‘Kurdistan closest ever to independence’
A former US military general recently said Kurdistan is the closest it has ever been to achieving independence and urged all Kurds to unite.
WASHINGTON, United States (Kurdistan24) – A former US military general recently said Kurdistan is the closest it has ever been to achieving independence and urged all Kurds to unite.
Retired US Army lieutenant general Jay Garner spoke to Kurdistan24 about Kurdish independence and the United States’ support.
Garner pointed to unity as a fundamental element for Kurds to accomplish their independence, particularly in the Kurdistan Region.
The former military general explained the importance of putting political differences aside as independence looms for Kurdistan.
He said Kurds are a “debt” to themselves and should focus on the larger picture of sovereignty.
“[Kurds] are the closest now than [they’ve] ever been to independence,” Garner stated.
“I don’t think you’ll have independence until you put the political parties aside [and] unite as Kurds, you don’t unite as political parties,” he added.
Moreover, the retired general pointed to the efforts made by President Masoud Barzani to unify the differences among the Kurdish political spectrum.
“I know President Barzani [has] tried; he’s tried several times [to join political parties],” he said.
“I think independence can happen now, I think it is doable now,” he continued. “What’s important right now is a unified Kurdistan.”
Additionally, Garner addressed the US’ relationship with Iran stating he doesn’t agree with the current administration’s affiliation with the Tehran government.
He explained that Iran has a great influence on the Kurds and the US should step in and “protect” the Kurdistan Region.
The retired general was confident that if the US supports Kurdistan’s independence, the Kurds will become a “protector” of the United States in return.
(Rahim Rashidi conducted the interview)
