'Depth of Relationship Between US, Kurdistan Will Grow,' Soma Tells Kurdistan24

By Kamaran Aziz

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Gabriel Soma, Professor of International Law and a member of the advisory board to the US President Donald Trump, voiced strong support for deepening U.S.-Kurdistan relations during an interview with Kurdistan24 on Friday, emphasizing that the Kurdistan Region is emerging as a vital partner for the United States in both energy and security arenas. He hailed the recent visit of the Kurdish delegation to Washington and stressed that the relationship is built on mutual respect, shared values, and common threats.

"This shows that we have a good relationship with the region of Kurdistan," said Soma. Referring to a "warm" meeting between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Kurdish officials, he stated, "I think this visit is gonna help the two countries, as far as energy, trade, and petrol."

He praised former President Donald Trump’s recognition of the Kurds as “brave people” who have consistently defended their rights and allied with the U.S. in the war against ISIS. "They succeeded, and they will keep doing that in the future," he affirmed.

Energy, Somaemphasized, remains central to this evolving relationship. "You have a lot of energy over there, and it’s gonna be beneficial for us and for you as well... Iraq is considered the fourth largest producer of oil," he noted, pointing to growing U.S. interest and the role of current meetings in Washington.

Soma recalled a moment when U.S. forces considered relocating from Baghdad to Kurdistan, highlighting the depth of trust. "That tells you the depth of the relationship between us and Kurdistan."

While recognizing that relations with Baghdad remain positive at the governmental level, Soma warned of resistance from factions within Iraq hostile to the U.S. presence—“the resistance groups.” He explained, “It was incumbent on the United States... to move in the direction of Kurdistan."

He stressed that the U.S. foreign policy supports Kurdistan, stating, "They have fought bravely against terrorist organizations... and we ought to support them." Soma reiterated that Kurdistan remains an important ally and should be protected from any future threats.

Reflecting on Kurdistan’s economic potential, Soma drew comparisons to Gulf states like Saudi Arabia and Qatar. "When you have oil, when you have energy... that means you’re gonna have a good future," he stated. He cited President Trump’s success in securing $4 trillion in deals from Gulf states as a precedent for what Kurdistan could achieve.

He expressed optimism about Iraq’s federal system, which he said the U.S. helped shape. "The United States helped create this partnership... and it looks like it’s working fine." He predicted a peaceful resolution to oil-related disputes between Erbil and Baghdad.

On the broader geopolitical framework, Soma praised federalism as a solution for Iraq and potentially for Syria. "The Kurds... deserve to have their own rule... I think this will solve the problem in other countries as well."

He concluded with a strong message of support for economic development in Kurdistan, highlighting its regional significance. "Oil is the benchmark... for resisting inflation... When you have more sources of energy, that means the region is wealthy."

"Your future is really a bright future," Soma stated, urging the region to invest wisely in its vast resources. He envisioned a flourishing Kurdistan akin to the rapid developments in Gulf nations: "We’re gonna be in your region, and we’re gonna see these developments taking place in your area."