CIAO DATE: 02/2015
November 2014
Danish Institute for International Studies
As Islamic State’s rapid annexation of large swathes of Iraq and Syria unfolds, the plight of the region’s stateless Kurds is thrust into the international spotlight, as the Kurds steadily gain stature as the primary bulwark against further IS expansion. The Kurdish forces now provide the necessary boots on the ground in the framework of Operation Inherent Resolve. However, the strong backing of the Kurds presents a number of challenges and difficult balancing acts for Western and regional actors.
Resource link: A Difficult Balancing Act: Backing the Kurds in the fight against IS in Iraq and Syria [PDF] - 3.2M