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Why are we screwing over the Kurds? I have some answers. (1)
2 major reasons, depending on who you are. For some, it's all about helping Iran and Turkey. Both oppose Kurds for similar reasons. (2)
That's Obama/Rhodes crowd primarily. These folks see the Turks and the Iranians as our best bet in the region, and our natural allies. (3)
So you'll see the same folks wanting to trade US traditional allies Israel, Egypt, Saudis for Iran and Turkey. They're wrong. (4)
But it helps to be clear about what they desire. When they speak to one another, they're clear. To the US public, tho, not so much. (5)
For others--especially the US military--the integrity of the Iraqi state is something they can't bring themselves to question. (6)
Especially folks like Mattis--who have lost so many in Iraq--can't bring themselves to admit it was a disaster. (7)
In the end, we empowered Iran. From there it's a short step to think these guys died in vain for an Iran-controlled Iraqi state. (8)
Once they start down that road, it's scary stuff on the other side. They're gonna resist even thinking along those lines. (9)
So you've got a perfect storm yet again--all to the detriment of folks who should be our genuine allies, the Kurds. (10)
Crucially, tho, because he's been so critical of the Iraq War, Trump is in a really good position to realize this mistake & correct. (11)
In fact, I can't think of another chance like the one we've got now to reset on Iraq with no old baggage. I really hope he takes it. (12)
UPDATE: for an example of how determined the Pentagon is to run from the reality of Iraq, there’s this jaw-dropper defense.gov/News/Article/A…
Ah, so according to DOD Dir of Press Operations Army Col. Rob Manning, it’s all the Kurds’ fault, not the Shi’a militias. Unacceptable. 
I get why DOD is consumed with obsessive commitment to a unified Iraq; its generals are traumatized. It’s 1 reason why civilians should lead
