The Future of Kurdistan The Iraqi Dilemma

During the United States military occupation of Iraq, the Kurdistan region was one of the few places in the country where insurgent violence was not a daily occurrence. However, as tension with the Iraqi central government increases over issues of security, oil and gas management and the disputed territory of Kirkuk, and with Turkey and Iran continuing their cross border military operations, Kurdistan Iraq faces numerous challenges.The current context allows for a fresh look at the situation of the Kurds in Iraq. No longer subject to the cruel regime of Saddam Hussein, the Kurds are set to be important figures in the shaping of Iraq "s future.The Future of Kurdistan: The Iraqi Dilemma focuses on how issues faced by Kurdistan Iraq today are being dealt with by both central government and international forces as well as on the prospects for Kurdistan and Iraq "s political, economic and cultural future.

Kerim Yildiz is the Chief Executive of the Kurdish Human Rights Project, an innovative London-based human rights organization that strategically challenges legislation and practices in order to secure redress for survivors of human rights violations and to prevent future abuses. A Kurd and former refugee from political persecution, he has written and spoken extensively on issues of human rights, minority rights, and international law.

Acknowledgements * Introduction  * Part I * 1. The Kurds in Iraq: A History * 2. Saddam Hussein and the Kurds * 3. Iraq after Saddam * Part II * 4. Kurdistan and the Iraqi Central Government * 5. Regional Relations * 6. International Relations * Part III * 7. Future Issues * Notes * Index