Do we have a lasting middle eastern ally in the Kurds?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 21:02:27 -0400

Time and time again have we aligned ourselves with middle eastern tribal, ethnic, and geopolitical entities to try and accomplish our regional goals, take the mujahadeen for example. Seldom do these plans go well, but there is talk of creating a lasting friendship with the semi nomadic and fiercely prideful Kurds, under the common banner of defeating Isis. Do you think this could be a middle eastern success story, or just another fluke?

Response by Sgt David G Duchesneau made Jun 8 at 2015 9:10 PM

Sgt David G Duchesneau — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 21:10:38 -0400

Who knows? It all depends on who your talking with.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jun 8 at 2015 9:12 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 21:12:58 -0400

Not to rain on the parade, but has the U S ever gained any lasting allies? This current Afghanistan/Iraqi "coalition" BS is BS, the "coalition" only lasts as long as the U S DOLLARS fund it! Unless they parlay any U S support into a real economy for their country they all fall by the wayside!

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Jun 8 at 2015 11:09 PM

Capt Seid Waddell — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 23:09:06 -0400

The alliance will last as long as our interests coincide - and no longer.

Same as with any other nation or group.

In WWII Russia and France were our allies and Germany and Japan were our enemies.

Look at the situation today.

Self-interest is the operable factor.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2015 1:08 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 01:08:47 -0400

Probably not, unfortunately.
We have treated the Kurds pretty poorly throughout. I think once our interests no longer coincide, they will go their own way.

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Jun 9 at 2015 3:11 AM

SSG Roger Ayscue — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 03:11:09 -0400

Unless we hose them, which the POTUS is likely to do

Response by Cpl Thomas Mcdonough made Jun 10 at 2015 3:06 PM

Cpl Thomas Mcdonough — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 15:06:19 -0400

Noooo

Response by Cpl Thomas Mcdonough made Jun 10 at 2015 3:07 PM

Cpl Thomas Mcdonough — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 15:07:22 -0400

Nooo no way no

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2015 3:51 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 15:51:21 -0400

They are the ones who benefited most from the removal of Saddam and their interests are fairly well aligned with our own. I don't see a lot of risk involved in supporting them, and there is a lot that could be gained.

Response by COL Tim Heinemann made Jun 10 at 2015 10:50 PM

COL Tim Heinemann — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 22:50:45 -0400

Kevin. Your idea is spot on. Kurds are the best chance we have for an enduring allly, who fundamentally shares common interests and principles. Spent a few months last Nov and Dec working in support of Kurdish Regional Government, to this end. Bottom Line: They are being sabotaged by Iraq Government politics. ISIS is Threat #1, then Sunni militias, then Iran. Some prominent leaders I know in Washington share your belief. It is vital for America to back good friends around the world who may not be in power running central governments. Kurds are one example. This level is where we build enduring allegiances globally. Trust your instincts. They are good. Regards, Tim

Response by PVT Gary LeBlanc made Jun 10 at 2015 11:21 PM

PVT Gary LeBlanc — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 23:21:48 -0400

We wont as long as the coward in chief is still in office. His main goal ( his legacy ) is to destroy EVERY relationship we have with our allies before he leaves office IF he ever leaves

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Jun 11 at 2015 12:41 AM

Capt Jeff S. — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 00:41:21 -0400

No. You will never have a trustworthy ally in the Middle East. Everyone there is pursuing their own self-interest and using others to get what they want.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jun 11 at 2015 12:43 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 00:43:13 -0400

Only as long as it's mutually beneficial. Unfortunately the US track record has been to file the divorce papers first.

Response by PFC Damon Graham made Jun 11 at 2015 3:20 PM

PFC Damon Graham — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 15:20:48 -0400

The Kurds want a country and that can not happen with Turkey in their way. If they get northern Iraq they will be happy for a time but the Kurds will want more at some point in the future.

Response by 1SG Patrick Sims made Jun 11 at 2015 3:31 PM

1SG Patrick Sims — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 15:31:06 -0400

The Kurds will fight and can be trusted only to a point---Like most Middle Eastern cultures their your allies when it is their best interest to be---Other times they'll stab you in the back at the first opportunity. ----It's simply the way the Middle Eastern mind works. We're a powerful nation they need help from---but at the end of the day were infidels. We should arm the Kurds because it is in our best interest to. When its over, don't expect them to be grateful for the help.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jun 11 at 2015 8:43 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 20:43:48 -0400

I have just started reading T E Lawrence's, 'Seven Pillars of Wisdom' as a free Apple book. He explains a lot about the nature of the Arabs. And some other stuff I don't dwell upon!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 11 at 2015 9:59 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 21:59:47 -0400

I believe the Kurds are driven by national interests, hate for ISIS, and defending themselves. I have no doubt they will make excellent allies.

Response by SPC Christopher Morehouse made Jul 6 at 2015 8:20 AM

SPC Christopher Morehouse — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 08:20:35 -0400

Define lasting....