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 Kurds defiant as Iraq says no to independence vote
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11:25 AM September, 19 2017 سودانيز اون لاين
Hassan Farah-جمهورية استونيا
مكتبتى
رابط مختصرTurkey and Iran threatened Iraq’s Kurds with military hostilities and a blockade yesterday, furious that the region’s leader is refusing to give up plans for an independence referendum.Turkey conducted military drills along its border with the Kurdistan Autonomous Region (KAR), releasing film footage of speeding tanks.A senior Iranian security official threatened a blockade and military action if President Barzani pressed on with his proposed path to independence after next Monday’s referendum.Baghdad also stepped up pressure on Mr Barzani to prevent Iraq splintering. The federal court declared the poll illegal and ordered him to halt it.There are fears that the vote, heralded by Mr Barzani as a historic step towards creating the world’s first Kurd state and keenly watched by Kurds in neighbouring Turkey and Iran, could plunge the region into turmoil.Pro-government militias in Iraq have threatened to fight independence plans, particularly if, as the KAR proposes, they include the city of Kirkuk and the oil-rich region around it.Kirkuk is regarded as a Kurdish city by the Kurds but lies outside the agreed boundaries of the KAR and has large Arab, Turkmen and other minorities, many of them hostile to Kurdish rule.In a significant move, Qais al-Khazali, leader of one of Iraq’s most violent Shia militias, who last week threatened to regard the Kurds as “an occupation force”, posted a photograph of himself visiting local allies in Kirkuk yesterday.Mr Barzani has so far faced down pleas by Britain and the US, his historic allies, to postpone the referendum.Frank Baker, the British ambassador, and Brett McGurk, US envoy for the fight against Islamic State, put forward an “alternative plan” as a compromise last Thursday. They have not made details public but are understood to have proposed a delay of two years while London and Washington attempt to broker a deal with Baghdad.Members of the Peshmerga marched in support of the independence poll last weekMembers of the Peshmerga marched in support of the independence poll last weekGAILAN HAJI/EPAAziz Ahmed, an adviser to Kurdistan’s government, said that a delay without a guarantee of future independence was not acceptable. “What makes them think they have enough leverage to enforce a non-binding agreement with Baghdad؟” he asked.British and US opposition to the referendum, on the grounds that it will destabilise Iraq, has unusually put them on the same side of an argument as Iran. Iran, like Turkey, fears that its own substantial Kurdish minority will be inspired to seek more autonomy.Moreover, Kurdistan, in a bid for allies, has forged close ties with Israel and Saudi Arabia, Iran’s enemies. Kurdish guerrilla groups based in the KAR are fighting the authorities in both Iran and Turkey.Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Iran’s supreme national security council, said it only recognised the national Iraqi border, and security and other agreements would end with Kurdish independence.“Border agreements stand only with the central government of Iraq, and secession of Kurdistan region from the central government of Iraq would mean the blocking of all shared border crossings,” he told Iranian television.Mr Shamkhani suggested that Iranian troops would have no hesitation in pursuing guerrillas inside the KAR border once it was an independent state. “Iran would then prepare itself to enter areas deeper than the border in response to anti-security actions,” he said.President Erdogan of Turkey was once a close ally of Mr Barzani, who saw the PKK, the Turkish-based guerrilla group, as a rival for Kurdish leadership.However, the referendum has been greeted enthusiastically by Kurds of all political persuasions, with huge crowds turning out at rallies over the weekend.There are believed to be 30 million to 35 million Kurds spread across Turkey, Iraq, Syria and Iran, and they have long complained of being the largest nation without a state of their own.During the Turkish military exercise, which had not been previously announced, tanks massed near the Habur border crossing. The area has particular significance for Iraqi Kurds, as it was across these hills that tens of thousands fled attacks by Saddam Hussein’s troops in 1991 at the end of the Gulf war, leading to a no-fly zone and the establishment of the KAR under Western protection.Its autonomy was recognised by Baghdad after the fall of Saddam in 2003. The Kurds control internal affairs and have a share of Iraq’s oil revenues.Even the UN has come out forcefully against Mr Barzani’s plan. António Guterres, the secretary-general, called for a “constructive compromise” and a focus on the war against Islamic State.Mr Barzani insists that the fears expressed by both his allies and his neighbours are overblown, and that the referendum will merely be a precursor to negotiations with Baghdad in which he will offer concessions over borders and other contested issues.After huge independence rallies in football stadiums, his adviser, Hemin Hawrami, said: “Those who ask to delay the Kurdish referendum must know [it is] no longer leaders that can decide, it is the cause of the people. Convince them.”