Shia coalitions: Kirkuk has never been and never will be Kurdish

[ECH1969]

London 28 February 2005: In a telephone chat show conducted by the popular US backed radio in Iraq ‘Radio Sawa’, representatives of the three main winners of the landmark Iraqi elections went into hot controversial discussions.

Ayad Allawi’s representative, Abdu Fahd Al-Isawi, in response to a question related to Kirkuk said, “Kirkuk has never and never will be a Kurdish city. I am very disappointed when I hear these comments from politicians and from ordinary people. There is something historical that can’t be played with. Kurdistan region is an Iraqi region and Kurds are real Iraqis and they believe in the unity of Iraq.”

The Radio show host then asked the representative of Sistani backed ‘Iraq Coalition List’ (Shiia List) to give his opinions on the issue of Kirkuk. Dr. Reza said “I am with Al-Sabawii on the issue of Kirkuk. Kirkuk has never and will never be a Kurdish city. Kirkuk is more Arabic than Kurdish.”

http://www.kurdmedia.com/news.asp?id=6339
-----------------------------------------------------------

At this rate it could be months before a new government is created.

[Igel]

1. A few months is optimistic, if this guy has his way.

Just like Jerusalem was always Arab. He probably thinks Saladin was Arab. They're really good at rewriting history.

[yellowcanine]

2. Can't you Eyerackis all just get along? Maybe we could bring back Saddam.

Knock some heads together, dontcha know?

[alcuno]

3. So Allawi's guy and Sistani's guy said the exact same thing?

Identical wording. Hmmm.

[Teaser]

4. Their interests coincide on some issues.

The fractures in Iraq run in every direction. There are no cohesive groups.

[alfredo]

5. This could get very interesting--- but not in a good way.

You don't hear much about the Turks, but if the Kurds break away from Iraq, Turkey might get involved---but not in a good way.

In other words; the shit could be hitting the fan---but not in a good way.

[ECH1969]

6. I agree, Turkey is a big question mark

[LdyGuique]

7. The Kurds have been fighting for a homeland for many years

and their people are strewn over at least four countries -- Once the Kurds get their own autonomous region in Iraq, the Kurds in Turkey may just "come home" as many Jews have done to Israel -- OR . . .they'll want to keep the Turkish territory they now inhabit and will be willing to fight for separation from Turkey and joining with the Iraqi Kurd region. There are also Kurds in Iran who are waiting to join into a larger Kurdistan. It could get really ugly.

I'm convinced that the Kurds will not be denied their own homeland. Whether the Iraqi territory will be enough remains to be seen. I think that Kurds have been fighting and dying for so long that any homeland with oil reserves may prove to be enough and will allow for a gathering in.

If the Shiites seek to block this autonomous homeland, it'll be the catalyst to blow this into an all out civil war. Let's hope compromises can be made that are sufficient to serve the Kurd's needs.

[alfredo]

8. It also appears that the relationship between Turkey and bush

has soured. I wonder if we will have any allies left by the end of bush's term.