ISIS is pushing for new territory in the Middle East, and the Kurds are one of their biggest obstacles recently. Specifically the Peshmerga (skilled Kurdish fighters) have been putting up great resistance against ISIS and their latest attempts of taking land along the northern border of Iraq. ISIS has been specifically targeting key points in the north such as the Mosul Dam and areas in the Sinjar mountain ranges, but have had little success thanks to the brutal force that is the Peshmerga.
Lately we’ve been hearing a lot about a small town called Kobani and how it is becoming the new battleground in the long fight between the Kurds and ISIS. Why Kobani? It is a small but key point right between the Turkish and Syrian border that, if taken, would put ISIS right in striking distance of Turkey. But as well as Kurdish forces have been fighting, Kobani is not looking too good. The small town is said to certainly fall soon, despite the recent air drops from the US to Kurdish forces. Car bombers have killed a number of civilians as well as fighters, and the city desperately needs skilled warriors and ammo.
Turkish officials have finally decided to let the Kurdish Peshmerga cross Turkey to get to Syria to fortify Kobani, which can be considered a big move since Turkish officials have long segregated and ostracized Kurds.
Turkish officials have finally decided to let the Kurdish Peshmerga cross Turkey to get to Syria to fortify Kobani, which can be considered a big move since Turkish officials have long segregated and ostracized Kurds.
Airstrikes and equipment drops from the US can only do so much, but the strategy against ISIS is working, General Lloyd Austin, head of U.S. Central Command, said last week. It will take “strategic patience” to beat ISIS, Austin said. The battle for Kobani has united Kurds across the region, who have launched many violent protests in several Turkish cities as well as at the border, hurting police with live fire. Many are angry at the Turkish forces and their inaction of getting involved in the fight against Isis on their own border.
But with Turkey finally opening it’s border to the Kurd’s, could we see Turkey finally enter the fight? In my opinion, thousands of their citizens will be in extreme danger if they do not. As many as two thousand have fled Turkish borders already in the fear that ISIS is coming.
sources: CNN, Belfast Telegraph
Across Cultures 
I know there was a lot of debate amongst the allied powers to give weapons to the Kurds because with my understanding they aren’t on good terms with some of our allies and also aren’t necessarily a “good” military. I agree with the U.S.’ decision though because ISIS is becoming too strong and it’s one of our last options before our army or others would possibly have to intervene, which we don’t want.
Reading this article is really eye opening and it brings up really important points. I honestly never heard of this situation so I’m glad you bring it up, it definitely gives me a better understanding of how ISIS is acting and trying to expand. I agree with you about Turkeys possible involvement in the conflict, because of how their military isn’t too strong, and I could see how the citizens would be effected by that the most.
ISIS is becoming too strong and something needs to be done. It is nice to know that the Kurds are putting up a fight against this terrorist organization and doing it strategically.
If ISIS gains access to Turkey, that will just empower them even more. I am surprised it has taken Turkish officials this long to allow the Kurds to cross over and fight. It seems like ISIS has been threatening to take over this city for weeks. And although “strategic patience” may be “the best option” to beat ISIS, while the US remains patient, ISIS will continue killing innocent lives and conquering new territories.