The Kirkuk primary begins

On page 210 of "The Gamble", I read that the 2007 turning of a Salahuddin AQ leader revealed that the Kurds were a major source of his funding, along with crime and Iran. The 2007 JSOC detention of Iranian/al Quds operatives in Kurdistan was famously opposed by Barzani's troops, raising the question that Kurd- Iranian postures towards the AQI might share covert aims. Each might have reasons for throwing fuel on the fires of intra-Arab civil war.

Chalabi's pre-war claim to a residual personal connection to Iraq was thru the Kurds, who provided support in sifting refugees for bent intel. Some have suggested that feeding the neocons bad dope was also an Iranian project, and credit them with a strategic coup.

My suspicion is that the autonomous Kurdish Regional Gov't and their efficient internal security apparatus are the Iraqi analog to Pakistan/ISI vis Afghanistan. Kurds are entitled to pursue their legal interests, and it's easy to understand their drive for more strategic depth. But we're not required to be blind or silent about Clan Barzani's islamo-nationalist manipulations.

If you go to the KRG english web site, you won't find a map delineating their borders. Curious, or maybe ominous. The last US combat casualty in this war is likely to be incurred in support of Baghdad's attempt to moderate and contain Kurdish expansion. Which is also the area where the AQI terrorists are still active.

Don’t feel surprised or taken aback. Feeling pumped that you’re alive and he’s dead is a normal response — and probably one of the oldest and most primal of human emotions. I can’t imagine, though, how dehumanizing it would be to spend your days sifting through rubble and disposing of human body parts, especially in your own home town. The psychic damage to your friend’s brother will probably never heal. Under no circumstances would I ever even consider trading my nightmares for his.

The link provided for the assassinated leader simply leads to the same story as the one for the accidental deaths.

According to this write-up, US forces have been so far unable to establish a program of security for the minority communities threatened by both Kurd expansion and AQI terror.
-----
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/11/world/middleeast/11erbil.html
Iraq’s Northern Minorities Seen Under Threat
By SAM DAGHER
Published: November 10, 2009

ERBIL, Iraq — The policies and tactics of Kurdish authorities could expose minority groups in northern Iraq to “another full-blown human rights catastrophe” unless the minorities receive better protection, according to a report released Tuesday by Human Rights Watch.

While disposing of enemy body parts after an attempted suicide attack on our patrol base, I saw a soldier pick up a severed arm, walk towards the burn pit, pause momentarily, use the arm as a fly-swatter to kill a large insect, and then continue on his way to dispose of the arm in the burn pit, casual as can be. He seemed to regard everything as routine and normal. That was when I finally thought to myself, "maybe these deployments are a bit too long."

The two ruling Kurdish parties definitely have ties with Iran and the Revolutionary Guard. Afterall Iran backed them against Saddam and both the PUK and KDP fought on the Iranian side during the Iran-Iraq War. The Revolutionary Guard also have at least two intelligence offices in Kurdistan, and the Kurds objected when the U.S. arrested some Rev. Guards operatives there. However I've never seen anything saying that they have a connection to Al Qaeda in Iraq. The examples in the Human Rights Watch report on Ninewa are similar to other reports on that area that show the Kurds, mainly through the peshmerga and their security force the Aseyash, along with minority political parties they back have intimidated and tried to co-opt minorities in the Ninewa plains and the northern and western border areas in an attempt to lay claim to them and annex them.

Mens Custom Timberland Boots
$150.00 $84.00
Save: 44% off
Timberland Custom Boots men Premium Guaranteed Waterproof leather for comfort, durability and abrasion resistance ; Timberland tree logo stamped on inside of tongue ; Direct-attach waterproof construction keeps feet dry and comfortable ; Durable laces with Taslan fibres for long-lasting wear ; Rubber lug outsole for traction and durability ; Padded collar for a comfortable fit that locks out debris ; Rustproof hardware for long-lasting wear ; Embroidered logo on side

http://www.brawbuy.com/
http://www.myjerseysky.com/
http://www.ghdprincess.com/

Womens Roll-Top Timberland Boots
$143.00 $83.00
Save: 42% off
Timberland Roll-Top Boots womenPremium, full-grain, waterproof leather for comfort, durability and abrasion resistance ; Direct-attach, seam-sealed, waterproof construction keep feet dry in any weather ; Quarter panel crafted with rich shearling leather and is unconstructed so it can be worn up or rolled down ; Durable laces with Taslan? fibers and rustproof hardware for long-lasting wear ; Inside of shoe is lined with shearling - up to the toe box which is lined with breathable fabric ; Rubber lug outsole for traction and durability ; Embossed Timberland tree logo on the side ; Steel shank provides maximum support ; Waterproof

http://www.brawbuy.com/
http://www.myjerseysky.com/
http://www.ghdprincess.com/