Evolving Ties with the United States and Europe

Abstract

Surrounded by deadly enemies in the Middle East, Kurdish politicians carefully navigated the US, European, and Middle Eastern political arena, demonstrating statesmanship, diplomatic skills, and reliability as peacemakers between Sunni and Shiite Arabs in order to maintain Iraq’s unity. The Kurds were quick to acquire the necessary political and diplomatic skills to administer their autonomous region, consisting of Arbil, Sulaimaniya, and Duhok. The nascent Kurdish administration galvanized the Kurdish Diaspora who helped them establish bridges with Western states.