Iranian Kurdish Groups Watch War Fallout, Plan Political Moves

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Photo:AP

In northern Iraq, some Kurdish groups from Iran are closely watching what's happening in their home country. After a short but intense 12-day war between Israel and Iran, a ceasefire has paused the fighting. During the war, Israel attacked Iran, and Iran responded with missiles. Then the U.S. stepped in and bombed some of Iran’s nuclear sites, which shocked many and pushed both sides to stop fighting.

Now, the war is over — at least for now — but many wonder if Iran's government, which has ruled since 1979, is weaker than before. Some Kurdish groups in Iraq, who were forced to move into camps and give up their bases near the Iran border last year, are watching this closely. These groups have a long history of fighting Iran’s government, but they’re now focusing more on politics than war.

Two major groups, the PAK and Komala, say they are not starting an armed uprising. They believe that rushing into a fight could hurt both them and the peaceful areas in Iraq and Iran where Kurds live. PAK’s spokesperson says the war may seem like a chance to push for Kurdish rights, but he warns that Israel and the U.S. attacked Iran for their own reasons — not to help Kurds.

Still, some leaders have posted strong messages online, calling on young Kurds to rise up. One leader even asked the U.S. to think about Kurdish rights if Iran’s government fell.

Others are more careful. Komala’s leader says they haven’t taken up weapons in nearly 30 years. Their goal isn’t to break away from Iran but to build a new, fairer country where Kurds and other ethnic groups have rights.

Right now, these Kurdish groups are trying to stay united, but it’s hard. They had planned to meet in March to talk about their future, but the meeting didn’t happen. They’re now trying to prepare for what might come after Iran’s government changes — if it ever does.