https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/21/world/middleeast/iraqi-kurds-independence-vote.html?emc=edit_th_20170922&nl=todaysheadlines&nlid=31483746
The Iraqi Kurds seek for their independence from the Iraqi government. This is ill advised from Kurdish allies and enemies alike. The Iraqi government feels it could bring out another civil war, and nations like Turkey are also at unrest because of fear of rebellion after hearing about their freedom. Great controversy surrounds the city of Kirkuk, which the Kurds took from Iraq after they fled because of the Islamic state. This also connects to a problem of a nearby ISIS stronghold, which the Iraqi and Sunni militias have not offered to assist in eliminating.
I have very minuscule prior knowledge of Kurd relations in the Middle East, but in the article, a quote from a history professor is "The Kurds have learned through bitter experience that they can only rely on themselves" representing a greater aspiration for independence. I feel this article was written for The Kurdish people voting; It presented why and why not to vote, and listed consequences for either side, though i feel the author was biased toward no, mentioning the "No for Now" act. I feel this may tie in with conflict between Loyalist and Patriotic Americans during the era right before independence was declared, difference being that the Patriots greatly outnumbered the loyalists, but everyone around Kurdish Iraq advises toward no independence.
Olivia Wall- I hope that tensions ease as they continue to try to get their independence, this reminds me of the book we had to read last year in english that explained the beginning of the rebel of the citizens against the government.
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