Clinton reiterates support for 'best partners' Kurds

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – Hillary Clinton, the US Presidential Democratic nominee, on Sunday reiterated her support for the Kurdish forces fighting the Islamic State (IS).

During the second presidential debate with her Republican rival Donald Trump in St. Louis, Missouri, Clinton stated the Kurds had become US’ “best partners” in Syria as well as Iraq.

Peshmerga forces of the Kurdistan Region and People’s Protection Units (YPG) in Syrian Kurdistan (Rojava) have been at the forefront of the fight against IS in both countries.

“We have to work more closely with our partners and allies on the ground. I would also consider arming the Kurds,” Clinton said.

The Democratic nominee vowed support for the Kurdish forces for the second time at the risk of further alienating her country’s NATO ally, Turkey.

The current US administration of Barack Obama is already weighing to directly arm the YPG according to a September New York Times report.

The US already has thousands of military advisors, trainers, and special forces embedded with the Peshmerga and YPG which it supports with airstrikes against IS in both parts of Kurdistan.

Clinton told the audience at the debate she knew there was “a lot of concern” about arming the Kurds “in some circles.”

However, she did not specify whether she was referring to American foreign policy makers or Turkey.

Turkey has staunchly opposed the US military support for the Kurds particularly in Syria, even during the famed IS siege on the town of Kobani where the YPG units were outnumbered and outgunned.

“But I think [the Kurds] should have the equipment they need so the Kurdish and Arab fighters on the ground are the principal way that we take Raqqa after pushing [IS] out of Iraq,” Clinton continued.

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany