To train, the Iraqi and Kurdish troops
The Kurds and their relative secularism is one of two beacons of hope in the middle east, as shown by their willingness to ally themselves with Israel, the other beacon (there were three beacons of hope but Turkey just decided to end their experiment with secularism).I'd like to think the bravery shown by the Kurds is getting their own state a little closer to reality.
It's surprising how badly they are treated by the Middle Eastern states. The culture hero Saladin was a Kurd afterall.
The Kurds and their relative secularism is one of two beacons of hope in the middle east, as shown by their willingness to ally themselves with Israel, the other beacon (there were three beacons of hope but Turkey just decided to end their experiment with secularism).
To train, the Iraqi and Kurdish troops
Regarding Israel, outside the West bank land grabs and before the current right wing coalition (i'm a supporter of the Israeli left), Israel is (and was more) secular than any country in that area, their current direction does however, greatly disturb me, much like Turkey.Israel has been moving more and more to a theocracy. Segregated buses, Christian people getting spat on if they stray to the wrong part of town. Have you looked into the Ultra Orthodox population that is state subsidised. Does that seem secular to you? Or justifying land annexation because "it was promised by God".
The Kurds are not particularly secular or modern either, but they are getting a deal.
Regarding Israel, outside the West bank land grabs and before the current right wing coalition (i'm a supporter of the Israeli left), Israel is (and was more) secular than any country in that area, their current direction does however, greatly disturb me, much like Turkey.