Israeli involvement in Northern Iraq

As a mentor to the Kurds, Israel has exerted itself in every domain from the economic developments of the region and the utilization of oil resources to armament activities, the armed training provided to peshmerges, and even methods to alter the demography of Kirkuk, writes Mostafa Mahmoud.

Dear Editor,

“In case the US withdraws, Turkey and Iran will fight in Northern Iraq,” asserts Israeli media. This sensitivity of Israel, which has never welcomed Turkey’s good relations with Iran and tried to drag Turkey towards an anti-Iranian line” for a long time, is so affectionate.

Is ‘the potential fight between Turkey and Iran in the north’ after the withdrawal of the US from Iraq, what makes Israel anxious? Or, is it the fact that ‘the maintenance of Israel’s presence and influence in the region will be jeopardized’, after having settled in Northern Iraq with all its capacity? Naturally, Israel has struggled a lot to bring the Kurds to their current position. As a mentor to the Kurds, among other things, Israel has exerted itself in every domain from the economic developments of the region and the utilization of oil resources to armament activities, the armed training provided to peshmerges, and even methods to alter the demography of Kirkuk.

Is such a labor an expression of the affection to the Kurds? Of course not. Kurdish habitation was an expedient area among Turkey, Iran and Syria. Besides, there was a possibility to stir the internal affairs of those three countries by means of the Kurds living on the respective territories.

Against criticisms that it has been intensively supporting the Kurds, Israel always said that “this has never been an official policy, and that official organizations have never been involved in such activities”. Naturally, this situation cannot be explained as an official policy and official institutions could not be involved. Furthermore, visibility could not be attained to these activities. As a matter of fact, the conditions in Iraq required that. The strength of Islamic tendencies in Iraq and the continuing mistrust Arabs have of Israel have rendered it difficult even for the Kurdish leaders “that had surrendered to Israel” to make overt statements on this issue. “The relationship between the Kurds and Israel is not an offense, but should Israel decides to open an embassy in Baghdad, it can open a consulate in Kurdistan, as well,” said Masoud Barzani, having denied the presence of Israel in Northern Iraq against criticisms.

It would be of use to ask Israel and Masoud Barzani “how long these covert activities have been carried out through official governmental institutions”. Nowadays, almost everybody knows that such activities are perpetrated through commercial companies and non-governmental organizations like foundations and associations. Other than these, one should also mention Turkish authorities and diplomats. Is this ignorance an expression of a genuine innocence? Or, does it stem from the inability to appear otherwise? Anyways, there is no use further stirring this side of the subject. The important thing is the extent of the nightmare that the withdrawal of the US from Iraq would create for which country or group. Apparently, Israel is the most concerned country on this issue, having the most horrifying nightmare. However, we have no doubt that the US, always keeping Israel’s words, will never leave the region. Thus, we can “welcome” huge American bases in Northern Iraq from now.

Regards,

Mostafa Mahmoud