Between 1991 and 2003 the status of Kurds in Iraq evolved from second-class citizen to essential partner. Since the fall of Saddam Hussein, they have opted for the reasonable choice of federalism rather than independence. The economic and political success of their experiment in autonomy irritates their Arab fellow-citizens and neighbouring countries that also have Kurdish minorities (Turkey in particular), who see in it a danger for their national sovereignty.
Kurdish Autonomy in Iraq Under Threat
Iraqi Kurds have enjoyed de facto independence since 1992. The autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan, protected by the Americans, is the only relatively stable and prosperous region of Iraq today. It is often described by the Kurds as ‘the other Iraq’. It stands as an encouraging experiment in the Middle East, in spite of its endemic corruption, a high rate of unemployment, a low level of foreign investment, high rates of emigration to the West (especially female) and Turkish military activity. The Iraqi Kurds are making the most of the precarious peace which rules there to rebuild the region, develop the economy and consolidate a fledgling democracy.
This article will try to analyse the ambitions of the Iraqi Kurds and the resources to achieve them they have had since 2005. It will then seek to identify the regional and international issues confronting the Iraqi Kurds in keeping their independence, which is already under threat.
Kurdish Ambitions
The Iraqi Kurds feel themselves more than ever to be Kurds rather than Iraqis. The exterior signs of their awareness confirm this: in Kurdistan mistrust of the Arabs is great. The Arabic language is hardly learnt any more by the younger generation, who no longer go to Baghdad to study, and mixed marriages are rare. Democratisation is gaining ground but is often accompanied by nationalism, implying rejection of the Other, especially when that other has been the persecutor.
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