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Source: http://www.israelhayom.com/opinions/self-determination-a-right-that-must-be-earned/
The Kurds' Right of Self-Determination
(Israel Hayom) Zalman Shoval - The Kurds have shown they can run an autonomous and democratic entity with economic viability, and they have been effective participants in the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State. But only if the Kurds have the power to defend themselves will they ever have the chance of fulfilling their vision of self-determination. The military entities who have led the effort to derail the Kurdish bid for independence are spearheaded by Iranian-backed Shiite forces. They are definitely not conducive to President Donald Trump's efforts to prevent Iran's regional hegemony. In fact, they serve the exact opposite agenda. The U.S. has decided to stand idly by as Iran's proxies crush its ally's dream of independence. This not only sends the wrong message to other U.S. allies in the region, it also undermines Washington's own geopolitical posture in the Middle East. The writer is a former Israeli ambassador to the U.S.