Kurdish Iranian Opposition Poised but Awaiting Right Time Amid U.S. Withdrawal
In the rugged terrain of northern Iraq, approximately 30 miles from Iran, a CBS News team encountered fighters from an armed Kurdish Iranian opposition unit, many of whom are women, prepared to combat and potentially dismantle Iran's stringent clerical leadership.
This group, the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI), designated as a terrorist organization within Iran and operating from exile in Iraqi territory, has long prepared for the chance to dislodge the current Iranian government. Nevertheless, with President Trump's recent retraction from potential U.S. military involvement in Iran, the leader of the Kurdish faction communicated to CBS that the moment is not yet ripe.
President Trump mentioned he received 'credible news' that violent actions in Iran are ceasing, and there is 'no intention for further executions' following two weeks of extensive unrest. Insider accounts to CBS News highlighted the regime's severe suppression efforts, possibly impacting numerous lives.
This approach suggested a deviation from earlier intimations of possible U.S. intervention to defend demonstrators, which was followed by a vague threat earlier this week if Iran retaliated in certain ways.
Such signals likely fell short of the expectations held by PDKI forces training just over the border in Iraq.
Commander Sayran Gargoli expressed that although the demonstrations fuelled hopes of overthrowing the regime born out of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, such transformation reliant on global support is imperative.
Mustafa Hijri, leader of the PDKI and an exile for over 40 years, has observed Iranian leadership repressing multiple waves of dissent. In light of ongoing protests facing suppression, he remains uncertain about the potential for this insurgency to move the needle.
Hijri contemplated the various outcomes, particularly whether ongoing bloodshed might extinguish protest fervor. Alternatively, a scenario where the U.S. negotiates with Iranian religious leaders might temporarily extend the regime's lifespan.
He wishes for U.S. action, specifically targeted strikes on locations responsible for street-level oppression and judicial structures that favor the regime. Such a move could possibly dismantle the oppressive machinery.
Nevertheless, without external support, he argued that redeploying PDKI combatants might provide the regime a pretext to further harm civilians.
Hijri noted, "Right now, sending armed units could exacerbate violence, granting the regime an opportunity to justify their aggression against protestors. Only when this calculus changes will we consider mobilizing our forces."
The PDKI fights for Kurds, representing around 10% of Iran's populace, advocating for ethnic minorities' rights to democratic governance, education in native languages, and official recognition of these rights.
Hijri reassured that their warriors are prepared and stand ready for when their engagement becomes essential.
As Iran's steadfast rulers seemingly withstand another wave of upheaval, the PDKI and countless Iranians continue to bide their time.
Leave a Reply