DAHUK, Iraq — Yazidis and Muslim Kurds displaced from their homes in Mosul governorate by the Islamic State (IS) have expressed reluctance to resume life amid their Arab neighbors, many of whom they accuse of supporting the extremist group. The stories of betrayal by Arab neighbors are numerous among the internally displaced persons interviewed by Al-Monitor. Although there was praise for the Arabs who helped them, many also said they were few and that most of the Arabs supported IS.
A displaced Kurd from a village in the outskirts of Telkaif told Al-Monitor, “The difference between IS and our Arab neighbors is that IS wanted to control our region and expand its power, while our Arab neighbors — in addition to their support to IS fighters in controlling our areas — entered our houses and stole our cars and belongings. This is why we cannot live with them anymore.”