By Awesta Ali Mohammed
Kurdish diplomacy has undergone significant evolution, particularly in the last century. Although historically constrained by their stateless status, the Kurds have strategically leveraged diplomatic engagement to build alliances and strengthen global relations.
Kurdish diplomacy took root in the early 20th century, after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. The Treaty of Sèvres (1920) briefly raised hopes for Kurdish statehood, but the Treaty of Lausanne (1923) left the Kurds divided between Turkey, Iraq, Syria, and Iran. During the British mandate over Iraq, Kurdish leaders sought British support for autonomy, establishing a precedent for their diplomatic engagements with global powers. Although Kurdish aspirations for independence were not fully realized, these early alliances laid a foundation for future diplomatic maneuvers.
A key turning point in Kurdish diplomacy occurred after the Gulf War (1991), when the U.S. and its allies established a no-fly zone in northern Iraq to protect the Kurds from Saddam Hussein’s regime. This protection enabled the Kurds to form the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in 1992, beginning a new era of Kurdish semi-autonomy. Kurdish-American relations deepened during the 2003 Iraq War, when Kurdish Peshmerga forces played a critical role in coalition operations. The U.S. remains a crucial ally, providing military and diplomatic support to the KRG, particularly in the fight against ISIS.
In Europe, France and the United Kingdom have been key partners in Kurdish diplomacy. France has historically supported Kurdish cultural and political rights, dating back to the 1980s when President François Mitterrand’s government expressed sympathy for the Kurdish cause. France continues to advocate for Kurdish autonomy, particularly within Iraq. The United Kingdom, though more reserved, has maintained steady relations with the KRG, especially in trade, investment, and security cooperation. Both nations have recognized the strategic importance of the Kurds in regional stability.
Kurdish diplomacy has also extended to international security institutions. The KRG’s cooperation with NATO members during the fight against ISIS highlighted the Kurds’ role in regional security. The Kurdish Peshmerga forces gained global recognition for their resilience, bolstering the KRG’s credibility as a reliable partner. Additionally, the NATO Maintenance and Supply Agency (NAMSA) provided logistical and military support to the KRG, reinforcing international cooperation in military matters.
Despite diplomatic successes, the KRG faces ongoing challenges, especially opposition from regional powers like Turkey and Iran, who view Kurdish independence efforts as a threat. However, the KRG’s strategic alliances with global powers, including the U.S., European nations, and NATO, have solidified its position. The future of Kurdish diplomacy will depend on managing these regional tensions while expanding its global partnerships.
In conclusion, Kurdish diplomacy has matured from a marginalized movement into a sophisticated network of international alliances. By balancing regional and global relations, the KRG has become a pivotal actor in Middle Eastern geopolitics.