Titanic wrote:I agree with the first bit. It will turn into another India/Pakistan with thousands if not millions killed when running away to their religious country. Also, if they are made separate countries, the extremists will probably come out on top and this will lead to real wars, rather then underworld sectarian violence (which is actually improving, partially thanks to the surge).
I was actually going to use this example myself. The lasting problems in Kashmir are really a direct result of the division of the country over religious grounds, and are indeed a flash point for future wars - I agree any attempt o separate Iraq will mealy legitimise the sectarian violence happening at present.
Titanic wrote:As to creating a Kurdistan, I actually think that a country as such would be a good idea, but its just not feasible. Turkey is a useful ally of the west, and they are completely opposed to the idea and will not give up land, and to force them to do it will just increase the power of the extremists within the country.
Yes, it will be difficult to persuade Turkey to accept any of this (I think a lot of behind the scenes deals were made by the US to avoid this outcome in preparation for the Iraq war in return for the use of Turkish military bases being used to stage the invasion) and I agree Turkey is a useful ally and it's important for the West (and specifically Europe) to try and keep it on side and secular. Possibly entry into the EU, a resolution to the Cyprus issue and an increase in prestige could be offset by a small loss of territory to the Kurds? Wishfull thinking perhaps...
