ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the reader will examine the tenuous relationship between the Islamic State and the ethnic group known as the Kurds. The chapter largely focuses on geographic and military history, militia and military analysis, and major combat operations. The combat operations examined are those which serve to best showcase the IS rise within the area and subsequent Kurdish resistance; they are Sinjar, Kobani, and al-Hasakah. Finally, the reader will observe the impact which the IS rise has had on the Kurdish autonomy and independence movements. In general, the reader will see that even though IS has risen and taken ahold within the Middle East, the Kurds have stepped-up and broken many IS offensives giving them a revived sense of nationalistic pride and a credibility on an international stage.
