The article reflects on the historical context of the Kurds in Iraq, especially focusing on the anniversary of their uprising during the Gulf War in 1991. During that time, after the US initiated Operation Desert Storm to oust Iraqi forces from Kuwait, President George H. W. Bush publicly urged the Iraqi people to revolt against Saddam Hussein. This resulted in a Kurdish uprising in the north, which was brutally suppressed by Hussein's forces, leading to the death of over 20,000 Kurds while the US largely stood by.

Current US involvement in the region has shifted, as President Donald Trump has recently encouraged Kurdish fighters to rise against the Iranian regime. Despite this support from the US, the Kurds are hesitant and cautious, given their tragic past experiences with promises made by foreign powers that were not fulfilled. The historical context underlines the painful dilemma the Kurdish community faces: balancing the hope for autonomy and self-defense against the risk of betrayal by external actors.

The implications of this renewed involvement raise questions about the long-term strategy of the US in the Middle East and the credibility of its support for Kurdish aspirations. As the Kurds navigate their complex relationships with both the US and their neighboring states, their future remains uncertain amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions.