105-mm M119 howitzers to the Peshmerga. Baghdad promptly conveyed its concerns to the United States and opposed the transfer, even though its objections are unfounded, considering that the Peshmerga safeguard an extensive frontline and require heavy armaments. The United States and other international allies should enhance their assistance to Peshmerga forces, as the existing limited armaments transfers are inadequate.

A partnership for the future

The United States remains committed to maintaining strategic alliances in the troublesome Middle East, where its vital interests will continue to face persistent threats. In a volatile region, numerous local, regional, and international actors are engaged in complex, zero-sum power struggles. Terrorism is on the rise because of multiple collapsed states within the region. The Iraqi Kurds and their formidable Peshmerga, located at the heart of the Middle East, are exactly what the United States needs in its most vital regions.