U.S. – KRG Relations
A Special Relationship
The Kurdistan Region of Iraq, which represents a diverse society of minorities and ethnicities, is a source of stability, tolerance, growth, safety and peace in Iraq. Thanks to the sacrifices and valor of U.S. and coalition troops, Iraq has achieved many successes, including the drafting and ratification of a permanent constitution. The Kurdistan Region and the United States are proven allies with shared interest:
- To support a stable, secular, democratic and federal Iraq.
- To encourage investment and economic growth in Iraq.
- To fight terrorism and extremism
Kurdistan–U.S. Joint Efforts
In January 2010, Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani met with President Obama in Washington, DC. During this meeting, President Obama re-iterated US support for the Iraqi Constitution and the democratic process in Iraq, stressing that the US would remain strongly committed to the security and prosperity of the Kurdistan Region within a federal Iraq.
During that same trip, President Barzani also held meetings with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Defense Secretary Robert Gates, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, as well as senior US Senators John McCain, Joseph Lieberman, Lindsey Graham, and John Kerry. Secretary of State Clinton repeated that the US would support a federal and autonomous Kurdistan Region in Iraq and not abandon Iraq.
There’s been very strong and close counterterrorism cooperation between Kurdish counterterrorism forces and U.S. special forces. This goes back to before Operation Iraqi Freedom, in preparation for Iraqi Freedom, which is partly why we have not seen the terrorism seep into the Kurdistan region.
The U.S.-led, civil military Provincial Reconstruction Team of Erbil helps Iraq’s governments govern effectively and deliver essential services.
Deepening and Broadening Relations
The Kurdistan Region is an example of Iraqi success, as well as the importance of U.S. involvement. The U.S. views the KRG as a vital ally on many levels and is committed to a successful future for the region. Already, the Kurdistan Region has been successful with political, economic and military support from the U.S.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has utilized trade delegations to move the area’s economy forward and also established the Iraq Investment and Reconstruction Task Force (IIRTF) to coordinate activities in support of Iraqi economic development.
The American University of Iraq offers an American-style liberal arts education, dedicated to leading the transformation of Iraq into a liberal and democratic society, through an understanding of the ideals of freedom and democracy.
American military presence will remain in the Kurdistan Region, during the phased withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq.
U.S. forces will issue a redeployment to the Kurdistan Region after withdraw that will serve to reassure Turkey of U.S. commitment to a united and federal Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
Continued U.S. presence in the Kurdistan Region will help facilitate political accommodation and national reconciliation among all Iraqis by fully implementing Iraqi constitutional federalism.
