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Peshmerga is the term used by Kurds to refer to freedom fighters. Literally meaning "those who face death" the peshmerga forces of Kurdistan have been around since the advent of the Kurdish independence movement in the early 1920s, following the collapse of the Ottoman and Safavid empires which had jointly occupied Kurdistan.
Peshmerga forces are often affiliated to prominent personalities such as Sheikh Mahmud or are affiliated to political parties such as the PUK, KDP and PKK. The peshmerga forces are currently involved in a dispute with the military forces of Turkey. This conflict has resulted in 37,000 deaths since its advent in 1984.
Peshmerga forces fought side by side with American troops in the 2003 Iraq War in Northern Iraq. Since that time the Peshmerga have assumed a role in the security of the Kurdish areas of Northern Iraq.
In early 2005 it was speculated by Newsweek magazine that Peshmerga forces could be trained by the US to take on an Sunni rebels in Iraq.
It is estimated that as of January, 2005 there were 80,000 Peshmerga fighters in Northern Iraq.
Peshmerga forces often wear traditional Kurdish garbs, e.g baggy trousers known as Sharwall and a plain jacket, with colourful sashes.
External Links
Newsweek article speculating on Peshmerga involvement against the Iraqi rebellion (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6802629/site/newsweek/)
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