The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Bob R., Washington, D.C. — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 18:09:36 GMT

As you point out, IRGC presence in the Kurdish north is not 'news'. But Iran's relationship with Iraqi Kurds has not always been positive. Iranian support for the terrorist group Ansar al-Islam, which has attacked the PUK and KDP (Kurdish political parties), is one example. Iran also continues to oppose greater autonomy for its own ethnic Kurds, and has killed thousands of them since the early 1990's. If Iran wants Kurdish acquiescence now, it will have to offer more than threats and good memories of the past. I fully support the capture/elimination of IRGC members that threaten U.S. and Iraqi forces. But what will the U.S. do if the Iraqi government allows Iran to officially open a consulate in Irbil? I believe you make the case for quick action before this occurs.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Darrel In Pa — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 19:02:40 GMT

Maybe if the Americans had not abandoned the Kurds after the 1st Gulf War in Kuwait, but instead had supplied and assisted them in their fight against Saddam Hussein, we wouldn't be asking these questions today. What goes around, comes around........

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Rick Rodriguez, Corpus Christi, TX — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 20:31:13 GMT

All of this warmongering and hostile rhetoric is propaganda by the simple minded, for the simple minded. It's a cop-out. There are many EU countries, including Germany, presently doing business with Iran. Why aren't we there making money too?....Like all of our friends. Only the neocons in our country, and the Israelis refuse to talk to, and normalize relations with Iran. Our government should do what is in our (America's)interest. Friends help you improve your lot. They don't get you killed!

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Paul Harvey, Black Diamond, WA — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 20:31:29 GMT

Darrel hit the nail on the head. Failing to support the Kurds post Gulf I is probably only topped as a political/foreign policy blunder by failing to support the Hungarians in 1957. My guess is that Kurdistan flags are being sewn in every hut in the mountainous regions of Iran, Iraq and Turkey.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

John in Pa — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 20:34:09 GMT

To Darrel In Pa you need to get your facts straight my friend as America did go to the Kurds aid. there was a no-fly zone that we enforced for quite a few years and it enabled the kudish region to become quite sucessful and democratic in their governing that region. Why do you think that Sadam wanted so much to get rid of them??

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

arlin mauer — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 20:44:55 GMT

Why not recuit an all US moslem brigade to train as marines. They could have their own food, own customs etc but go thru Marine Training. After 6 months deploy to Bagdad, with web cams and computers and move in with natives after that sectdor is cleared. With so many informants living in close contact they could see and hear everything. Arlin

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

marc, NJ — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 20:47:00 GMT

No matter what the iranians have done in the past doesnt come close to what the U.S. has done for them. Taking out Saddam was the biggest gift to their existence in northern Iraq.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Charles — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 21:27:18 GMT

Everyone remembers how we told the Iraqis that we wouldn't suppress the uprisings that we told the Iraqi people to do. The Shia and the Kurds paid for it together, and only after the bodies piled up did we put together a no fly zone. Emphasis on "only after the bodies piled up".

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Magnus Jorgensen, Reno, NV. — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 21:31:09 GMT

Rick thinks we can just drop the religious madness infesting the Planet and talk to Iran like they are good old friends. You can just see Bush and Ahmejinedad shaking hands over a good old German style money making contract. To think that someone can be that naiive is beyond belief. Iran wants, believes in world domination with one religion. Maybe some of you don't believe that, maybe you think Iran is a benevolent, benign society, the envy of the entire civilised world. They are a pathetic backward country sitting on a pool of oil. Money talks, BS walks, and Iran has ONE voice. Their shortcomings will become apparent when the Natanz facilty ecomes radioactive rubble sometime late March. American military power WILL PREVAIL.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Peter Alaimo, Phoenix, AZ — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 21:48:49 GMT

If anyone in this administration had had a scintilla of knowledge about history, he would have known the end of the Baathist dictatorship meant an inevitable tripartite division of the artificial construct called Iraq into Shiite, Sunni, and Kurdish states with regional chaos subsequently involving Saudi Arabia, Iran, and yes, Turkey which will never permit an independent Kurdistan to inflame the irrendentist sentiments of the Kurds in Turkey. What is truly frightening is that the whole mess the Bush-Cheney people have caused brings us one step closer to the destruction of the dollar as a reserve currency and the exhaustion of our military power. In short, in 1945 we assumed what once had been the policy of the British Empire and a scant half century later we are in the same position the British were when they had exhausted themselves with Imperial overreach. As Santayana so correctly noted, those who refuse to learn from history are forced to repeat it.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Hugh Martin — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 21:50:04 GMT

Why should we believe that the USA has found this evidence ? Didn't the USA give false information about Iraq having "Weapons of mass destruction" Doesn't it seem rather hypocritical that the USA is the only country which is allowed to have weapons of mass destruction ?

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Leon Kay Warren Mich — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 21:55:35 GMT

If we have to police the world, we should get our oil and military cost paid for by those countries who have all the oil or else just take it as a fee for all our country will loose in that extended war. just look at all the drugs we get from our friends over there they won't even let us kill the poppies over there, I GUESS IT MUST BE AGAINST THERE CONSTITUTION OR the drug lords in Washington

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

P.Costa; Portugal — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 22:04:53 GMT

The iranian influence in iraqi Kurdistan is a question of money, nothing else. And money is something Iranians had learned to use to buy political sympathy. You can take the example of some extreme rightwing parties here in Europe, who’s leaders visit Iran and propagate anti-american and anti-jewish and pro-iranian ideas. There is a Portuguese saying that goes “tell me who you go with, I’ll tell you who you are”. But the Kurdish problem goes way behind, the moment Britain and France designed the borders of the region in the aftermath of WWI, “inventing” Syria, and Jordania, and Iraq, and forgetting the Kurd nation. It was something like a building problem, reparations is really expensive, and that’s why so many people prefer to live (badly) with them. Probably it wont be solved in our lifetime.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Moe, New Orleans, Louisiana — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 22:23:28 GMT

I don't understand why the Kurds think they are special. They have never been a seperate state from Iraq. They are Iraqis and need to stop causing chaos in trying to create their own state. Unlike the Palestinians who are under illegal occupation and have the right to resist the Israeli government, the Kurds have NEVER been seperate.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

John Loyd, Columbia, MO — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 22:23:32 GMT

