Recalling a Tortured Past, Iraqi Kurds to Vote on Independence

This article from the New York Times describes the current referendum taking place in Kurdistan in Northern Iraq. In particular, this referendum discusses the possibility whether or not the Kurds native to the region will seek their independence from Iraq. Naturally, the question is what will Iraq do if the referendum passes. Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi spoke about taking "necessary measures" to preserve the country's unity, which begs the question whether or not there is the possibility of further conflict in the region. What would be the implications on the conflict already going on in Syria, especially since Kurdish forces are an important part of the current opposing coalition against ISIS. Overall, I can understand the desire for independence. Iraq was formed by the British in the wake of WWI with little regards for ethnic groups, and Kurdistan is already a semi-autonomous region of Iraq which has in the past been victim of genocide in the form of the chemical attacks issued by Hussein. The implications for a bid for independence will be a drastic change in the balance of power in the region. 

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/24/world/middleeast/kurds-iraq-independence.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fworld&action=click&contentCollection=world&region=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=5&pgtype=sectionfront