‘My advice for new US president: recognize an independent Kurdistan!’

WASHINGTON DC, United States (Kurdistan24) – In an exclusive interview with Kurdistan24, a New York Times best-selling author of The Miracle of the Kurds said America should back an independent Kurdistan.

Stephen Mansfield, a writer and popular speaker who has been a leading voice in supporting Kurds against the Islamic State (IS) told Kurdistan24 the next US President should be more strategic in selecting allies and should side with the Kurds.

Washington should stop supporting Saudi Arabia and Turkey and instead focus on the Kurds who are the more trustworthy allies, Mansfield said.

“Erdogan has been an embarrassment to Washington,” he said, referring to the post-coup massive crackdown on media, elected figures, judges, and academics.

The best-selling author of a book about Kurds believes American people are hungry to learn more about Kurds.

He added those who are familiar with this large stateless nation believe Kurds deserve their country and sovereignty.

Speaking about the upcoming US presidential election, Mansfield predicted the Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, who has already voiced her support for Kurds, would win.

“[Clinton] is a good politician, and she knew that the Kurds were a [hot topic] with the American people and that’s why she mentioned it twice in the debates,” he stated.

Mansfield added the White House is now more sympathetic toward the Kurdish cause than ever before, but there are still roadblocks.

He explained the allegations of corruption, factionalism, nepotism, and authoritarianism have policy-makers hesitant about whether Kurds are ready for independence.

The popular speaker mentioned Kurds need lobbyists, writers, and speakers who can create awareness about the Kurdish cause among people and politicians alike.

He believes Kurds, though betrayed repeatedly, have been unable to seize the few opportunities they have had to achieve independence.

The prominent writer who is based in Nashville, Tennessee said he “lost his heart” to Kurds for many reasons. Nashville hosts the largest Kurdish population in the United States.

He added all Kurds who were capable needed to be more vocal and proactive in creating a momentum for their nation through education and activism.

Asked what advice he would give to the new US president, the best-selling author told Kurdistan24 the new administration should “adjust” their policies for the Kurds.

“I would tell them to adjust their level of devotion to Turkey and Saudi Arabia, I would tell them to adjust some of the agreements with Baghdad,” Mansfield said.

“I would tell them to announce themselves in support of Kurdish independence [and] I would tell them to be prepared to help give birth to Kurdistan,” he continued.

“I think we should see an independent Kurdistan in the next three to five years,” Mansfield concluded.

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany