‘It’s wise to support an independent Kurdistan’

WASHINGTON, United States (Kurdistan24) – In a recent interview, a Middle East expert stated that it is important for the United States to support Kurdistan and Kurds’ desire for independence.

Erick Stakelbeck, an International Terrorism Analyst and US National Security Commentator, discussed Kurdish independence and the Peshmerga’s battle with the Islamic State (IS).

“It is vitally important for the United States, in my view, to support Kurdish independence,” Stakelbeck said.

“Looking back decade over decade, the Kurdish people have been loyal friends of the United States, one of our only friends in the Middle East,” he added.

The Terrorism Analyst also agreed that supporting Kurds and an independent Kurdistan would lead to the safety and security of the US.

“The Kurds [are] one of the main forces holding back…these [IS insurgents] that want to come here to the west and harm us here in the United States,” Stakelbeck stated.

“From a security perspective, it is wise to support an independent Kurdistan and support what the Kurdish people are doing,” he added.

Stakelbeck also praised the success of Peshmerga in their battle with IS, stating that the Kurdish forces are “holding back the floodgates” of terrorism to the world.

“The brave Peshmerga are the front lines in the Middle East in the fight against [IS],” the National Security Commentator said.

Additionally, Stakelbeck offered some positive words to the people of Kurdistan for their continued struggle.

“To the people of Kurdistan, we stand with you here in the United States, we honor what you’re doing,” he stated.

“We just thank you, we appreciate you, we pray for you, and we ask that you keep up the fight,” Stakelbeck concluded.

(Kurdistan24 team in Washington, DC, conducted the interview)