As US withdraws from Iraq, the Kurdistan Region may find itself vulnerable - analysis
Tehran has carried out more than 1,000 missile and drone attacks on Kurdistan following the start of US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February.
As US forces withdraw from Iraq by the end of 2026, the Kurdistan Region may be left vulnerable to outside threats. Located just nine miles from historic Erbil citadel, Iskan Street in the Kurdistan Region's capital is known for its vibrant street food scene and was the focal point of a 2017 independence referendum. The referendum saw 2.8 million voters, with over 92% backing independence from Iraq.
The Kurds have enjoyed significant autonomy since the early 1990s, supported by the US in the 1990s before achieving autonomy under the 2003 Iraqi constitution. Today, the region is economically developed and more peaceful than other parts of Iraq. However, this stability is now under threat as US forces depart and Iran attacks the region, backed by Iranian-backed militias.
Iran has launched over 1,000 missile and drone attacks, primarily aimed at dissident Kurdish groups. The region's leaders are wary of further retaliation and seek US support. The Kurdish PUK party, with decent ties to Iran, and the KDP, which has more suspicious relations with Iran, both face complex challenges in their response to the Iranian attacks.
As the US presence in the region wanes, the KRG faces the risk of losing influence in key areas like Kirkuk and Sinjar, where Baghdad and its allies are solidifying control. This could leave the Kurdistan Region increasingly isolated and vulnerable in the face of external threats.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