..................................................................................................................................................................................... 23 commentsNewest | Oldest | Most Recommendedm thompson 51 minutes agooverblown - brexit on steroids - project fear ؟؟FlagRecommendReplyJonathanSixtySix 1 hour agoSo are we going to support Iran and Turkey crushing these people؟Or look the other way while our allies are slaughtered؟The treatment of the kurdish people is disgusting. We should be helping them in every way we can!Flag1RecommendReplyGladismonroykd 1 hour agoLet people decide their own futures!If Catalan wants to be independent then fine let them be.If the Kurds want their own independent state, then fine, let the people decide.If the people of East Ukraine want their own independent state then fine let them decide.If Scotland wants to be independent then fine let the people decide.etc etcFlagRecommendReplyPrimaryKey 1 hour ago@Gladismonroykd So if the people of London or the Isle of Sheppey want independence that's ok؟FlagRecommendReplymama mia 1 hour agoWhat interesting uniforms- particularly the socks.Flag1RecommendReplyPrimaryKey 1 hour ago>>Turkey and Iran threatened Iraq’s Kurds with military hostilities and a blockade yesterday, furious that the region’s leader is refusing to give up plans for an independence referendum.The hypocrisy is astounding. Denying Kurds a homeland while promoting one for Palestinians. Flag1RecommendReplyJohn Doy 2 hours agoWhy would the Kurds want independence؟Have we not been assured that integration, diversity and multiculturalism is the way forward by those that we the electorate have put into office over the last seven decades. Flag1RecommendReplyR Morse 2 hours agoI bet they didn't get the pink socks at John Lewis.... Flag1RecommendReplyGermann Arlington 2 hours agoWhat will happen if those Kurds/Turks/Syrians/Iraqis/Afghani/... who immigrated to USA/UK/other European countries will start demanding independence within their new countries؟Will the UN/US/UK allow that to happen too؟There are established other nationals communities in many Western countries, are we going to start promoting segregation and independence everywhere؟FlagRecommendReplyKerr Avon 2 hours ago@Germann Arlington It's quite a nice day today - is the sun bouncing off your tin foil hat؟Flag3RecommendReplyDavid Conquest 1 hour ago@Germann Arlington Do you not understand that all the Kurds want is their own land back؟ Are you totally unaware that the Kurdish race goes back to before the Israelis (or Arabs for that matter)؟ Have you any idea of the way that the Turks (or Persians, for that is their origin) have systematically tried to destroy almost anyone who doesn't subscribe to their religion and culture؟ Have you read any history of the region؟Flag2RecommendReplyGermann Arlington 1 hour ago@David Conquest "Do you not understand that all the Kurds want is their own land back؟"I understand what the Kurds want and I can see the merits of their argument too. What I don't see is how the UN/USA/UK can effect that.I would have thought that Yugoslavia should have taught us a lesson but obviously it did not."Are you totally unaware that the Kurdish race goes back to before the Israelis (or Arabs for that matter)؟"First prehistoric humans evolved in Africa - by your logic they should own all the Earth and Americans and Europeans must pay them ground rent at the very least. "Have you any idea of the way that the Turks (or Persians, for that is their origin) have systematically tried to destroy almost anyone who doesn't subscribe to their religion and culture؟"That is true not only for the Turks or Persians, many other nations and religions have done that for centuries.Intolerance is the source of all evil. As long as some people think that other people are less deserving of [insert any rights or benefits] the situation will not change. "Have you read any history of the region؟"Yes, I have and it differs very little from the history of the world in general.The stronger always oppress the weaker and it is done out of greed even when different motives are given.FlagRecommendReplyForeversideways 2 hours agoSurely everyone is sick of the whole region by now.Flag2RecommendReplyNick Reay 3 hours agoThe US and UK should have split Iraq into three after Saddam was ousted. The Kurds deserve their homeland- and if that means parts of Syria and Turkey joining too, why not- we gave Scotland an independence referendum.Flag7RecommendReplyCraig Petterson 2 hours ago@Nick Reay The most ridiculous comment I've ever read on these forums.Flag1RecommendReplyCharles Atkinson 2 hours ago@Craig Petterson @Nick Reay And your reasons for that comment are....Flag1RecommendReplyGermann Arlington 2 hours ago@Nick Reay "The US and UK should have split Iraq into three after Saddam was ousted."What about non-Kurdish Iraqis who lived on this land for hundreds of years؟Would you like to find yourself in a situation when your parents and relatives suddenly find themselves forced to live in different countries؟