Kurdish Problem - Federalism or an Emerging State

摘要

Whether the Kurds will successfully achieve democracy for Iraq and autonomy forKurdistan is more a decision in the hands of US policy makers than the Kurds. Before that question can be addressed the larger issue of autonomy today, but a separate state tomorrow has to be considered. No one wants to support a separate state which would mean dissolution of the territorial integrity of Iraq and upsetting the regional balance of power. That would also run counter to respecting the concept of a nation's sovereignty which is so vital to maintaining order in the world. When the national interests of the US are considered, especially in the strategic sense or in terms of natural resources, it is difficult to make a case for supporting the Kurds beyond humanitarian assistance. The Persian Gulf War, however, presented the US a new scenario, highlighted by President Bush's call for the Kurds in northern Iraq and the Shia in southern Iraq to rise against Saddam Hussein. The resulting crushing of both revolts by Saddam, and ensuing flight and agony suffered by the Kurds brought them on center stage for the world to view. The US, along with coalition governments, in response to media pressure and the humanitarian needs of the fleeing Kurds, established a security zone in northern Iraq for the Kurds, and later in southern Iraq for the Shia. This has effectively split Iraq into three parts. The Kurds by holding elections, establishing a government, and providing political and civil administration in their area, Iraqi Kurdistan, now in essence have de facto autonomy.