Since the start of Iraq and its proxies occupation of Kirkuk, a city in southern Kurdistan or northern Iraq depending how you look at it, there has been an increasing number of falsified anti-Kurdish sentiments. It’s happening in the form of forged documents, false reports often based on rumors and sensationalism from local media outlets.

In the village of Palkana, it was reported that the Iraqi forces had given residents three days to evacuate their homes permanently in order for resettlement by Arab communities. Prior to that a letter, appearing to be signed and produced by the Governor of Kirkuk on official letterhead, authorizing the eviction of Kurdish citizens from their Kirkuk homes went into circulation.

These rumors were proven to be false, but Facebook is ablaze with similar happenings circulating throughout the Kurdish community. So far the only solid information available on the Iraqi forces who hold Kirkuk is regarding their expected duties of disposing of improvised explosive devices and detaining Islamic State affiliates.

This trend is nothing new to wars and their aftermath, propaganda is probably one of the oldest forms of warfare. The Kurdish people are promoting the perpetuation of anti-Iraqi sentiments and hit the ground running with the slightest anti-Kurdish rumor but many simply seem to be neglecting to fact check in a day and age dominated by social media.

In contrast the Iraqi occupiers are playing it safe and slowly building their own stability in the region. Of course propaganda is a two-way street so it is impossible to say if they’re actually doing all the good that is being claimed, or embellishing their own accomplishments in turn. In both war and peace, rumors can take on a truth of their own.

Featured image courtesy of Iraqliveuamap.com