I have family that is part of the intelligence community so what I am about to write needs to be precluded with some explanation of that world. As in politics the intel world is divided into two groups. In politics/military that division is between "hawks" and "doves." Obviously I do not need to explain that symbolism and their differences. In the intelligence communities there is a somewhat different split. There are no "doves', but there are "owls." Those who believe there are wiser ways to protect our country, uphold the Constitution, and spread democracy and freedom. The owls believe in God and country and the founding principals that established it. They will "hunt" as necessary to survive and they will protect their nest. The other group, while definitively "hawkish", are the "sharks." They are killing machines. Overwhelming force, regardless of the moral or political implications, is their modus operandi. Ultimately the ends justify the means to them. Even among those two distinct fundamental separations there are political and spiritual divisions. The outing of deep cover CIA operative, Valarie Plame Wilson, has caused great strife between the two competing philosophies and partisan divides are beginning to evaporate. I am pasting something I have written below that also appeared in OpEd News in a shorter version. I have several articles on that site, but this one in particular is important right now. The mainstream media will not publish my article, (as though I should be surprised by that LOL). The story has been vetted/fact checked by numerous individuals and it all checked out. The conclusions expressed from those facts seem to make some uncomfortable, but nobody has any better explanations. Millions are DEMANDING impeachment! Cheney and Rove are going to be handed to Congress on a silver platter by the time the Libby trial is over. The list of Crimes that Bush himself has committed keeps growing. Without Rove the right wing political propaganda attack against impeachment will not exist like it has in the past. There are no excuses unless the Democrats and even some Republicans really are truly afraid for their lives and the lives of their families. The intel community call the kind of clandestine operations that I, and others in the "know", believe are taking place - black ops. When assassination is the mission objective it is known as wet work. So I ask... Are Democrats afraid of right wing black ops doing wet work on them? Forget the "conspiracy theory" psyops framing. The facts contained below are public knowledge. Like Osama Bin Laden, the Anthrax killer remains at large. WE need to tell our Congress people that we have got their backs. This criminal enterprise must be stopped! Impeachment is Off the Table? To say "impeachment is off the table" is the equivalent of saying the Constitution, the rule of law, and democracy are no longer relevant. Maybe the Democrats are actually fearful of doing anything with good reason. The anthrax attacks were directed at ONLY the Democrats and certain segments of the Media. Fox news didn't receive any. And, oddly enough, although nobody considers the National Inquirer to be part of the media, or a threat to anyone except slandered celebrities, their corporate headquarters were targeted first. Why is that odd? They were running stories on the drunken Bush twins prior to 9/11 and about George's cocaine habit before the 2000 election. There is also the strange admission that top Republicans were taking prophylactic doses of Cipro prior to those attacks. It is also very "odd" that only prominent Democrats who are critical of this administration seem to die in tragic airplane crashes. Needless to say maybe the Dems know the Bush crime family is vengeful and capable of pure evil. That should not be an excuse for postponing impeachment, but instead should be the very reason they get started immediately with impeachment hearings and eventually lead to criminal prosecutions. I guess they are waiting for either WWIII, (that starts with Iran and Syria, then China, etc); or for those detention camps of Ollie North's to start filling up with millions of Americans who protest in demand of impeachment. It is already almost too late. If either of the above mentioned atrocities take place it [impeachment] will be virtually impossible. And God forbid they engineer or allow another catastrophic terrorist attack on American soil. At that point martial law will be instituted and George W. Bush will have the dictatorship he always wanted. In the meantime how many more soldiers and innocent Iraqis must die? How many more of our civil liberties and rights will vanish in the name of national security? How many more high crimes will be committed by this imperial president? The truly patriotic of America are demanding answers and justice right now.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Ali, San Jose, CA — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 22:24:41 GMT

Why did Saddam kill Kurds?

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Michael, CA — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 22:29:16 GMT

Given the ill-conceive, strategically mistaken and poorly planned and executed invasion of Iraq, expansion of the Iraninan govenrment's operation should not come as a surprise. Openning two fronts on either side of Iran has provided Iran with the long awaiting opportunity to extend its reactionary policies east and west. All they were looking for was some degree of foreing policy incompetence and few draconian military tacticians, which they found in the current administration. For the sake of American and Iraqi lives, lets hope for a new trend of foreign policy based on common sense and inclusion of ideas and experties.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Arm Chair Warrior, Washington, DC — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 22:41:11 GMT

Like in most conflicts, there are a series of turns and tipping points. This one, the identification and confrontation with Iranian agents marks a new front with an interesting and hitherto "new" enemy identifiable by its Tehran sponsorship. I have always said from the beginning Iran (and Syria) has no interest in a strong and stable neighbor in Iraq. Tehran will probably just seek to quietly pursue its regional interests and at the right moment publicly, vociferously, and sustainably blame the US for its "evil lies" about Iran's involvement. This would give diplomatic cover to its nominal supporters (viz Russia and China), stir up the rhetorical pot, while raising the stakes against the US with a 3-pronged game of nukes, insurgents, & public relations. And with all that oil money to pour on Shia-aligned interests, Iran gets to be a big benefactor to whoever will take their money and terrorist technical assistance. And aside from dumping all their fanatics into Iraq, they also get to learn the political conditions, create new militant groups, and train others on terrorist methods. For their part, the Kurds get to play off (either by design or necessity) various potential suitors to keep Turkey (or whoever) at bay. They have incentive now to see what Iran offers; the coalition may not be around in the long run and who knows what will happen then? Between Kurds, Sunnis, and Shias why wouldn't Tehran mess with them all? I say 'yes' to the covert ops which need to be frequent and reported more often to keep the pressure on. Plus new types of military tactics (ambushes, ruses, tricks and traps; how about decoy trucks??). The Iranians will have a very long-term stake in this game, and everybody better see what they are doing there now before some future US drawdown.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Kevin in Seatte — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 22:45:56 GMT

"Only the neocons in our country, and the Israelis refuse to talk to, and normalize relations with Iran." It is kind of hard to try and normalize relations with a nation whose president does not acknowledge the existance of the holocaust, has openly declared that he wants to eradicate Israel, and has also funded countless terrorist groups across the mideast. Besides we are not the only nation that has bad feelings towards Iran. At this moment Saudi Arabia has ramped up production to decrease the price of oil, their country is much more able to handle a price decrease, than Iran. In fact I think this very news site wrote an article about it.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

ric stoliker bridgeport ct — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 22:52:39 GMT

it's to late to make much of an impact in Arabic Iraq (not a real nation state) but the U.S. should support the creation of a "Greater Kurdistan" (a real nation) which would include Far Eastern Turkey & Northwestern Iran..this could be done thru U.N. supervised plebiscites...let's not come away from this war with nothing to show for the sacrifices our troops have made..Kurdistan would be the most reliable ally we could hope for in that region (including Israel)

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

steve ny ny — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 22:56:43 GMT

Turkey has warned the USA that it is tired of the kurds attacking them.Turkey said they will go into northen IRAQ and destroy the Kurds. The USA says PLEASE DON'T they are our ONLY friends in IRAQ.The Kurds want their own country AKA ISRAEL.This will never happen ask the Turkish govt.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

ric stoliker bridgeport ct — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 22:58:29 GMT

Bravo Peter from Phoenix!!! but with the Soviet Union gone we no longer have to cater to Turkey....turks out of Cyprus!!! and Ionia too!!!...and Turkey in the E.U.!!! it's not called the European Community for nothing...wake up Euros

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

david,baltimore,md. — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 22:59:22 GMT

Arlin asks why not recruit an all moslem brigade and give them marine training? Great idea except for one small fact....there arent enough muslims willing to fill a platoon yet alone a brigade.Why is it that we have so few arabic alnguage translators who are desperately needed in the war against terror?If you cant get translators who for the most part work in peaceful conditions,do you really believe that you will get muslims to form a military brigade? Heck you cannot find a single Muslim to issue a fatwa that it is the duty of Muslims to kill Bin Lladen who has supposedly hijacked their peaceful religion.Dont poke fun at them with a cartoon though,it could be very dangerous.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Rich Lee, Chicago, Illinois — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 23:09:21 GMT

Wow!Wow! and Wow!! All these americans voicing opinions. It's great but we have the civilization and democracy that allows us to voice those views. These people neither have our values, or our democratic views. What baffles me is that we are trying to set up democracies in these places and we're not even sure the majority of these people want it. These wars in Afghanistan and Iraq are unlike any wars we've been involved in before. Including Vietnam! Or should I call them conflicts? These are vastly different people than we are. There conlicts are primarily ethnic, tribal, and religious. This is a no win situation. Iran just adds to the mix. If we were going to attack any country. Why Iraq? We've had historical problems with Iran and North Korea going back at leats two decades. The Kurds! They could care less about the Iranians, the Americans, and for that matter the rest of Iraq. They just want to be left alone. We don't get it. We think we can just go into any country, depose their leadership, and they'll flee to the prospect of democracy. They've lived their way of life for centuries. They're not going to change just because the great USA said it's a good idea. I was telling my grandson the other day, it's kind of like the neighborhood bully coming onto your driveway and saying you can't do this or that. You'll say OK because he's bigger and stronger. As soon as he walks away you say to your friends, he's not going to tell me what to do. You'll do what you want, after all it's your house. What you do is get a dozen friends and confront the bully. He may attack one but he won't attack a dozen. The fault here is with America. We still haven't gotten it.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Corey Pinko, Alexandria, LA — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 23:10:50 GMT

What if the Iranians were being honest about their people being diplomats and what we read in the news is black propaganda? It seems like the Iranians employ White Propaganda in that they attempt to acknowledge their own propaganda as propaganda. I took a class at a community college and learned how some of this works. Admittedly though, I was drunk during most of it. I think Ahamadeenajad looks like Ringo star which, unfortunately, is my least favorite beetle. Therefore, I have no problem with opening another front in Iran. GO USA!

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Michael, Iowa — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 23:33:03 GMT

Have we forgotten what happened Sept 11, 2001. Terrorists came into this Country and killed innocent people. Now we are taking the fight to the terrorist groups. Better to fight them there then on our own soil. Is it going to take another attack on our soil to make Americans remember what terrorists are all about. We are doing what needs to be done. We can not just leave Iraq now. We are committed and we need to stay the course otherwise the terrorists win. Then they will come and the war will be here. I dont know about you but I would much rather have it there than here.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Hiwa, Stockholm Sweden — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 23:42:22 GMT

This article began very well but at the end there was one thing missing. We know that Iranian opened their borders when the Kurds were subject to genocide and had no friends (and betrayed). It is a question of survival, of course Kurds would choose the American over the Iranians if they were sure that US will not betray them again. We see no sign that we are important to them and that they will help us in bad and good times. Your Administrations come and go, faces change and at the end it is our people who have to face the hostility and genocide not yours, You put us in a position to answer the question with us or against us, we are simple none them, until we know how trustworthy you are. I am not arrogant, this is simple truth.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Larry Coates — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 23:57:04 GMT

The Kurds have been doing a high-wire balancing act for more than a thousand years. They are caught between three power centers in the Middle East: the Turks, the Iranians and the Sunnie Arabs. They appreciate current U.S. assistance, and see a medium-term advantage in supporting most U. S. objectives in Iraq. But they remember that we threw the Iraqi Shiites overboard in 1991, and they know American policies in the area blow like straw in the wind. The U. S. could throw them overboard tomorrow in some new policy shift. The Kurds have a remarkable sense of self-preservation, and they know they need more than one ally in this struggle. This administration, and truthfully, most previous administrations, have been so ignorant about the realities of the Middle East, that we deserve the whipping we're getting.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

keith chicago — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 01:01:51 GMT

First of all,no one would know what happend in history among the people of that part of the world as much as people who lives there. 1-shia,sunni and %99 of kurd are muslem.So why would they kill each other? 2-Most kurds are very nice people but they have armed groups who beleives in marxist and leninist ideas.How well this will work with Americas opposition for cominisim? 3-there are over 10 million kurds lives in Turkey.They have every civil rights as much as any turkish citizen if history serves me right in 1990's one turkish president was a kurd(his name was turgut ozal.)where in the world an ethnic group who is so suppresed had or has some one as a president of a country? 4-Kurds are been used in irak as a buffer zone,soon as dust setteles they will be pushed around again. What ever happening today is not religion issue,is not ethnic issue.IT IS A POWER ISSUE.WHO CONTROLS WHAT.before form an opinion people has to ask themself who benefits from all this.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Mehrdad Los Angeles, ca. — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 01:18:37 GMT

Iranians are following their own agenda, and furthering their own interests as much as anyone else. They are taking advantage of cultural, liguistic, and ethnic links that go back thousands of years, as well as the vacuum created by the fall of Saddam, and a halt in his genocidal machinery in Northern Iraq. Having said that, one should not forget Iran's miserable treatment of its own restive Kurdish minority, a watchful Turkey dealing with its own Kurdish minority's aspirations for more freedom, and of course Syria sitting next door. Kurds are truly in a bad neighborhood. Hopefully, being America's cloeset allies for the time being in Iraq won't cost them in the future, as it has in so many instances in the past. Their own saying that their own true frineds and allies are the mountains surounding them will sound all the more true.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

ed — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 01:34:20 GMT

I find it funny that our gov't protests Iranian govt's apparent supplying of weapons to our enemies in Iraq that are killing our troops and innocent civilians. When the US supplied the weapons that Israel used to level Beruit last summer while the Bush administration stood by and watched, it set in motion yet ANOTHER FAILED policy. While the administration watched, they paved the way for what is happening over there now in Beruit. A stronger Hezbollah , and a democratic govt on the brink of collapse and another country whose citizens were bombed with our weapons while we sat back and did nothing to stop it thereby creating another country that hates us.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Chis Zullo (Boston) — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 02:51:05 GMT

We really need to stop poking fun at Islam. It is a peace loving religion that preaches tolerance and understanding. That and if we mock Mohammed they will kill us.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Rob-California — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 02:55:57 GMT

