Erbil missile strike reveals Kurdistan's weak political, military power

Erbil missile strike reveals Iraqi Kurdistans weak political and military power — The scene following the ballistic missile attack by the IRGC on the residence of Kurdish businessman Peshraw Dizayee in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan, January 15, 2024. Photo: Rudaw

Serwan Zangana | Exclusive to iKurd.net

The recent Iranian missile strike on Peshraw Dizayee’s residence in the City of Erbil has shown the obvious vulnerability of Iraq’s Kurdistan Region. The government’s lack of power in protecting Kurdistan’s sovereignty is a major concern. And the threats that the region is facing cannot be brushed off while people are receiving wreaths of drones and missiles. Indeed, it is not the first time that Kurdistan became a target of neighboring counties, such as Iran and Turkey.

Obviously, Kurdistan Region is standing on a fragile foundation in the area. Its attractive feature is always exposed to threats as its sovereignty has continuously been violated.

The Iran’a missile strike on Erbil residence, regardless of the Iranians allegation and accusation against the resident, Mr. Dizayee’s involvement with Israeli intelligence, should raise an alert. Striking a resident by the Iranian regime without regarding an infant being inside, as it happened with Mr. Dizayee, in order to destroy the subject it does not end at this point.

The entire region, including the prominent figures are under the threat. Indeed, the Iranian missiles can reach any of the Kurdish leaders’ residences or offices in Kurdistan. Obviously, Kurdistan Region is under the mercy of the Iranian drones and missiles which are able to strike at any moment.

Nechirvan Barzani with Massoud Barzani and Masrour Barzani — Tribal leader Massoud Barzani (center) with his son, Kurdistan Prime Minister Masrour Barzani (right), and his nephew, Kurdistan President Nechirvan Barzani, on May 12, 2023. Photo: Barzani’s press office/via ikurd.net.

Now, the Kurdistan Regional Government is pleading for the United States to remain in Iraq for further support and protection. But in fact, there is no such a guarantee that the United States would be able to protect Kurdistan or its leaders from sudden drones and missile strikes. Apparently, the United States is facing a predicament in the Middle East as its troops are under attacks from the Iranian-backed militia in Iraq and Syria, and the Houthis group in the Red Sea. In fact, three U.S service members were killed last week, and the Biden administration still has no response to the attack.

However, Kurdistan Region has been compromised in many ways that impede the government ability to operate and make independent decisions without Iran or Turkey’s approval. Kurdistan is struggling to survive among Iran, Turkey, and often the central government of Iraq.

The history of Iran’s hostility against Kurds is deep rooted and the region has always been depleting under the aggression of the Iranian regime. But the missile strike on residents in the deep City of Erbil showed the Iranian regime’s mentality which is the destruction of Kurdistan Region. On the other hand, it showed the weakness of the Kurdistan Regional Government in responding to the assault.

Clearly, Kurdistan Region will remain on the edge of the threat and more strikes and attacks will be seen on the major cities. The sad part is neither the regional government with armed peshmerga is able to protect the region nor the Central Government is in a position to defend it because of loyalty of the latter to Iran.

The Regional Government between optimism, hope, delusion, and reality:

In a few minutes, a few ballistic missiles landed in Mr. Dizayee’s residence. His house was flattened with a few innocent people, including a child and women left dead in the rubbles. Iran proudly claimed the strike and no action was taken against it.

This was another test for the Kurdistan Regional government to respond on the behalf of the region and its people. But the proud speeches and patriotic rhetoric were all optimism, hope, and delusion. Because the Kurdish authority neither has the political weight in the area nor the military power to respond to the Iranians assault on Kurdistan.

Serwan Zangana, a contributing writer for iKurd.net, lives in Virginia, U.S. He serves as a correction officer.

The opinions are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of iKurd.net or its editors.