Peregraf
The United States is set to enhance its ties with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) by arming Peshmerga forces, according to a recent analysis by the Washington-based Stimson Center, a think tank focused on global peace and security.
Stimson’s report suggests that the U.S. may soon supply surveillance drones and miniature loitering munitions to the Peshmerga, partially addressing the KRG's limited air capabilities. While these assets are not likely to be used against Baghdad, the analysis highlights that ongoing U.S. military support could strain Washington’s relations with Iraq, especially in light of rising Middle Eastern tensions.
According to the Stimson Center, "The U.S. provision of advanced weaponry to Iraqi Kurdistan reflects a commitment to maintaining a strategic foothold in the region even after potential troop withdrawals from central Iraq. A continuing military presence within the KRG will support anti-ISIS operations and deter regional threats, including those from Iran.”
On August 6, 2024, the U.S. formally transferred a significant cache of heavy weaponry to the Peshmerga Ministry, marking a notable enhancement of Peshmerga’s operational capacity. At the handover, the U.S. Consulate underscored the importance of these deliveries, noting that the equipment would bolster Peshmerga forces in securing stability and ensuring ISIS’s long-term defeat in Iraq.
Peshmerga Minister Shorsh Ismail expressed gratitude, noting the arrival of heavy artillery and advanced weaponry as crucial to boosting the ministry’s capabilities in modern military technology. He voiced hope for further support, particularly from the U.S., in obtaining advanced equipment, and praised the ongoing efforts of the KRG and its allies to strengthen the Peshmerga’s role as a key component of Iraq’s defense.
However, challenges persist. Despite international backing, including from the U.S., U.K., Germany, and the Netherlands, the Peshmerga’s unification and reform progress has been hampered by longstanding divisions between the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP). For seven years, coalition efforts have aimed at establishing a unified national force within the KRG, yet political rivalries continue to delay substantial progress.