09-27-2017, 12:23 PM
(09-27-2017, 10:00 AM)David Horn Wrote:(09-27-2017, 01:59 AM)Warren Dew Wrote: Relying on gratitude isn't the most dependable strategy. The Kurds should have held the referendum two years ago, then bargained for recognition in return for participation against the Islamic State.
Why? At the moment, they hold the territory. I don't see the Iraqis making an effort to dislodge them, and no other player in the region would seem to be in a position to do it either. In fact, the entire region is realigning. The Kurds have created facts on the ground (much as the Israelis have done in the West Bank), and that may be enough in and of itself.
Remember, the borders in the Middle East and Africa were artificial from the day a bunch of arrogant Europeans drew them on maps. They never made sense, so some adjustments have to be expected. This one makes sense.
The facts on the ground in Iraqi Kurdistan, for which the vote was held, haven't changed substantially since the Kurdish no fly zone was set up 26 years ago.
Now, if the vote had included Syrian Kurdistan, that would make sense.