Kurdishaspect.com
By Baqi Barzani
To perceive the merger of Kurdish Peshmarga Forces happen is the ultimate wish of every Kurd. This issue has been propounded often times by citizens of Kurdistan but it is still pending a concert outcome.
In case of any contingencies or exigencies, the only true power that the people of Kurdistan utterly depend on and expect to intervene is the Peshmarga forces. The true guardians of the homeland and the pride of our nation.
Apart from persevering the integrity and sovereignty of Kurdistan, Peshmarga forces are also responsible for other pivotal issues such as: combating terrorism, illegitimate cross-border invasions, drug trafficking, disaster relief services, maintenance of rule of law and even administering the country if required.
However, there are stumbling blocks that need to be removed in order to thrive and be able to achieve those goals and the most decisive one is the non-aligned status and utter non-reliance of this force on any political entity.
Even thought, its budget is safeguarded from KRG, it should totally be able to operate as a nonpartisan establishment, free of influence and independent body in decision-making policies pertaining to vital national interests and defense issues. This is part of rights and obligations that are inevitably entrusted to military bureaucrats.
KRG should have limitation of interference and Peshmarga forces should by no means be politicized and dragged into non-relevant faction and factionalism. They should be sought when a national emergency case loom.
Like many world military, Kurdistan Peshamrga Forces should be provided with the requisite funds to modernize its armaments capability, import foreign military know-how, invest on research, bolster the quality of the training and education offered to its members and ensure that the newly-joined young Peshmargs will have a brilliant future if they choose to continue serving. Given the population of Kurdistan, conscription is an option that deserves being taken into consideration, as well.
Today, Kurdistan's militaries remains an important component in the checks and balances that protect Kurdish democracy. If any factional polarization, chaotic situation or economic instability that may cause damage to the country's political system erupts, it is justified for Peshmarga Forces to directly get involved.
Genuine and patriot Kurdish officers are abundant and I hope they will cut off their factional membership, work on the unison and consolidation of Kurdish military and only serve their country and people under the Kurdish national flag.
