“One of the most respected Peshmerga commanders on the front lines west of Kirkuk is a mustachioed man named Hussein Yazdanpana. When the Western media noticed he bore a resemblance to Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin, he became known abroad as “Kurdish Stalin.” Vice-president of the Kurdistan Freedom Party, Yazdanpana is from East Kurdistan, what is called Rojhilate in Kurdish.
Yazdanpana represents a long tradition of Kurdish struggle for freedom. His positions run along the string of Batel hills, with bunkers and firing points dug into the crest. Two mortars are situated behind sandbags. Women Peshmerga, who make up one-third of his unit, stand sentry duty, peering out into the hazy light and earthen hills. Somewhere out there is ISIS.”
— Seth J. Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, 23 January 2016
Nishtman, 24 years old, serving under Hussein Yazdanpana’s command in the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK), on the Frontline, Northwest Kirkuk, Iraqi Kurdistan, November 2015.
Miryam Kirmashani, 27 years old and mother of 2 children, in position on the Frontline, Northwest Kirkuk, Iraqi Kurdistan, November 2015.
Peshmerga Manoeuvres 10
Kurdish Peshmerga Soldiers of the PAK Taking a Break During a Manoeuvre
Kirkuk camp
Katha, 45 years old, and Maasthura, 30 years old : Peshmerga Soldiers under Hussein Yazdanpana’s command in the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK), on the Frontline, Northwest Kirkuk, Iraqi Kurdistan, November 2015.
Hussein Yazdanpanah Handshakes
Hussein Yazdanpanah, Vice-President of the PAK & the Women Peshmerga Soldiers in front of the Kurdish flag.
Helor & Zohre, Young Couple, Fighting Against Daech.
Kirkuk Camp Landscape with Look-out Post.
Camp Gateway
Antizar, Teenage Peshmerga Soldier.
Helor, Ahou, Ali Qazi & Khia – a grave moment on the frontline.
Ahou & her Daughters Sharing a Joke.
Ahou & Daughters in Front of the Kurdish Flag
Peshmerga Manoeuvres 5
Peshmerga Manoeuvres on the Front-line
