Kurds see strategic interest in security crackdown

Arbil: Bodybags have been arriving at regular intervals into this key town in the Kurdish held area of Iraq.

Ever since the new security plan for Baghdad kicked in a few months ago the number of dead of Kurdish Peshmerga fighters have been rising.

More than 5,000 Peshmerga fighters have been recruited after the announcement of security plan and they form the bulk of forces leading the drive against insurgents in Baghdad.

"We fought vigorously the former regime and martyred thousands, so we are always ready to fight and sacrifice, therefore we don't consider this task as a shock," Farhad Esmail, Peshmerga officer, told Gulf News.

"It is the continuation of the long and arduous clashes we have gone through. We believe in combat and we consider ourselves part of a united democratic federal Iraq."

But not all share the enthusiasm of Farhad. Umm Shirzad, a Kurdish mother says it is a difficult life.

"We had a long struggle with Saddam Hussain's regime, we were the target of genocide in Halabja and the Anfal operations. After the end of our battle and establishing our stable territory, we rejoiced," she told Gulf News. "My son is deployed in Baghdad. The security situation is troublesome there and I believe that his life is exposed to dangers every day," she said.

"I am more anxious and frightened especially after the return of the four Peshmerga martyrs. God willing, our sons will return safe and peace prevails in Baghdad and all the Iraqi cities".

Security

In most of the Kurd-controlled regions of Iraq like Arbil, Dohuk and Sulaymania, the Peshmerga brigades continue training hard in order to deal with any state of emergency.

The commanders say the fighters have to be ready for any serious eruption of sectarian strife in Baghdad or a massive US troop withdrawal which could lead to chaos.

"It is true that Kurdistan is a secure region, but we are convinced that its stability is hinged on Iraq's security as a whole," Fadhil Merani, the Kurdistan Democratic Party secretary, told Gulf News. "Also the Kurds' strategic interest lies in restoring order and peace throughout Iraq. It will guarantee the security of Kurdistan territory. Therefore, we are actively involved in fighting terrorism," Merani added. Kurdistan is witnessing unprecedented peace and security in its history and has large rebuilding campaigns under way.