Gulan: what is the importance of president Barzani’s visit to Washington?
Phillips: it is very significant that president Barzani has been received by President Obama and Vice President Biden. They discussed the current conditions in Kurdistan and how to expand the peshmerga’s counter terrorism activities. Weapons requirements were also discussed. At the White House and Pentagon, President Barzani and his delegation were assured that the necessary weapons would be provided and they would be delivered efficiently. I was glad to see the flag of Iraqi Kurdistan side by side with the flag of the United States when President Obama and President Barzani met in the Oval Office.

Gulan: what is the importance of president Barzani’s visit to Washington?
Phillips: it is very significant that president Barzani has been received by President Obama and Vice President Biden. They discussed the current conditions in Kurdistan and how to expand the peshmerga’s counter terrorism activities. Weapons requirements were also discussed. At the White House and Pentagon, President Barzani and his delegation were assured that the necessary weapons would be provided and they would be delivered efficiently. I was glad to see the flag of Iraqi Kurdistan side by side with the flag of the United States when President Obama and President Barzani met in the Oval Office.
Gulan: we have seen that Barzani with minister of peshmerga have meetings in Pentagon, what were the achievements of those meetings?
Phillips: I wasn’t in the meetings so I can’t say. There is a discussion about whether or not the United States should supply weapons through the government of Iraq or whether there is a more efficient way to directly meet the needs of peshmerga. President Barzani indicated that he would welcome these supplies anyway that works for Kurdistan as well as the United States. It is important to professionalize the peshmerga so they start to function more like a national army. This requires unity of peshmerga, security, and intelligence forces and a nonpartisan approach to all security matters.
Gulan: before Barzani’s visit, the discussions in Kurdistan region were all about that The US this time would listen more to the desires of Kurdish people, which the US was not willing to hear them in the past. And certainly was the question of independency. So do you think there is a tendency to support Kurdish independency?
Phillips: I don’t think that United States currently supports Kurdish independence. I do believe, however, that there is a growing awareness that Kurdistan will become independent. When, how, and under what circumstances are to be determined. There is a simple reality: the Iraqi army forces are dominated by Shiite militias under Iran’s control. If the US is serious about degrading and destroying ISIS, it needs to work with those who are capable and committed. Kurdistan has shown that it is committed to Western values and desires closer security cooperation. Iraqi Kurdistan is America’s best friend in the region.
Gulan: regarding Congress’ military committee decision for arming peshmerga forces, how do you see this?
Phillips: There is a growing awareness in Washington that Iraq is deeply divided and dysfunctional. The participation of Popular Mobilization Forces in a battle of Tikrit and elsewhere in Anbar did not serve the goal of national reconciliation. If The Baghdad first policy is flawed because there is no functioning government in Baghdad. Kurds have shown their commitment to democracy and a willingness to confront the Islamic State. They defend the minorities in Iraqi Kurdistan and the region.
Gulan: is there any step for supplying peshmerga forces with any kind of heavy weaponry?
Phillips: I believe that the peshmerga should receive heavy offensive weapons which can be used to retake territories and strike a mortal blow against ISIS. So far the United States has provided light and medium defensive weapons. Baghdad insists that all weapons are provided with its authorization. I do not believe this is the most effective way to stabilize the region and defeat ISIS. The Kurds should receive weapons directly from the United States and the multi-national coalition and they should receive heavy weapons comparable to the weapons that the United States provides to Baghdad. Rest assured, Iraqi Kurdistan will use those weapons against the Iraqi army forces after the independence referendum. President Barzani has stated clearly that Iraqi Kurdistan will seek dialogue to negotiate the terms of its separation from Iraq.
Gulan: As you know, Baghdad doesn’t adhere to the agreement that has been signed with KRG about Kurdistan’s share of budget. Why doesn’t the US pressure Baghdad to stick to the agreement?
Phillips: Prime Minister Abadi has failed to fulfill Iraq’s commitments. The Baghdad agreement was a positive step but the failure of the Iraqi government to deliver raises serious questions about his sincerity and his credibility as an honest partner. Baghdad must deliver its commitment otherwise the Kurds will lose confidence, which will accelerate the disintegration of Iraq.
Gulan: Are there any alternatives or options that the Kurdish people can do?
Phillips: Kurdistan needs a corridor and a window to the world. Turkey proved itself not to be a reliable partner during the crisis in August. However, it is good to continue discussions with Ankara after Turkey’s elections on June 7th to explore renewed cooperation. Another possible corridor is once through Rojava and parts of Syria. It is, therefore, important that the KRG and the PYD have regular contact deepening their rapprochement and find ways of advancing their shared interests, which are, after all, the collective interest of the Kurdish people. This cooperation was established in Kobani. It is important to build on this cooperation so that the Kurds across the region are working together. Turkey’s upcoming election is critical. If the BDP passes the ten percent threshold, it will have great leverage over the government in Ankara.
Gulan: Barzani paid a visit to Hungary and Czech, and the Hungarian Republic expressed its support for Kurdish independency. To what extent is this step important?
Phillips: It is important to have broad base and regional support for Kurdistan’s independence especially since Turkey and Iran oppose it. Ultimately support by the United States is most important. That is why President Barzani’s trip to Washington was so important. A declaration of independence occurs on a specific date. However, building a viable state is a process that occurs over a period of time. Now it is important for the KRG to demonstrate that it is truly ready for self-rule in order to consolidate its good international relations and gain greater political support.
Gulan: what are your general interpretations of Barzani’s visit this time abroad while he is at the same time a leader in front lines combating terrorism?
Phillips: President Barzani’s visit was a historic occasion. It has been five years since his last trip to Washington. A lot has changed on-the-ground. The Obama administration should listen more closely to the views of Iraqi Kurds and deepen its political, economic and security cooperation with the Kurdistan Regional Government.
Gulan: any message for Kurdish people?
Phillips: Biji, azadi, democrasi.