Do you support the formation of an autonomous Kurdistan?

Yes. From where I sit in the US, it sounds like a good idea. That is an opinion based on very limited understanding of the situation, but it seems like a country that would have a national identity and a will to survive. It would certainly be a good thing for the Kurds.

 

I cant see any good reason for it to to happen. Some people just can't get along, just let them be and give them their own space. I mean isn't there something like 30 million Kurds? How many mid east countries have that many people?

 

In principal, yes I do.

Of course, the devil is in the details. How will it come about? I don't see it ever happening without endless conflict and even then it probably wouldn't come to fruition.

The Kurds are in quite a 'pickle' in that most of the states surrounding them are vehemently opposed to an independent Kurdistan, and few are willing to even grant some form of autonomy to the Kurds already living within their borders.

Turkey, Iran, and Syria are and will always be in the way. No modern state is crazy about the idea of giving up land/resources even in exchange for 'peace'. I don't ever foresee a nation where the public would support partitioning their country to make space for a new one. Imperial powers can do that (see British with Israel) but even then the locals won't be too happy with the 'partition' of their lands (see Arabs).

Your thoughts, Azadre?

 

The best chance for the formation of an autonomous Kurdistan would be in Northern Iraq.

 

I'm not that keen in dividing the world up into little ethnic based countries.

 

I voted no because I think it would set a bad precedent. You can't simply give every single sect of people their own country.

If you created Kurdistan many other groups would want their own country too.

I believe they should create 3 federalist states in Iraq...Kurdistan, Shia, and Shi-ite......and all with representation on the government level.

DD

 

Is it not working for Isreal? Why should Isreal be the only one?

If you say yes to Kurdistan - is it also a yes for similar economic and military support as Isreal?

Giving them their own country without support is simply a VERY temporary place to call their own.

Rocket River

 

no, i think iraq still needs to be together, but it would seem possible to divide it up into states, with the kurds having their own state but still a part of iraq.

 

Turkey would never allow it. It gives the Kurds a base of operation to rebel within Turkey. They would invade Northern Iraq before they allow that to happen.

 

That's my opinion.



D&D. Replicant Central.

 

I don't think you can create three independent states from Iraq that could thrive on their own. If you did, only northern Iraq -- "Kurdistan" -- could be independent. The Sunni-majority areas (e.g. Anbar province, etc) would have to be annexed to Jordan or Syria and the Shi'ite-majority south would be Iran's.

Anyways, that's fantasy land. The neighboring states would never allow for it. The British and the French carved up the ME at will because there was little the locals could do about it; they were overwhelming superpowers. The modern ME is a completely different story. Next to East Asia, the ME is the most 'militarized' region in the world. Israel, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Syria, Iran, Turkey, and formerly Iraq are/were all considered to be 'affluent' regional powers who will definitely have a say in anything that happens.

It's not the WWI-era Middle East anymore...

 

Are we talking about an independent state in northern iraq or a state encompassing land which is right now part of turkey, syria, iraq and iran?

 

im not talking avout 3 independent states..i guess basically a mini united states. there is a overall federal rule but concerning the different provinces, one of which could be called kurdistan, could operate with some of its own laws and rules, however they are still part of iraq and make up part of the iraqi govt.

 

I believe they should create 3 federalist states in Iraq...Kurdistan, Shia, and Shi-ite......and all with representation on the government level.

This worked out really well in Yugoslavia.

 

Yes, including land now under the control of other states such as Iran, Turkey, Iraq, etc. The US can defend it from external threats to begin with and sell them arms to eventually defend themselves (the Kurdistan oil can pay for the defense ).

 

Bingo, we have a winner. Reality beats fantasy every time.

If the U.S. even tried to force this down the throat of Turkey, Iran, Syria and Iraq, we would burn every diplomatic bridge in the region. From a standpoint of pure self-interest, Turkey is 100 times more important to us than the Kurds. So is Iran (I still have the fantasy we will be friends with them down the line ). No other nation gives a care about the Kurds except the U.S. so putting ourselves on the line for them does nothing for us. Plus, the Kurds cannot be trusted to exercise self-control, which Turkey is well aware of. As DD said, it would also set an unacceptable precedent that would undermine other diplomatic activity around the world.

On the other hand, the U.S. must make sure the Kurds aren't slaughtered and abused by their neighbors. We are the only friends they have and we can't allow their blood to be on our hands.

 

The only thing keeping 250K Turkish troops out of northern Iraq right now is the U.S., and I believe Turkish patience is wearing thin. Maybe we should give Iraq back to the Turks (Ottamans)? They seemed to be able to keep it under control back in the day.

 

This is true. The U.S. is the only reason the Turks have not invaded Kurdistan. Having been in Kurdistan, they seem to manage themselves very well. The Turks are very deceptive. Truth be told, they do not like America. Now they are our allies, but they DO NOT LIKE US. They want Kurdistan back and the only thing stopping them now that Sadaam is gone is the U.S.

 

Yes, I welcome more international conflict. I find that the conflict with Palestine/Israel is not enough.

Turkish, Iranians, and Iraqis seem like nice people.. I'm sure they wouldn't mind giving up parts of their land.