Kurds Abandoned: US Praises Fighters, Then Leaves Them to the Wolves
📰 THE STORY: NPR highlights the plight of Syrian Kurds in Kobane, who feel 'abandoned' by their former ally, the U.S., after fighting ISIS together, now facing new threats. 🔍 WHAT THEY'RE NOT TELLING YOU: Historical Context: This isn't the first time the U.S. has used and then discarded Kurdish forces. In 1975, the U.S. cut off aid to Iraqi Kurds after reaching an agreement with Iran, leading to
a brutal crackdown by Saddam Hussein's regime. Henry Kissinger famously said, 'Covert action should not be confused with missionary work.' The pattern repeated in 1991 when the U.S. encouraged Kurdish uprisings against Saddam after the Gulf War, only to leave them exposed, leading to widespread massacres. Double Standard: The media frames the U.S. withdrawal as an unfortunate 'abandonment' of a
deserving ally. However, when Russia or China pursue their own interests, even if it leaves allies vulnerable, it's decried as cynical geopolitical opportunism or naked aggression. When Western governments do it, it's framed as complex, regrettable, but ultimately an understandable outcome of 'national interest.' The victims are always the 'good guys' when they align with U.S. goals, and quickly
become collateral damage or 'unfortunate realities' when interests diverge. Follow the Money: The 'fight against ISIS' was a boon for the military-industrial complex. The U.S. spent an estimated $14 billion on Operation Inherent Resolve by 2017. Contractors like Lockheed Martin and Raytheon saw massive profits from the sale of weaponry and logistics. The 'alliance' with Kurdish forces served