It is with profound sorrow that the Washington Kurdish Institute (WKI) mourns the passing of Colonel Richard Nabb, a distinguished American officer and a steadfast friend of the Kurdish people.
From his service in the 1991 humanitarian mission Operation Provide Comfort, Colonel Nabb entered one of the most critical moments in modern Kurdish history, arriving amid the suffering of hundreds of thousands of displaced Kurds fleeing Saddam Hussein’s brutality. He witnessed both their dire need and their remarkable resilience.
During that mission and in the years that followed, Colonel Nabb formed a deep and lasting friendship with Kurdish leaders, including Dr. Najmadin Karim, founder of the WKI. He understood the Kurdish struggle not as a regional matter, but as a universal fight for dignity, self-determination, and freedom.
Over the decades, he remained a principled advocate for the Kurds, publicly recognizing their courage and rights. His willingness to challenge unjust policies and stand firmly with the Kurdish cause reflected his integrity and sincere commitment.
For WKI, his friendship was far more than symbolic: it was a lasting pillar of solidarity. His passing is a profound loss to all who knew him and to the broader cause of Kurdish freedom and international partnership.
We extend our deepest condolences to his family, fellow servicemembers, and the many Kurds who regarded him as one of their own. May his legacy continue to inspire the pursuit of justice, peace, and dignity for all.
The Washington Kurdish Institute | November 4, 2025