"Model of Stability": U.S. Scholar Lauds Kurdistan’s Role in Regional Security, Development
Des Roches noted that unlike other areas of Iraq where Iranian-aligned militias have threatened U.S. personnel and interests, “we don’t deal with that in the Kurdish region.”
By Kamaran Aziz
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – David Des Roches, associate professor at the Near East South Asia Center for Security Studies, emphasized the Kurdistan Region’s long-standing and exemplary relationship with the United States, highlighting its contributions to regional security, counterterrorism, and economic development. Speaking to Kurdistan24 on Wednesday, Des Roches portrayed Kurdistan as a rare zone of stability in the Middle East, widely respected in Washington.
“I think the relationship is excellent. I think that the ties are strong,” Des Roches said. “Kurdistan is one of the rare areas in the Middle East that... people don't really lose sleep over in Washington.”
While affirming that Washington does not currently support Kurdish independence or secession, Des Roches underscored that the Kurdistan Region’s role as a secure and dependable partner significantly boosts its profile in U.S. foreign policy. “The ongoing security relationship between the Kurdish region and the United States, to include a welcoming presence of US forces, to continue to conduct counterterrorism operations in the region, and the partnership in counterterrorism operations is very much appreciated.”
He praised the Region’s role in counterterrorism, recalling that America’s first response against ISIS came from bases in Kurdistan. “The support to the Kurdish forces who were fighting after the fall of Mosul... allowed for the defeat of ISIS... and that is appreciated.”
Des Roches also noted that unlike other areas of Iraq where Iranian-aligned militias have threatened U.S. personnel and interests, “we don’t deal with that in the Kurdish region.”
“The Kurdish region [...] provides an example of stability. They've had stability in other parts of Iraq [that] have not had,” he stated. “The leadership shown in the Kurdish region serves the interests of Iraq, the [Kurdistan] Region, and the United States.”
Addressing the independence debate, Des Roches expressed concern over potential fragmentation: “If Kurdistan were to leave Iraq... you’d wind up with two extremely weak states... and the person who usually benefits from chaos is Iran.”
Nevertheless, he made clear that Kurdish-American partnership has yielded tangible benefits. “What Kurdistan has shown is that by their partnership with the United States, they are able to maintain a level of security that allows for... real development. That’s a positive model.”
On energy, Des Roches pointed to Kurdistan’s vital role in global energy diversification. “Iraqi oil, from the Kurdish region... could be a very important part of that mix,” especially for European countries seeking alternatives to Russian and Iranian supplies.
He dismissed the need for exclusivity in investment policy, stating that the U.S. welcomes global investment so long as it is transparent and beneficial. “If the Kurdish regional government creates a fair and transparent process for investment, investors will come.”
Reiterating the Trump administration’s business-oriented focus, Des Roches said, “If you create the conditions, the investors will come, that's just the way it is.” He emphasized that the Kurdish Region stands out due to its performance: “When you look at what you can invest in... that’s one of the things that really jumps out at you.”
He concluded by noting the unique depth of U.S. involvement in the Kurdistan Region: “No other country has the level of support, the level of interest to include, putting our soldiers on the line.”
