Retribution

Circa 2003

The Kurds feared Saddam Hussein, but also feared being betrayed by the U.S. again (the U.S. did not heed requests for support when the Iraqi Air Force attacked them with chemical weapons. The U.S. claimed chemical weapons as a reason for invading Iraq in 2003, but refused to send safety measures to the Iraqi Kurds against chemical weapons attacks. The U.S. left the Kurds to die from Saddam’s attacks after encouraging the Kurds to rebel against Saddam – but the U.S. did not support the rebellion and Saddam massacred many Kurdish rebels and their families).

Nevertheless, the Kurds were excited at the prospect of U.S. intervention to rid Iraq of Saddam and his threats of chemical attacks against them. For 4 million Kurds, the Iraqi region of Kurdish settlements was the safest harbor for them across the Kurdish diaspora of the middle east. Gas masks from the First Gulf War was an in-demand, and affordable, commodity at this time because of their fear of chemical attacks, Food wrapped in plastic filled Kurdish cellars and windows were taped to ensure safe seal against outside air. Iraq had attacked the Kurds in the late 1980s with chemical weapons in the town of Hulijab.

People’s bodies felt like they were burning alive and many people died. The Iraqi air force dropped chemical bombs upon Kurdish towns. These attacks are etched into the consciousness of Kurds for generations. Physical, mental, and emotional injuries were plentiful.

Saddam Hussein tried to indoctrinate Kurdish children. After the first Gulf War, Turkey built bases within the border of Iraq near Kurdish towns to attack, or at least confine Kurdish capabilities. The Kurds feared that another U.S. invasion in Iraq would spark a Turkish – Kurdish war.

Removing Iraq, created by British mandate in the 1920s, would encourage all neighboring countries to invade and take their own historical, religious, and cultural claims upon Iraqi territory.

Our Kurdish Antagonist: “How would America like to be governed by Britain? You have the same language, the same culture, the same religion? America would not allow itself to be governed by Britain – not even on a temporary basis? Why should us Kurds? We did not fight for America, we fought for our own people. But we kept our word – America did not.”