Iran's Policies Towards Kurds in Northern Iraq (KRG)

Authors : Cengiz Dinç, Murat Öztürk

Pages : 228-252

Doi:10.21600/ijoks.955181

View : 16 | Download : 9

Publication Date : 2021-08-25

Article Type : Research

Abstract :Regional geopolitical conditions shaped after the First World War enabled Iran to establish close relations with Iraqi Kurds. During this period, the relations between Iran, who wanted to protect its interests in the region against Iraq, and Iraqi Kurds who wanted to rule themselves, were shaped within the framework of Iran's general relations with the Baghdad administration. After the US invasion of Iraq in 2003, relations transformed. As a result of the fall of Saddam Hussein, Iran's priorities in the region have changed and the power in relations with Iraq has shifted from Kurds to Shiites. After 2007 Kurds began to develop relations with Western States, especially Turkey. This forced Iran to support Shiites even more in order to protect their interests in the region. While blocks were forming in the region, ISIL, which was a major threat to the region, emerged in 2014. Western powers supported the Iraqi Kurds against this organization that destroyed the security mechanism. The Erbil administration, which expanded its domain with support from the Western Bloc, decided to hold an independence referendum in 2017 and carried it out despite the difficulties. On the other hand, Iran hardened its policies towards the Kurds, and made some decisions in regard to sanctions. This study examines the change in Iran's policies towards the Iraqi Kurds. 
Keywords : Iranian Foreign Policy, Iraqi Kurds, Iraq KRG, Independence Referendum