Please, "we deserve the whipping we're getting". This is the most pathetic thing that I have read thus far on this issue. Statements like this sicken me and probably most others, is this the feeling or position anyone would take if they were there, how about a son or a daughter on the front line? I don't think so. Would you feel this way if we were suffering daily terror attacks in your home town? After 9/11 most folks were screaming for vengence. Vengence has a price. Problem is most americans pay for vengence on credit, when the bill comes due the suffer from amnesia and back pedal. Like it or not we are there. Mistakes have been made there no doubt but I don't think the situation is lost, we just need to look at different options packing up and leaving would create even more problems than it would cure.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Eric Oregon — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 04:07:30 GMT

One way to see this is: Kurds you are either with us or with out us. Durring the time of the gulf war we could do little we had to live up to what we sign for in order to live up to the cease fire agreement. We are allies with Turkey and they hate kurds and to keep the relationship with the Turks was an stratigic decision in order to attack Iraq from the north and provide coverage for the kurds in the North that was about as far as what we could do. Iran in the other hand fights dirty they are opportunist they can care less if they can live up to their word so if there is nothing in it for them they are not going to help anyone period. All we can do now is realize that the kurds are clearly not in our side, they protested the raid on Iranian offices and they knew about what we were going to find there. The Kurds can care less about us Americans being blown to pieces and do and will assist the Iranians and in addition provide a haven for our worst enemy. Bush is helping Iran become a Supper Power and he doesn't even know it just like every other American I know.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

LoneWolf Seattle, Wash — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 04:53:42 GMT

If it truly is as the insider said and it's all about the sharks and the owls and considering that we have a bullheaded shark runnning the show, then GOD help us ALL. The fuse has been lit and there is no blowing this one out. It looks like the war machine may be running for a good long time... Guess we should've innovated and created a fuel source that's not under the land of our enemies. All I can say is prepare for the day when we must stand for what we believe in... May you stand for the truth...

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Michael Bellissimo, Perth, Western Australia. — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 06:19:31 GMT

In the midst of all these politics, clash of values and cultures it is easy to forget that many young people in uniforms are losing their lives, which amounts to a mind boggling tragedy. Somebody ought to ask them what are the best strategies for ending the conflicts in the middle east.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

bud , seattle , wash. — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 06:23:12 GMT

war's of faith have always been and will not end tomorrow. The old testement against the old testement, The new testament against the new testament, the Quran against the Quaran. Brother killing brother. The Kurdistan's have their right to the same fate. Let no man take away what God or Allah has given to another man, So let it be.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Sall Hasnan, Sioux City IA — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 08:19:09 GMT

When Bush disposes Saddam, that was what Iran was looking for. American do not know in fact most of the world do not know that the Shite's primary goal in life is to rid of Sunni's. Read your history... Bush. Like it of not but the troops have to stay in Iraq indefinitely or the minute the troops leave, Iraq will join the Iran co Bush had coalition. Bush had opened a very bad can of worms and the american people has to eat and swallow it. Many countries tried to advice Bush but the American people encouraged him in the beginning. Now WE have to deal with it.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Bruce, Phx, AZ — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 08:25:35 GMT

How many remember from history that there was once upon a time an independent Kurdistan that was broken up into what is now modern Iraq as well as parts of Iran and Turkey (the parts they are fighting over).This is what Turkey is afraid of, a reunifiaction supported by Iran into a new power in the neighborhood with strong ties to Iran. PS The Kurds were such good fighters, the British Empire was forced to break up the country to subdue them. These people are right now our friends and allies in the region, maybe the only REAL ones. (see any similarites with Israel?)

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

SB, Washington DC — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 08:34:23 GMT

Lots of smart comments here ! How did we as a people allow ourselves into this mess ? Did we not know any better? Over $500 Bil in direct cost and counting / over a couple Trillion in indirect cost and counting - both Osama and Saddam will go down in history as the most expensive beings in the world? I am sure we could have paid a Russian to poison Saddam with some radioactive poison for a LOT less? If that is what our objective really was? Meanwhile all we have done is create more radicals who will continue to torment us for a long time to come. The Middle East is a total mess now. Bush can now safely state he is a decider and divider. Until we impeach Bush, set Israel straight and not be its proxy (tail wagging the dog) and the islamic world stands up and controls their radicals via Fatwas or beheadings, I am afraid we are in this downward spiral for quite some time to come. So all of you smart people - start doing something - words need to be translated into action.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

dt,Philadelphia,PA — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 08:53:56 GMT

Kurds living in Turkey have all the rights as any other Turkish citizens. They can choose and can be chosen as a politician. Than can own a tv station. they can become a singer or an actor/actress. They can do commerce in any field. They can practice their religion. Turkey opened its border in Gulf War I and accepted them as refugee. They were fed and sheltered. Do you know How they paid back?.. by killing Turkish soldiers and local villagers. They kept trying to take a piece from the Turkish main land to create a Kurdish State. Due to terrorist group called PKK's seperatist activities, Turkish state lost almost 40,000 lives icluding soldiers, mostly children, women and men. PKK killed villagers and their families to gain logistics support from them. When they refused to cooperate, the PKK terrorist group killed them to show others what would have happenned in case they don't give them what the PKK wanted. The PKK distrupted education by bombing schools and killing school teachers so that no children could get education. They burt the goverment heavy machines which were there to give service to the people of that area. There are so many things to say about what the PKK did to distrup the life in eastearn Turkey but I will cut it short. Now I am asking anybody out there considering the PKK-a terrorist organization-operating in Northern Iraq and getting help from kurdish leaders in Northern Iraq with a purpose of dividing the Turkish State to create a kurdish State, Would Turkish State allow the creation of a kurdish state in Northern Iraq ???

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

john — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 09:00:49 GMT

once we run out on them, (and we will, in the near future) where will the kurds turn to for help? if they turn against the iranians, they will receive payback when we leave.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

john, LA — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 09:17:28 GMT

"U.S. should support the creation of a "Greater Kurdistan" (a real nation) which would include Far Eastern Turkey & Northwestern Iran...Kurdistan would be the most reliable ally we could hope for in that region" well said ric stoliker. and we should include some of the oil regions of iran if possible.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

john smith ny — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 12:15:26 GMT

well, it is very interesting! most of you are very well informed but Nobody mentioned ISRAEL so far! So what do you think israel has to do with our war in Iraq??? if you dont see the connection... think again. Israel IS the MAIN reason for the war in Iraq! If you dont think so, just see how much the israeli lobby influences our foreign policy for the middle east. not to sound as antisimitic but those people are EVERYWHERE! pentagon, white house, state department you name it! do you really think an american jew puts america before israel if he had to choose between these two?? How many of you knew that the fake report about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq was created by Mossad?? wasnt this the initial reason we invade iraq? It is so simple, So far israel had to defend itself against so many countries in the region, well the jews were always smart people, now the got the US to fight for their own interest.... And yes, the two stripes in th israeli flag symbolise two rivers... Tiger and ephrates...iraq and iran! I rest my case.... wake up america!

