In a recent statement, the First Lady of Iraq, Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmed, addressed concerns regarding reports of Kurdish forces preparing to engage in combat in Iran. As a member of the Iraqi Kurdish community, she firmly stated, 'Leave the Kurds alone. We are not guns for hire,' emphasizing the importance of Kurdish agency and the right to self-determination without being exploited by global superpowers. This declaration aims to draw attention to the unique status of the Kurdish people in the region, advocating for their stability and dignity.

Ahmed noted that approximately 40 million Kurds are scattered across Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Turkey, which highlights the fragility of their situation amidst geopolitical tensions. Acknowledging the historical alliance the United States has had with Kurdish militias in the region, she pointed out the recurring pattern of support followed by abandonment, suggesting that such dynamics have led to a precarious existence for the Kurdish people.

By stressing the achievements of the Kurdish people in Iraq in attaining a level of stability and dignity in their lives, Ahmed urged international players to respect their rights and not treat them as tools in larger power games. Her remarks resonate with the ongoing struggle for Kurdish recognition and autonomy while promoting a message of solidarity among Kurds fighting for their rights in a complicated geopolitical landscape.