The previous topics provide the baseline for the reader to understand why support for the Kurds is not a cut and dry issue but instead invites an ethical dilemma. The US is forced to choose between established allies, the GOI or Turks, and Kurdish partners, the KRG and Syrian Kurds. The Kurds have made a concerted effort to garner positive international opinion through reform of their ideals and practices. Surrounded on all sides by ethnic groups who have opposed and repressed them over the years, the Kurds have identified western powers as allies with the strength capable of supporting their bid for autonomy.
Diplomatic Ethical Dilemmas
As such, factions like the KRG have made it their mission to promote social freedoms in support of UN …show more content…
At the surface it would be simple to say “back the Kurds” in the fight against ISIL. However, the US is faced with a catch-22 in regards to this “simple” decision. Official support for the Kurds directly opposes the agendas of Turkey and to a lesser extent the GOI. As such the political savvy decision to support the SDF represents a compromise in policy but not a comprise in our country’s ethics or morals. Nonetheless, it is important to understand that there is more this complex situation. The Kurds in northern Iraq are at a point where their case for an independent state has never been stronger but it still goes against the grain of US policy for the US to support this secession since it will create additional instability within the country. Lastly, due to internal politics, the US does not interfere with the discord between the Kurds in Turkey and the predominant ethnically Turk government. Therefore, analysis of the ethical dilemmas associated with US policy towards the Kurds must instead be separated depending on which faction of the Kurds the policy affects. Throughout these circumstances it appears that diplomatic policy could work in contradiction to military operations and
Diplomatic Ethical Dilemmas
As such, factions like the KRG have made it their mission to promote social freedoms in support of UN …show more content…
At the surface it would be simple to say “back the Kurds” in the fight against ISIL. However, the US is faced with a catch-22 in regards to this “simple” decision. Official support for the Kurds directly opposes the agendas of Turkey and to a lesser extent the GOI. As such the political savvy decision to support the SDF represents a compromise in policy but not a comprise in our country’s ethics or morals. Nonetheless, it is important to understand that there is more this complex situation. The Kurds in northern Iraq are at a point where their case for an independent state has never been stronger but it still goes against the grain of US policy for the US to support this secession since it will create additional instability within the country. Lastly, due to internal politics, the US does not interfere with the discord between the Kurds in Turkey and the predominant ethnically Turk government. Therefore, analysis of the ethical dilemmas associated with US policy towards the Kurds must instead be separated depending on which faction of the Kurds the policy affects. Throughout these circumstances it appears that diplomatic policy could work in contradiction to military operations and