VIDEO: Kurds proven loyal allies of US: Officials

WASHINGTON DC, United States (Kurdistan24) – A far more positive attitude toward Kurdish independence is emerging in Washington.

The Kurds have proven loyal allies and valiant fighters, and on the campaign trail, President Donald Trump affirmed the US must do more to support them. 

Vice-President Michael Pence knows the Kurdish leadership. He visited Erbil in 2008 and is emerging as the White House official most responsible for high-level dealings with them.

Newt Gingrich, a long-time speaker of the House of Representatives and a senior figure in the Republican Party, predicted Trump would do significantly more to support the Kurds than Barack Obama. 

Senator John McCain has called for directly arming the Peshmerga, while Rep. Dana Rohrabacher and Rep. Trent Franks call for Kurdish independence. 

Until now, the US’ strategy has been constrained by its “one-Iraq” policy, with Washington giving Baghdad a veto over its dealings with Erbil. That, however, looks to be changing.

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany