Kurds Vote on Independence

           by David Parmer / Tokyo

Kurds in Northern Iraq voted overwhelmingly for an independent state on September 25th. The vote was said to be “non-binding” but 93% of those who voted supported an independent Kurdish state.

Opposition to the vote came swiftly, first form the central government in Baghdad, which banned flights to Kurdistan and took measures to take control of borders long managed by Kurdish fighters. Nor did the Kurds get much international support. The United States did not recognize the referendum and stated that it supports a united Iraq. Neighboring countries with Kurdish populations such as Iran and Turkey also condemned the vote.

The Kurds are now in a tricky position; having called for independence the question is “What next?” Without widespread international or regional support, it seems they are not going anywhere near independence soon. A worst-case scenario would be an Iraqi civil war, a conflict that no one would or could win.

So what are your thoughts on the thorny issue? How could it be resolved, and what will happen next. Please log in and let us know what you think.

Photo: Kurdish YPG Fighter via Kurdishstruggle