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

joe marchi,Bourne, MA — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 14:21:35 GMT

Sending 21,500 more troops is like throwing a bottle of water into an inferno! Lets do this right, and do it quickly. Send 500,000 troops in there and take control now. Every major city can be taken and controlled. Maybe we never showed enough force. Instead of wasting time and money on nothing over 4 years, take Iraq in a year. Then simply move over to any other country(Afganistan) and take control. This would quiet the Iranians, Syrians, and any others who want to break America's might. I wish all Americans would remember their feelings and how angry we were on September 11, 2001. I am not a Bush supporter, but there are troops in harms way. WE must protect them. Maybe my Uncle who died in the early stages of Vietnam, would have had a better chance if he had serious troop strength behind him!!!

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Mark Madden — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 16:27:01 GMT

Most of the trouble in the middle east and south asia and africa comes directly from the abitrary creation of countries by European states without regard to Ethnic or cultural traditions. For example you have the Kurds as a minority in and split between three countries, Iran,Iraq, and Turkey. All of which abuse them. Tribes are split between two and three,even four states in Black Africa practically guaranteeing civil war. Then there is Yugoslavia. Which before the wars, was composed of Croatia,Serbia,Montenegro,Bosnia ethnic Albanians and Macedoneans and so on. Without thousands of Soviet troops to hold it togeather, we all know that story. Then there is the Sudan, the Palestinian conflict, the Lebanese civil war and so on. What needs to be done is for the UN to go through these countries and redraw the borders. That would end most of these conflicts. We can end Moslem terrorism by rounding up and shooting these Radical Clerics who are promoting it. Short of that we are stuck with it. The Romans spent centuries trying to solve the Jewish problem in till Titus smashed Jerusalem. They tried everything else. We have the same problem today with Moslem radicals. These people believe they have a divine right to wage Holy war on everybody who doesn't agree with them. They are fanatic dogmatics and cannot be reasoned with. So we can kill them or join them. All the political correctness and understanding and squeemishness in the world is not going to change that.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

RD Miller, Houston, Texas — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 16:29:12 GMT

What happens six months from now when 21,000 additional troops are still not enough to allow us to exit froim Iraq on a timetable? Will the Senate cutoff of funds serve as a ploy by the current administration to say we now have to exit because there is a mandate being fulfilled by the voters? Will the eventual exit cause a lose-lose genocide bloodbath in which Saudia Arabia by default will have to enter into the conflict to say the Sunni minority?

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Mark Madden — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 17:53:46 GMT

John Loyd is a fake or a lune. He reads way too many Tom Clancey novels. The CIA is composed of Americans who like all other Americans have a wide variety of opinions and unfortunately have been airing thier dirty laundry in public lately. The Plame issue is nothing but politics on both sides. Plame was not even covert when she was outed.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

andy marrin, coos bay, or — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 18:21:29 GMT

a really dumb statement from this article: "Just like the Iraqi government of Nuri al-Maliki, they have to decide if they are with us or with the Iranians". the author apparently doesn't realize that the kurds and al maliki will be living next door to Iran forever. does the author also expects the USA to be there forever?

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Justice for all — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 18:28:16 GMT

God bless you ed, You resurrected my faith in American people and fairness that this country should stand for, where are people like you in this blessed country,i almost lost hopes.That is what you expect from a real democratic country that people stand for justice not hypocracy and a lot of hogwash.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Pushdaree, Ontario, Canada — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 18:42:53 GMT

Kurds have all rights to establish mutually beneficial relationship with Friendly neighboring county such as Iran. And why should not they when Turkey, USA strategic partner which is supported by USA taxes payers continually threaten Kurds not only its own citizens but Kurds every where. History tells the Kurds that USA is not a dependable partner. The late General Mullah M Barznie, asked for USA support when he was fighting the Iranian forces at late 1940’s only to be turned down. The same leader was later betrayed by USA in 1975 when Kissinger blessed the Iran and Iraq sinister March agreement. America can not be great if it continually let her true friends down.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

CHUCK MINNEAPOLIS MN — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 18:46:47 GMT

"they are with us or with the Iranians" This is a simple way of looking at the world. Not every decision falls in 1 of two categories. The answer is the kurds are with the kurds. It would be foolish to make enemies with there neihbors to benefit there relationship with us. Expecialy at a time when even George Bush knows that time is running out on this experiment called Iraq. Im not saying were not going to have a base or troops in the area for some time but it will not be the 100,000+ troops that are there now. The Kurds have been pretty much running there own country for over a decade now. The main thing they fought for during and after the invasion was Tikrit and other valuable assets (oil fields) that were not already under there controll. The Kurds need to look out for there own interest and they are. America is no different we look out for our own interest we just dont always agree on what those interest are. example IRAQ...

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

dave harrison/ balto, MD — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 20:36:43 GMT

I'm sure W had this all sussed out in Feb '03. Eliminate a pest who we already had under our thumb, open a carnival of chaos for every anti-American, anti- Western malevolent nihilist to prosper in and open 2 doors for our most antagonistic nemesis to traipse through and oppose us directly, all the while making us look foolish, arrogant and clueless at the same time. Yep, we got 'em right where we want 'em. Or is it the other way around?

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

MAC, Woodbridge, Va. — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 21:16:13 GMT

We will never forget what happened Sept 11, 2001. Terrorists did come into this Country and killed innocent people. But we are NOT taking the fight to the terrorist groups. They (the terrorists group), are BRING the fight to US, there in IRAQ. It's easier for them to fight us there than here (i.e. oceans, time & distances, and willing participants). We will have to fix what we broke, (CHINA SHOP RULE!)in IRAQ, before we can leave. To the 3000 plus family members, who have lost love ones, the terrorists may seem to be winning. Exactly, what course are we staying? Does anybody knows? We, (ALL BY OURSELVES), attacked a solvent nation, and removed a duly elected leader. The 200,000 dead IRAC people didn't ASKED US to do this for THEM. IS IRAN NEXT???

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Mike Stefanic, Washougal, WA — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 21:26:37 GMT

The evidence of Iranian complicity in the attack on and the killing 5 Americans at the military post is as viable as the WMD evidence. The Bush regime is trumping up false evidence, once again, in order to expand the war and satisfy the neocons. This is ludicrous. When will Congress stop the insanity?

