The Pitfalls of Relying on Kurdish Forces to Counter ISIS
February 3, 2016 - Patrick Martin![](https://understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumb-wide/public/Kurdish%20Pitfalls%20-%20Kobani%20Flags_0.png?itok=bs9J-loQ)
American over-reliance on Kurdish forces as the primary ground partner in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) threatens the long-term success of the anti-ISIS campaign. These pitfalls could promote future regional disorder and prevent the U.S. from successfully degrading and destroying ISIS.