Skip to main content

Despite limitations, Iranian Kurds support Iraqi Kurds

Iranian Kurds have been moved by images of Iraqi Kurds fleeing the Islamic State and have attempted to contribute and help.
A member of the Kurdish Peshmerga force fires a dushka at Sulaiman Pek front line in the northwest of Tikrit city August 31, 2014.  REUTERS/Youssef Boudlal (IRAQ - Tags: CIVIL UNREST POLITICS MILITARY TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) - RTR44FEB
Read in 

The Islamic State (IS) campaigns in the Kurdish areas of Iraq and Syria have also agitated the Kurds of Iran. Many of those living close to the borders are worried about their family members on the other side, and a general sense of solidarity has formed among the Kurds.

In Iraq, members of the Kurdish parties opposing the Iranian government have expressed readiness to fight alongside the peshmerga forces against IS. More than 150 peshmerga fighters of the Komala Party of Iranian Kurdistan and Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan have been stationed in Kirkuk to face IS. Fighters from the Democratic Party have also been spotted in Makhmur.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.