Iraqi Kurds fear Turkey’s post-Syria territorial goals

Significance

Despite rivalry between the leading Kurdish parties of Syria and Iraq, the October 9 Turkish incursion into Syria sparked widespread anger among Iraqi Kurds. They fear a new influx of Syrian Kurdish refugees and further erosion of Kurdish political power in the region, two years after the KRI’s own abortive independence referendum.

Impacts

• There will be increased cross-border cooperation between the Syrian Kurds and the KRI on aid, diplomacy, medical care and refugees.
• Iraqi Kurds will promote popular campaigns to boycott Turkish products.
• Reminded of the limitations of US political support, the KRI could warm ties with Russia and Iran.