The Forever War

• Prize
  Bronze in Editorial/Conflict
• Photographer
  Douglas Diaz

Since 2014, Peshmerga forces function as the main defense against ISIS expansion in Iraq. In these images, their fighters are preparing along three separate fronts for the massive offensive to retake the key city of Mosul, and tighten the noose on Daesh morale. Even after three years of intense combat, they stand poised on the front-lines ready to engage the enemy. A fearless element, undaunted by an uncertain future; they understand their position as noble sentries in the Middle East’s ongoing forever war.