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Kurds see strategic interest in Iraq
security crackdown
17.4.2007 |
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April
17, 2007
Erbil, Kurdistan region (Iraq), -- Bodybags
have been arriving at regular intervals into the
capital of Kurdistan (north Iraq).
Ever since the new security plan for Baghdad kicked
in a few months ago the number of dead of Kurdish
Peshmerga fighters have been rising.
More than 5,000 Kurdish Peshmerga fighters
(Kurdistan national guards) have been recruited
after the announcement of security plan and they
form the bulk of forces leading the drive against
insurgents in Baghdad.
"We fought vigorously the former regime and martyred
thousands, so we are always ready to fight and
sacrifice, therefore we don't consider this task as
a shock," Farhad Esmail, Peshmerga officer, told
Gulf News.
"It is the continuation of the long and arduous
clashes we have gone through. We believe in combat
and we consider ourselves part of a united
democratic federal Iraq."
But not all share the enthusiasm of Farhad. Umm
Shirzad, a Kurdish mother says it is a difficult
life.
"We had a long struggle with Saddam Hussain's
regime, we were the target of genocide in Halabja
and the Anfal operations. After the end of our
battle and establishing our stable territory, we
rejoiced," she told Gulf News. "My son is deployed
in Baghdad. The security situation is troublesome
there and I believe that his life is exposed to
dangers every day," she said.
"I am more anxious and frightened especially after
the return of the four Peshmerga martyrs. God
willing, our sons will return safe and peace
prevails in Baghdad and all the Iraqi cities".
Security
In most of Kurdistan regions of Iraq like Erbil,
Dohuk and Sulaymaniyah, the Peshmerga brigades
continue training hard in order to deal with any
state of emergency.
The commanders say the fighters have to be ready for
any serious eruption of sectarian strife in Baghdad
or a massive US troop withdrawal which could lead to
chaos.
"It is true that Kurdistan is a secure region, but
we are convinced that its stability is hinged on
Iraq's security as a whole," Fadhil Merani, the
Kurdistan Democratic Party secretary, told Gulf
News. "Also the Kurds' strategic interest lies in
restoring order and peace throughout Iraq.
It will guarantee the security of Kurdistan
territory. Therefore, we are actively involved in
fighting terrorism," Merani added. Kurdistan is
witnessing unprecedented peace and security in its
history and has large rebuilding campaigns under
way.
gulfnews.com
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