The Evolution of the Peshmerga vs. the Case of Islamic State in Iraq

... opportunity to advance their strategy and policies. This has not been easy, however, following a lengthy period of non-involvement in hostilities. Defence remains the long-term posture of the KRG and the Kurdish armed forces. Up until the 2003 Iraq war, the Kurds were mainly involved in defending the Kurdistan Region, including protecting regional oilfields and struggling against the Iraqi regime. Compared with the structure and capacity of the Iraqi army, they saw only limited improvements to their own resources. However, the war against IS engendered ...