I thought that the experience of Yugoslavia would have taught the West a lesson. It seems that rather hypocritical West is trying to divide people by splitting their countries while calling for acceptance and tolerance in UN meetings.FlagRecommendReplyallie lewis 3 hours agoThe Kurds have been tremendous allies and fierce fighters against Islamic State - giving massive support to the US and other Western Allies.To deny them their chance to seek some sort of autonomy would be a hideous betrayal by us.They are also right not to delay the referendum - all the US/West will do is kick the 'Independence can' further down the road ...hoping it will somehow 'go away'.Time the West got some moral backbone - and show their thanks to the Kurds by supporting the referendum.However awkward that will be for our 'ally' Turkey...Flag10RecommendReplyNR 3 hours agoSooner rather than later the British and US will face the question of whether or not they are going to stand beside the Kurds, our most effective ally in the war against ISIS. As to the Iraqi threat to the Kurds, given the performance of their military, I suspect it falls into the category of "Aye pal, you and whose Army", the answer being our NATO ally the Turks. What tangled webs Blair and Cameron weaved. Perhaps the Foriegn Secretary could turn his attention to the issue rather than fighting the internal Conservative Party war.Flag7RecommendReplyAlan Davis 3 hours ago"....British and US opposition to the referendum, on the grounds that it will destabilise Iraq" ha ha.The Kurds must grab this opportunity now precisely because Iraq is unstable. Also Syria and Turkey.Now is their hour of possibility, they must grab it or be consigned to being an oppressed minority forever.Flag21RecommendReplyallie lewis 3 hours ago@Alan Davis Totally agree - they must seize the day ....they have been fantastic fighters for the US/The West also.They have paid in the blood of their People ...I hope they are reading the comments to this article - then they will understand how many ordinary Brits support the Kurds. Flag12RecommendReplyDavid Conquest 3 hours ago@allie lewis @Alan Davis Thanks for that, both of you - I couldn't have put it better.Flag2RecommendReplyAlan Davis 3 hours ago@allie lewis @Alan Davis Indeed Allie. We need to show our governments that we know the Kurds were responsible for rescuing many Yazidi from the murderous IS along with many other minorities such as Christians in the region. The Kurds performed the tasks that our own governments refused to undertake. No doubt the West will need allies and forces of moderation in the region on the ground yet again in the not too distant future.To make promises to the Kurds for progress in the future rather than now is "perfidious Albion" again rearing his ugly head. 24 commentsNewest | Oldest | Most RecommendedDanny Streather 2 minutes agoIt is time the Kurds had their day in the sun.FlagRecommendReplym thompson 55 minutes agooverblown - brexit on steroids - project fear ؟؟FlagRecommendReplyJonathanSixtySix 1 hour agoSo are we going to support Iran and Turkey crushing these people؟Or look the other way while our allies are slaughtered؟The treatment of the kurdish people is disgusting. We should be helping them in every way we can!Flag1RecommendReplyGladismonroykd 2 hours agoLet people decide their own futures!If Catalan wants to be independent then fine let them be.If the Kurds want their own independent state, then fine, let the people decide.If the people of East Ukraine want their own independent state then fine let them decide.If Scotland wants to be independent then fine let the people decide.etc etcFlagRecommendReplyPrimaryKey 1 hour ago@Gladismonroykd So if the people of London or the Isle of Sheppey want independence that's ok؟FlagRecommendReplymama mia 2 hours agoWhat interesting uniforms- particularly the socks.Flag1RecommendReplyPrimaryKey 2 hours ago>>Turkey and Iran threatened Iraq’s Kurds with military hostilities and a blockade yesterday, furious that the region’s leader is refusing to give up plans for an independence referendum.The hypocrisy is astounding. Denying Kurds a homeland while promoting one for Palestinians. Flag1RecommendReplyJohn Doy 2 hours agoWhy would the Kurds want independence؟Have we not been assured that integration, diversity and multiculturalism is the way forward by those that we the electorate have put into office over the last seven decades. Flag1RecommendReplyR Morse 2 hours agoI bet they didn't get the pink socks at John Lewis.... Flag1RecommendReplyGermann Arlington 2 hours agoWhat will happen if those Kurds/Turks/Syrians/Iraqis/Afghani/... who immigrated to USA/UK/other European countries will start demanding independence within their new countries؟Will the UN/US/UK allow that to happen too؟There are established other nationals communities in many Western countries, are we going to start promoting segregation and independence everywhere؟FlagRecommendReplyKerr Avon 2 hours ago@Germann Arlington It's quite a nice day today - is the sun bouncing off your tin foil hat؟Flag3RecommendReplyDavid Conquest 1 hour ago@Germann Arlington Do you not understand that all the Kurds want is their own land back؟ Are you totally unaware that the Kurdish race goes back to before the Israelis (or Arabs for that matter)؟ Have you any idea of the way that the Turks (or Persians, for that is their origin) have systematically tried to destroy almost anyone who doesn't subscribe to their religion and culture؟ Have you read any history of the region؟