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Ed Feeney San Fran CA — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 22:20:58 GMT

I might be wrong but I could have sworwn this is how most wars are waged. The best example being us in the Russian-Afgan War. We pretty much won the war for the mujahadeen when we secrectly slid in Stinger missiles and the personnel to instruct the use of them. Without control of the skies it was pretty much lights out for the Soviets. Actually wasn't "lend-lease" an overt form of this warfare. It only makes sense from a national interest point of view that if you have something to gain from somebodies elses war than you'll either overtly or covertly make sure your dog in the fight has every edge you can provide.So whats the big deal? Just because its happening to us right now. Its the old double standard.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Harold M , Wasilla ,Alaska — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 23:12:04 GMT

to all those people out there with some thought on this subject.You have to look back, when this nation and i mean the largest majority decieded to go to war in response to the attacks of 9/11.the terrorist stated one true fact that most of the world knows but we as a nation refuse to admit,is that.we as a people are to comfortable in our own lives,and dont have the stamina to see most things through.When the burden seems to inconvince us we cry to the politicans.then enters politics into a war zone.This is why this country didnt prevail in vietnam and with current mentallity we wont in the struggle agaisnt the terrorist.It is a shame our enemies know us as a nation better then we know ourselves. Further more the person that thinks the UN should enter a redraw the map of the world all he has to do is look back at a prevous issue of time magazine you can find they have that vision already.And suprisingly no one noticed or cared that the redivison of this country was the front page.Keep in mind the USA pays most of the UNs opperating budget we support most of there actions and they oppose almost every decission we make.the UN is not where this American places his trust.It is time we as a nation mean what we say ,do what we promise and forget the UN ,EU, and have our elected officals concern themselves with the people of this country

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Thomas Spencer, Lynn Haven, FL — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 23:30:33 GMT

First off- Darrell in PA, get your facts straight. The coalition forces provided aid in Northern Iraq during & after the first Gulf War, and it continues to this day. How do I know? I WAS THERE. If the IGRC is operating in N. Iraq, they never bothered us... but the real point here is this. If they are operating in the North, well, that is a problem for the Kurds to handle. We have provided them with the means to an end, they merely have to execute the plan.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

O. Angun, Clifton NJ — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 00:16:26 GMT

I have one question if Mexicans in Texas want Texas for themselves will US give it to them because they have been there for decades ? I don't think so, so why are some of these people expect Turkey or other nations to give their lands to Kurds, because they are US alias at his moment ? Ric apparently has no clue what is going on there, Kurds are not oppressed by atleast Turkey, they had a Kurdish president for god sakes and yet they lost alot more lives to terrorist attacks then US ever did. Talk about catering, it was US who restrained Turkey not to attack forcefully to Kurds, and yet when 9/11 happened there was no restraint on US part. I guess it is true that might makes right... Also how come nobody is asking why there is terrorist in the first place. Well perhaps after WWII French and the British who made up all those countries also ( directly or indirectly ) put those leaders or political groups together for the Arabic nations. While backing their leaders with money or promises they got cheap oil or whatever they wanted that suited their interests at the time. This lead to rich leaders, poor uneducated people. All they got from west was so called modernation, or sleazy clothing and porn for the poor and money for the so called leaders. What they want is democracy but without western secret agenda. They don't want west backed curropt leaders who horde all the wealth or morally curropt culture to develop. They want some pride and develop their own industries and feed their families which they are not getting a chance to, except for few lucky families. The only thing they can do to wake up people or to stop west interference is to become terrorist. I don't agree with it but if you are hungry and can't feed your family and frustrated enough what would you do under those cercumstences ???

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

J. Riddle, Concord, California — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 02:31:33 GMT

As previously noted, it is not breaking news that there is evidence that there is support from Iran in the chaotic throes of a civil war in the Middle East when the Shia is involved. Iran is Iraq's neighbor. The borders have been reported as being like swiss cheese. Yet, Bush has another plan, or policy. In fact, there is a planned surge that will bring everyone to the table to come to a concensus. Right? Eventhough the American people voted otherwise in the midterm elections, the policy makers, and their respective political camps want to give this strategy or policy a go, or a "chance" to work. The policies thus far from the administration regarding the Iraq civil war have proven to have missed the desired effect of successfully restructuring Iraq, establishing peace, and leaving Iraq to the Iraqi people to completely tend to their own sectarian violence.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Lee Fleck, Roswell, Ga. — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 03:09:38 GMT

Winston Churchill stated years ago that “The best argument against a Democracy is a five minute conversation with the average voter”. If you really want to understand the Iranian terrorists view the movie “Obsession” , which is available pre-release on the website www.ObsessionTheMovie.com

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Ed, Los Gatos, Ca — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 04:47:23 GMT

It seems to me that the only search for "truth" here has to be within each of us. What the other guys leaders and religious motivations are can probably be "argued" till...well, doomsday. What all you experts need to acknowledge is that the actions of YOUR leaders (and the results) truly reflect your own sense of values. If you are a member of the United States "democracy" and this administration's words and actions reflect your values, then I strongly suggest your vested interests far outweigh any values you fool yourself into thinking you have.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Ron Kujkowski SFC U.S. ARMY RETIRED ERIE PA. — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 15:31:22 GMT

Gulf of Tonkin, Bay of Pigs, Somila, numerous others. Who was on watch when these occured. Stop blaming and start doing. Hanoi Jane is a work of Art, doing more damage than thousands of fire fights. Wake up people, see the reality, not the HollyWood world

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

steve,Orlando,Florida — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 16:19:39 GMT

Once again, Israel will have to do our dirty work for us. Israel has no choice but to take out Iranian reactors. They are threatened by obliteration and they realize we as a people don't have the stomach for it. We will come out against their strikes but will benefit from it and secretly hope for their success--I do!!

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

H Busund Solebury,PA — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 18:31:54 GMT

The kurds were not abandoned after Gulf war one. This was the no fly zone. The marsh arabs were the ones left to themselves. There are about 50 million Kurds in the Middle East The 50 million are in Iran, Iraq and Turkey. An independant Kurdistan would take part of each country. In the long run it would be best for everyone.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Yow- Boston, Ma. — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 19:34:46 GMT

The USA should immediately abrigate any deals made with the Barbaric Turks until it's ( Islamic ) govt. relents it's treatment of it's minority ethnic people. Kurds, Assyrians, Greeks Armenians all have suffered terribly under Turkish rule ! USA should get the hell out of the Middle East; 'Yesterday' Old Yow

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

R.Richard fusilier — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 19:36:40 GMT

Actually, its `the Kurds who won this war. but what does it bode later with millions of Kurds in Turkey , Syria and Iran biting at the bit? Since `when has Bush ever appointed an outstanding performer? Never!, but this time, with a new commanding General and plan, I'm for giving the plan of action a chance

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

OJ, Cleveland, OH — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 19:55:00 GMT

