An independent Kurdistan, north of ISIS, and a coalition from its south, involving Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf states can help starve ISIS as the U.S. conducts pivotal air strikes on key targets. ISIS is a self-sufficient caliphate that expands with the use of terrorism, extortion, and the sale of stolen oil. It is, however, it is not strongly linked to countries in favor of providing financial backing. If quickly drained of existing resources, ISIS can be exhausted of power.
The U.S. has been flirting with Assad, and Iran for assistance. Iran, the largest supporter of global terrorist agencies, and the most anti-Western regime in the Middle East, has been the prime backer of Assad. The Assad regime allowed for the creation of the Islamic State in Syria by creating an environment where terrorist groups are able to thrive.
It is unclear whether Assad is truly against ISIS, being a prime consumer of their smuggled oil. ISIS, in turn, has been focusing its attack on non-Islamist rebels rather than Assad. It is not hard to imagine that accepting support from Assad or Iran would result in numerous long-term consequences for the West.
Kurdistan and the Peshmerga may provide the best means of containing ISIS from its north. The U.S. would benefit from arming Iraqi Kurdistan, and rallying for its independence. Last month, ISIS captured Mosul, Iraq’s second largest city, its goal is to overthrow the Shia led government of Iraq. ISIS’ leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, has declared a new Islamic state, spanning Syria and Iraq, declaring himself caliph. However, Kurdistan and its capital, Irbil have remained largely unscathed.
Currently Kurdistan, the 9th largest oil reserve in the world, has cut deals with companies like Exxon Mobil, and Chevron, who are investing in the future of the Kurds despite turbulence surrounding that territory. Both Turkey and Iran compete for dominance in the Fertile Crescent. The sovereignty of Kurdistan adds a definitive pro-Western influence in that region.
It should be noted by the U.S. and the West that Iraqi Kurdistan has allowed approximately one million refugees from Syria and Iraq into its territory. A major supporter of the Kurds, Great Britain, has decided to provide arms to Kurdistan. This will help bolster Kurdish independence. Kurdistan is a relatively multi-ethnic bastion of stability in a region that is rife with fragmentation and Islamic extremism. Arming the Kurds is a relatively worry free alternative as related to future consequences in stopping ISIS.
ISIS provides many in the Middle East a political sense of purpose and community, helping it gain popularity among disenfranchised Sunnis in Iraq. However, in recent months, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and other members in the GCC have taken a stand against radical Islam by condemning groups like Hamas, and Islamic State. The U.S. should actively seek help from these countries in containing ISIS from its south. In return, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the GCC will likely discourage local radical groups within their countries if ISIS is contained and starved of resources.
In the development of a coalition aimed at starving ISIS from its north and south, there must be long-term objectives. Initiatives and agreements regarding containment of ISIS must answer present and future military and political threats. Commitment is required from the U.S. and the West to foster economic and development and diplomacy that runs deeper than the leadership in Kurdistan, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and other Gulf states so that potential power vacuums can be filled. If this is achieved, a successful coalition aimed at starving ISIS is possible.