Flag2RecommendReplyGermann Arlington 1 hour ago@David Conquest "Do you not understand that all the Kurds want is their own land back؟"I understand what the Kurds want and I can see the merits of their argument too. What I don't see is how the UN/USA/UK can effect that.I would have thought that Yugoslavia should have taught us a lesson but obviously it did not."Are you totally unaware that the Kurdish race goes back to before the Israelis (or Arabs for that matter)؟"First prehistoric humans evolved in Africa - by your logic they should own all the Earth and Americans and Europeans must pay them ground rent at the very least. "Have you any idea of the way that the Turks (or Persians, for that is their origin) have systematically tried to destroy almost anyone who doesn't subscribe to their religion and culture؟"That is true not only for the Turks or Persians, many other nations and religions have done that for centuries.Intolerance is the source of all evil. As long as some people think that other people are less deserving of [insert any rights or benefits] the situation will not change. "Have you read any history of the region؟"Yes, I have and it differs very little from the history of the world in general.The stronger always oppress the weaker and it is done out of greed even when different motives are given.FlagRecommendReplyForeversideways 2 hours agoSurely everyone is sick of the whole region by now.Flag2RecommendReplyNick Reay 3 hours agoThe US and UK should have split Iraq into three after Saddam was ousted. The Kurds deserve their homeland- and if that means parts of Syria and Turkey joining too, why not- we gave Scotland an independence referendum.Flag7RecommendReplyCraig Petterson 3 hours ago@Nick Reay The most ridiculous comment I've ever read on these forums.Flag1RecommendReplyCharles Atkinson 2 hours ago@Craig Petterson @Nick Reay And your reasons for that comment are....Flag1RecommendReplyGermann Arlington 2 hours ago@Nick Reay "The US and UK should have split Iraq into three after Saddam was ousted."What about non-Kurdish Iraqis who lived on this land for hundreds of years؟Would you like to find yourself in a situation when your parents and relatives suddenly find themselves forced to live in different countries؟I thought that the experience of Yugoslavia would have taught the West a lesson. It seems that rather hypocritical West is trying to divide people by splitting their countries while calling for acceptance and tolerance in UN meetings.FlagRecommendReplyallie lewis 3 hours agoThe Kurds have been tremendous allies and fierce fighters against Islamic State - giving massive support to the US and other Western Allies.To deny them their chance to seek some sort of autonomy would be a hideous betrayal by us.They are also right not to delay the referendum - all the US/West will do is kick the 'Independence can' further down the road ...hoping it will somehow 'go away'.Time the West got some moral backbone - and show their thanks to the Kurds by supporting the referendum.However awkward that will be for our 'ally' Turkey...Flag10RecommendReplyNR 3 hours agoSooner rather than later the British and US will face the question of whether or not they are going to stand beside the Kurds, our most effective ally in the war against ISIS. As to the Iraqi threat to the Kurds, given the performance of their military, I suspect it falls into the category of "Aye pal, you and whose Army", the answer being our NATO ally the Turks. What tangled webs Blair and Cameron weaved. Perhaps the Foriegn Secretary could turn his attention to the issue rather than fighting the internal Conservative Party war.Flag7RecommendReplyAlan Davis 3 hours ago"....British and US opposition to the referendum, on the grounds that it will destabilise Iraq" ha ha.The Kurds must grab this opportunity now precisely because Iraq is unstable. Also Syria and Turkey.Now is their hour of possibility, they must grab it or be consigned to being an oppressed minority forever.Flag21RecommendReplyallie lewis 3 hours ago@Alan Davis Totally agree - they must seize the day ....they have been fantastic fighters for the US/The West also.They have paid in the blood of their People ...I hope they are reading the comments to this article - then they will understand how many ordinary Brits support the Kurds. Flag12RecommendReplyDavid Conquest 3 hours ago@allie lewis @Alan Davis Thanks for that, both of you - I couldn't have put it better.Flag2RecommendReplyAlan Davis 3 hours ago@allie lewis @Alan Davis Indeed Allie. We need to show our governments that we know the Kurds were responsible for rescuing many Yazidi from the murderous IS along with many other minorities such as Christians in the region. The Kurds performed the tasks that our own governments refused to undertake. No doubt the West will need allies and forces of moderation in the region on the ground yet again in the not too distant future.
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/world/kurds-defiant-as-iraq-says-no-to-independence-vote-pnsq0qftbhttps://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/world/kurds-defiant-as-iraq-says-no-to-independence-vote-pnsq0qftb
(عدل بواسطة Hassan Farah on 09-19-2017, 12:26 PM)
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Hassan Farah
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