First, we must play to our strengths. Second, work with the reality on the ground. Finally, be patient – and stay engaged.
Right now the aims of our policy are necessarily limited: arm Kurdistan, secure Jordan, prevent the relatively moderate rebels in Syria from being entirely overrun.
Share power. Share wealth. Embrace an entity bigger than your own ethnicity. The United Kingdom is an example to follow.
A form of asymmetric federalism would recognise the realities on the ground and would better serve the interests of all parties.
How can we work with a country that for far too long has provided funding, training and weapons and a safe haven for militant groups in the region?
By all means work with local allies to drive them out of Northern Iraq, but fighting them in Syria risk mission creep – and worse.