October 11th, 2014
11:38 PM ET

What role can the Peshmerga play in fighting ISIS?

Fareed speaks with Barham Salih, former prime minister of Iraqi Kurdistan and former deputy prime minister of Iraq, about the role the Peshmerga could play in fighting ISIS. Watch the full interview on "Fareed Zakaria GPS," this Sunday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. ET on CNN.

What about the Peshmerga? Will the Kurdish Army – this is the force that protects the Kurdish part of Iraq. Is it going to be willing to go into battle in Iraq – potentially even into Syria – to fight ISIS, since you do need an effective fighting force on the ground?

My own sense is I can say this defensively. Kurdistan has emerged as the most reliable partner to the international coalition in the fight against ISIS. There may be a number of reasons for that.

One of the issues that I'm proud of, Kurdistan represents a tolerant society, tolerant values, and we do have a real interest in taking on ISIS.

So the Kurdish Peshmergas are taking on ISIS. They are fighting ISIS across nearly 1,000 kilometers of line. But I have to say, also, the mantra is that Kurdish Peshmergas should not be relied upon to go to Mosul or should not be relied upon to go to the heartland of the Sunni areas or to Baghdad.

We can be there to support. But at the same time, the communities there need to be empowered. The same thing about Syria...

Because you would be seen as an almost foreign army if you were to go into...

I think one has to also acknowledge this reality. This is payback time. Over the last 10 years, there were lots of communities, particularly in the Sunni areas, who felt marginalized. ISIS and these extremists have taken advantage of those grievances, and this has become an incubating ground for them.

The fundamental answer is to empower these communities to take on these extremists.

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Topics: GPS Show

soundoff (67 Responses)
  1. Rupert

    This is fun, Adam.

    October 13, 2014 at 12:14 am |
  2. Rupert

    Now I will bid you a good night, Adam.

    October 13, 2014 at 12:19 am |
  3. Joey Isotta-Fraschini ©

    USA citizens are being psychologically prepared for any military action that the government must take to protect the nation's interests.
    To ensure the success of adequate bombing or sending our professional soldiers to fight on the ground, we who would benefit from a strong nation need to refrain from singing too many folk songs about bridges and troubled waters.

    October 13, 2014 at 7:07 am |
    • rupert

      Oooooo joey. You gonna let her talk to u that way?

      October 13, 2014 at 10:45 am |
  4. chri$$y

    Kind of odd comming from Joey who wholeheartedly agrees with our country going to war whenever and wherever it sees fit.

    October 13, 2014 at 9:26 am |
    • Joey Isotta-Fraschini ©

      "Wherever it sees fit?"
      No, my country should not base its decision to go to war on the observation of a person's experiencing a seizure.
      We should undertake military action only when it is to our advantage.

      October 13, 2014 at 6:13 pm |
  5. rupert

    Be honest: is there a problem with Islam?
    No. There isn't. Islam teaches tolerance, patience, acceptance of other's beliefs, respect, fair treatment of women, and love thy neighbor.
    I see no problem with Islam. It is beautiful.

    October 13, 2014 at 11:33 am |
    • Joey Isotta-Fraschini ©

      @ rupert:
      I know many Muslims.
      Every one of them is a wonderful person, and most of them base their lives on the teachings of Islam.
      Quite a few Muslims need to be fought by us, but they are not the ones that I know.

      October 13, 2014 at 6:24 pm |
  6. rupert

    My I-con? Well. If u must know. Custom made by Kelvin Klein. $9,000.
    For everything else, there's Master Charge.

    October 13, 2014 at 11:39 am |
  7. Rupert

    You are full of it Adam.

    October 13, 2014 at 2:05 pm |
  8. Adam I say

    Hello you know me as Rupert. My real name is Adam.

    October 13, 2014 at 3:37 pm |
  9. rupert

    Why are u calling me adam? Your mother named me rupert

    October 13, 2014 at 3:48 pm |
  10. Adam I say

    Because that's your name now.

    October 13, 2014 at 4:15 pm |
  11. Adam

    Oh. Ok

    October 13, 2014 at 4:32 pm |
  12. Adam I say

    Don't forget what you changed it to. How is the family?

    October 13, 2014 at 4:39 pm |
  13. Adam

    I have Ebola. I caught it from a mosquito. I am going to die at 5:05 p.m. today. Nice knowing you.
    Bye

    October 13, 2014 at 4:59 pm |
  14. Adam I say

    What a pity. I will see you in hell.

    October 13, 2014 at 6:23 pm |
  15. Zandie

    So true:
    Clark Gable
    Rita Haywood
    James Cagney
    William Shakespeare
    Marvin Gay
    Elvis Presley
    Michael Jackson
    William Shakespeare
    And many many more.

    October 13, 2014 at 6:36 pm |
  16. Zandie

    Whoooo. In HEAVEN you TARD!

    October 13, 2014 at 6:38 pm |
  17. Zandie

    Oh and of course, Beethoven..
    Tan tan tan tannnnnn!

    October 13, 2014 at 6:49 pm |
  18. chri§§y

    I have NOT posted at all today until this moment thanks. So ya little trouble maker did you forget about the avatar?

    October 13, 2014 at 7:09 pm |
  19. Ajay

    No

    October 13, 2014 at 7:41 pm |
  20. chri§§y

    Oh and @ my troll...you also spelled my name wrong tweedledum!

    October 14, 2014 at 9:11 pm |
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