Simplifying complex social structures and political processes can sometimes be very misleading. The Kurds are not a uniform people. The Kurds in Iraq belong to tribal traditions and the political scenery is shaped after that. Barzani and Talabani were not only political rivals until very recently but they were tribal leaders whose followers constantly fought and killed one another for power. The Turkish Kurds are different. They enjoy the same rights as anyone else in Turkey. Through intermarriages, most citizens of Turkey carry mixed blood and it is up to the individual to call him/herself a Turk/Kurd/Arab/Turkoman etc. Most of the Turkish Kurds live in the bigger cities of Turkey and it is difficult to distinguish a Kurd from a Turk on the streets of Istanbul, or at the leadership of a corporation or elsewhere. The impoverished Southeast Turkey bordering Iraq, Iran and Syria is another area where a lesser number of Turkish Kurds live alongside Tuks, Turkomans and Arabs. Still, equal citizens, in poverty this time. The PKK, which is often mistaken for Turkish Kurds in the Western World, is, on the other hand a Marxist militant organization that has taken the lives of over 40,000 people in Turkey, including children and women. It is a terror organization and has been listed as such not only by Turkey, but also by the European Union and the United States.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

b.t.Nashville, TN — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 19:57:42 GMT

Hey! How about giving part of US territory to Kurds then, if they are sooo good people. They can come and fill our cities with their Kurdish Pride gangs.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Sergey, San Francisco, CA — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 20:15:32 GMT

In response to Magnus, it should be noted that it is only the current administration of Iran that believes in as you put it "world domination with one religion". The people of Iran are split on support of the current administration. The majority of people under 30 in Iran are well educated and actually *PRO* American. I think to label the entire nation as "a pathetic backward country" is a bit naive.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Harry Van Gorp, Wellington, Florida — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 20:30:27 GMT

I am amazed that virtually everyone just is just walking away from the Baker report like it never happened. How can anyone expect to solve problems without talking to your opponents? I don't know what steps can be taken to moderate the conflict but we have to take the interests of all parties into consideration. This includes Iran, Syria, Israel, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. We are not going to get anywhere without talking to all of them!

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

dave ionno hartford ct — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 21:18:53 GMT

The US military is being misused and abused. We are not protecting and defending the Constitution in some one elses country. Whe 9/11 happened I said welcome to the war America how does it feel? My fellow Nam veterans said they should have flown the planes into Wall street. The use of our military as a geopolitical strategic tool reveals us as the mercs(mercenaries) we have become. We kill to keep Dick Cheney and his ilk fat. He and the rest of the chickenhawks should have volunteered with me for Vietnam. I have utter contempt for all who have not smelled and tasted death like combat veterans have and yet are eager to kill someones elses family. A Vietnamese veteran of 30 yrs of war, who fought the Japanese, French, Americans and Chinese said he sleeps well and has no nightmares, unlike his guilt ridden American peers. When asked why he said simply I was fighting for my own home.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

MAC, Woodbridge Va. — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 22:37:54 GMT

20,500 more of our children to be used for this "commander & chief's folly! All his adult life, he's been given everything. He has never had to earn his place. Why do we,(The American people), allow him to take US were we don't want to go? Bill Clinton couldn't have gotten away with it.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Mark, Boston, MA — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 01:10:47 GMT

The Kurds are between a rock and a hard place because they have no place of their own. With a population of Forty Million divided between Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Syria, they are the largest nation denied the right to exercise soverignty. Lack of independence is not for lack of trying; it is for lack of support. Our involvement with the Kurds should give them no reason for confidence in us. Not only did the first President Bush incite them to revolt and then abandon them to annihilation, Henry Kissenger and Gerald Ford did the same to the "Iraqi" Kurds in 1975, betraying the revolt which we had supported directly and by encouraging support from the Shah's Iran and Israel when the Shah felt the time for using the Kurds had ended because their revolt had forced the Ba'ath to concede the Shatt al-Arab waterway to Iran as the price for betraying the Kurds. The second President Bush went to great lengths to prevent a vote on Kurdish secession at the time of the Iraqi election, because reports indicated that 97% of "Iraqi" Kurds would vote for independence notwithstanding token Kurdish politicians in the current Iraqi government. The US has indicated that it would support the amendment of the current Iraqi constitution to reduce Kurdish autonomy if favored by Shi'ites. Four times in his most recent State of the Union message President Bush used terms to indicate his opposition to Kurdish independence. All of this despite the fact that not only did the Kurds rise in 1991 against Sadam when called upon to do so by the US, but in the Second Iraq War, Kurdish Peshmerga forces took the place of US infantry when our Turkish allies refused to permit American forces to use Turkish airfields to base and to use Turkish territory to stage an invasion of Iraq from the north while allied forces advanced from the south. It was the Turks who exposed our troops to additional danger; not the Kurds. Our most recent betrayals of the Kurds in Iraq pale compared to President Regan's support of Sadam during the Iran-Iraq War, which Sadam used as cover to commit the genocidal Anfal campaign against the Kurds, razing their villages, slaughtering their people and livestock, poisoning future generations with biological weapons and poison gases (the "poor man's atom bomb"), while we did nothing to protect or help the Kurds. The execution of Sadam before the Anfal trial ended ensured that he would not be convicted of his crimes against the Kurds and that American and international complicity need not come to light. Nor is our record any better with respect to the Kurds of Iran, Turkey or Syria. We refused to support the Kurdish Mahabad Republic formed on Iranian soil because it had Soviet support. We have maintained our silence about Turkish genocidal crimes against Kurds in Turkey in order to preserve our Turkish alliance. The drivel above about Kurdish "equality" in Turkey ignores the fact that use of the Kurdish language, dress, flag, or other indications of ethnic/national identity are criminalized and punished severely. Also ignored are the Turkish campaigns of the 1930's-1940s, which violently transferred large portions of the Kurdish population from Northern Kurdistan to western provinces of Turkey to prevent the coalescing of Kurdish pro-independence forces. The violence of the PKK is but nominal repayment for Turkish crimes against the Kurds; about which we remain silent. Indeed, all of the blood shed by the Kurds in their revolution for independence pales besides the Kurdish blood shed by the Turks to maintain their occupation of Northern Kurdistan. That occupation violates the original peace Treaty signed by the Allies with Turkey to end World War I, a war in which the Turks allied with the Germans against the West. The Turkish occupation of Northern Kurdistan is far more illegal, and has lasted far longer, than the Israeli occupation of mandatory Palestine, about which so many tears have been shed above. If we want the Kurds to stand up to the reactionnaries in Tehran, we should help them obtain land to stand upon. The Kurds and only the Kurds have consistently supported our efforts in the Middle East. Only Kurdistan and Israel, and to a lesser extent Turkey between military coups, have established working democracies in the Middle East, the encouragement of which we purport to be our policy and the policy which will end Islamic extremism somehow. Only the Kurds have been willing to stand behind us no matter how often we betray them. Only an independent Kurdistan, in all of its territory, which includes the oil-rich north of "Iraq", will be able to remain a real ally of the US, based upon shared principles. If we are to prevent the shedding of American blood in Iraq from having been in vain, we should commit ourselves to working for American ideals and American interests. We should abandon the British imperial creation of "Iraq", the Franco-British imperial creation of "Syria", and support for the illegal Turkish occupation of Northern Kurdistan and the Iranian occupation of South-eastern Kurdistan, and work to create an independent and democratic Kurdistan in the territory which the Kurds have occupied for centuries. We should permit neither Arab nor Turkish xenophobia and racism from preventing the creation of a non-Arab/non-Turkish state within the area that the Arabs or Turks demand for themselves, and from preventing the creation of an independent Kurdish state in all of Kurdistan.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

edmund bennett, oklahoma city, oklahoma — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 03:29:57 GMT

