With over 40,000 US troops deployed across the Middle East, the region remains as important as ever. Working with local partners, American troops and diplomats conduct critical missions to improve governance, strengthen stability, and promote opportunities for a better future. Spirit of America has worked alongside US troops and diplomats in the Middle East since 2003, supporting more than 150 projects throughout the region.

Events over the last year have destabilized the entire Middle East. US troops and their partners face daily threats from extremist groups looking to exploit this instability to gain influence. More than 170 attacks have been carried out against US forces in Iraq and Syria since October 2023.

Partnerships are essential for American troops and diplomats to carry out their missions in the Middle East. Spirit of America is helping strengthen those partnerships through targeted investment, our private sector capabilities, and strong relationships across the region.

With additional English education, these Peshmerga students in Iraqi Kurdistan will have more opportunities to train alongside the US military.

Strengthen security and promote opportunity in Iraqi Kurdistan

In Iraqi Kurdistan, the Peshmerga security forces have stood shoulder to shoulder with American troops for decades. When ISIS occupied large swaths of Iraq in 2014, the Peshmerga fought valiantly and, along with Iraqi federal forces, liberated northern Iraq from ISIS control.

Working with US Special Operations units, Spirit of America provided nonlethal assistance to help the Peshmerga take back their communities. An Army Master Sergeant later wrote, “There is no other organization like Spirit of America. In terms of how people can help, there’s no better way to support the troops.”

Today, America’s partnership with Iraqi Kurdistan is under intense pressure from regional disruption, extremist violence, and disinformation campaigns. Working closely with US diplomats and troops, Spirit of America is promoting a more resilient and comprehensive relationship that reflects the shared values and interests between Americans and the people of Iraqi Kurdistan.

• To strengthen security, we will provide the Peshmerga with tools to help detect threats in remote areas transited by extremist groups. We will help improve medical support by providing technology needed for a medical readiness reporting system. We will expand US military training opportunities and tactical interoperability for the Peshmerga through an intensive English education program in multiple cities.

• To empower youth, we will invest in young leaders aspiring to improve their communities. Working with local partners, Spirit of America will provide seed funding for community service projects, promote social entrepreneurship, and demonstrate American goodwill.

• To convey the value of our partnership, we will launch an independent, fact-based, social media campaign highlighting American assistance and our people-to-people ties, including a recent Spirit of America-funded initiative to promote community-based tourism and environmental stewardship.

Help US troops and partners save lives in Syria

About 1,000 US troops are deployed in northeast Syria to help local partners counter the enduring threat of ISIS, which continues to pose a threat to communities.

In addition to ISIS and extremist groups, buildings and farmland in communities across the region are riddled with mines and unexploded bombs and shells. US Special Operations troops have identified an opportunity to save lives and limbs, revitalize neighborhoods, and strengthen ties with local citizens.

Spirit of America will invest in a local mine removal organization to remove mines and explosives from agricultural land, buildings, and industrial facilities. This will help communities recover, promote stability, and strengthen relationships between US troops and the local population.

100% of your donation will go directly to the expenses of implementing this project and providing the assistance. Donations in excess of this project’s need will be offered a refund. We are proud to be rated 4 stars by Charity Navigator.