By | Dr. Nazaket Hussen
The Peshmerga stand as more than a military force; they are the living shield of the Kurdish people and the foundation of a nation long denied the right to self-determination. Born out of oppression and forged in the fires of resistance, the Peshmerga embody courage, sacrifice, and the will to endure.
Unlike conventional armies built by states, the Peshmerga rose spontaneously and voluntarily from the people. With no advanced weapons, no modern equipment, and often little outside support, they relied on skill, discipline, and an unshakable bond with their communities. That bond transformed them into a force that today commands both national pride and international respect.
Their defining moment came in the war against ISIS. In the face of brutal terrorism, the Peshmerga stood firm when others faltered. Their sacrifices—paid in blood and loss—are recognized worldwide. Honors and awards presented to them are not empty gestures; they are proof that the world acknowledges their heroism and their role in defending humanity.
This global respect was evident again when France named a street after the Peshmerga. President Barzani, standing proudly, affirmed his identity with a simple declaration: “I am a Peshmerga.” That moment carried weight far beyond symbolism. It confirmed the Peshmerga as an official, professional, and moral force, while reinforcing the inseparable link between Kurdish leadership and the struggle for freedom.
The message is clear: despite injustice and decades of denial, the Kurds have built a force grounded in ethics, honor, and professionalism. The Peshmerga deserve not only the respect of their own nation but recognition on the global stage.
The size of the street in France does not matter. What matters is the permanence of the name. To have “Peshmerga” engraved in the daily fabric of another nation ensures that their story—of resilience, sacrifice, and honor—will endure. For future generations, it is a reminder of who the Kurds are, what they have overcome, and why the Peshmerga remain the pride of a nation and a symbol to the world.