The more this issue is discussed the more confused I become. I can't seem to get past certain basic questions. I have six of them -- the fourth pertains directly to your Kurdish blog. Maybe you can help. First, even though Osama is a cousin in the Arabian aristocracy, and 17 of the 19 "9/11" conspirators were Arabian, our government allies itself with Arabia -- why? Second, isn't the Sunni vs. Shi'a conflict in Iraq just the old Arabia vs. Persia feud, by proxy? Also, three: Why didn't the U.S. declare the "Southern No Fly Zone" an international protectorate, even if the U.S. had to man it alone? That would keep the buffer between Arabia and Iran -- and wasn't that the reason the League of Nations created Iraq in 1922? But, mainly, four: Why doesn't the U.S. encourage a Kurdish national congress, and a Kurdistan, composed of Kurds in northern Iraq and Kurds in northern Iran? This country could cooperate with Uzbekhistan, and maybe even Afghanistan (who has no trading partners) in establishing natural gas and petroleum pipelines to eastern Europe, thus stopping the Russian-Iranian monopoly. Am I the only one who thinks military operations and diplomatic negotiations (e.g., no. four, above) go hand in hand, like good cop/bad cop? Six, and last: Has anyone thought of encouraging the Iraqi Sunni to use their mercantile skills in a direct challenge to the Israeli marketers? The "central zone" of Iraq has no natural resources to speak of, but could become a nation of traders. It's been done before. Thanks.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Tom Nagle Chattanooga , TN — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 05:11:24 GMT

m of 5 to ten years. Other countries would follow our example which would force the oil producing countries to develop other industries for sources of income. western expertise and investment would be sought and welcomed. an example is what happened with china starting with nixon ending our estrangement. today china and the US have such interdependency that the idea of a war is exceedingly remote. our real emphasis should be on the tremendous power of our country to accomplsh a goal we believe in. Cutting off the oil revenues to the oil producers would force major changes in those countries which would have great benefit to all of our countries. Leaders like Putin, Chavez and the near east toublemakers cannot sustain themselves without their oil revenues. An immediate tax of $2.00 per gallon dedicated to alternative energy sources would be a hardship for most of us but would probably have us energy indepen dent in 5 years. No pain- no gain. We need some vision and leadership to accomplish this. So far I don't see any in the congress or administration but I have tremendous faith in the american people when they have a goal that they understand is for all our benefit. When pearl harbor was attacked we all went to war and sacrificed at home as well as in uniform. Right now the only sacrifice is being made by our troops and our children or grandchildren that will have to pay the trillions of debt if in fact they can.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

bill bridgeview il — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 16:05:22 GMT

one thing i can say is they the enemy is laughing at us. we are not fighting by the same rules. when we fight by by their rules we will then win the war.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Doug — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 18:03:20 GMT

>>the Kurds will have to decide which relationship means more. You can’t have it both ways.<< Oh yes they can. Unlike naive, silly Americans clinging desperately to principle, the Kurds and Shia act shrewdly in their own national interest. So let me recap: the US went to war to depose Iran's sworn enemy, the Sunni Ba'athist government of Saddam, only to replace it with two stalwart Iranian allies. Now the good colonel is shocked, SHOCKED, that the Shia and Kurds take advantage of this alliance to fight the Sunni insurgents. All I can do is shake my head at such naive, muddled thinking from a supposed expert.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Francis , OC, CA — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 19:10:41 GMT

Use your common sense. Since Iran leader is a terrorist, do you think he would really care his people's life? That is why he easily send his naive & ignorant & brainwashed people to kill ?

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Moe, Chicago, IL — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 19:24:18 GMT

you can sit here and act like this is a little problem you are not realizing that you can't just go into a country and just kill it leader and walk away i beleave when it happens we will be seeing a nother Sep 11 these people needed some one like saddam to keep them in check now you have ever one saying they want there own contry but just one reminder that Arabian people specialy the sunni muslims will not allow it there are 1.4 Bill muslims in the world and 90% of it is sunni you do the math

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Rob Cohen, Jacksonville, FL — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 20:51:21 GMT

Mexico could so invade us right now. Sure we'd kick em out eventually as enlistment would go up at an exponential rate, but we are like so wide open here. Looks like world war 3 is definately cooking. It's pretty scary, but I'll make sure I have a good seat.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Bohdan Szejner, Warsaw, Poland — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 20:56:55 GMT

My knowledge of history tells me that the Kurds should be encouraged to secede from Iran at this juncture. A move of this sort would create a similar precedent for Iraq. The United States has a golden opportunity to help the Kurds to carve their own state in exchange for a permenent military base. Otherwise, the Kurdish question will fester for another half century to the detriment of peace. I can't see why the Kurds would spurn such an initiative which is undoubtedly in their interest!

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

A. Abbas Toledo, Ohio — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 21:11:42 GMT

The Kurdish people welcome USA and they love American people. The Arab, Turk and Persian are anti USA and anti Kurdish people. Since the Kurdish people support USA and USA should stand with Kurds support their freedom. The Kurdish-speaking people, whose homelands stretch from Iran to Syria and eastern Turkey. The Kurd are located in one large geographical area across Turkey, Iran, Syria and Iraq. The Kurdish population In Turkey is about 15-20 Million, in Iran is about 10 Million, in Iraq is about 6 Million and Syria is about 3 million. We us American people need to stand with their freedom and democracy in the Middle East.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

Eric Oregon — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 19:35:13 GMT

A Sunni government in Iraq would mean being able to keep Iran in check without having to start another war in the region.

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

jerry hartman — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 11:00:54 GMT

hugh many countries have nukes Thank You

The Kurds: Between Iraq and a hard place

jerry hartman — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 11:13:06 GMT

chis if they are so peacfull why do the mave children running around with automatic weopons and teching them in school to hate and kill anyone different. And why do they kills their rival muslims when tthere is outsiders they could join together to fight?