tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953410733493889728.post8077496354151815428..comments2024-02-29T12:38:32.191-08:00Comments on MUSINGS ON IRAQ: Costs Of Iraq’s Kurds Moving Into The Disputed TerritoriesJoel Winghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09611810110771744360noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953410733493889728.post-62258153990322761842014-07-20T11:53:33.163-07:002014-07-20T11:53:33.163-07:00A good point Joel, but do recognize that independe...A good point Joel, but do recognize that independence is being forced on the KRG by Western policies dictating that they deal with sectarian and prejudicial partners within the post-2003 Iraq.<br /><br />The KRG leadership, while desirous of independence, is not unconstrained as the popular sentiment picked up on within those simplistic media accounts you rightly critique. It is, however, heavily invested in the economy south of the KRG for potential development. The economy outside the energy sector is all focussed in that direction and incapable of developing without access to the Iraqi market (at least for the foreseeable future).<br /><br />The political economy of independence as well as the state institutions necessary to provide an internal balance capable of withstanding external attempts to pull Kurds apart are not yet solidified in spite of Herculean efforts by many leaders across the KRG.<br /><br />The peshmerga and other KRG security forces are once again conducting heroic actions to protect Kurds as well as many others across the so-called 'disputed territories'. Not conquerors or occupiers they are the salvation of the many Iraqis that the IS would murder or enslave.<br /><br />I appreciate your effort to correct the record on the post-Mosul efforts of the KRG. Perhaps an expanded focus on their efforts is warranted.jmeasorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05885457584521860656noreply@blogger.com