Kurdish referendum in Iraq may lead to further conflict or peace

In late September this year, the ethnic people, the Kurdish, majority voted in a referendum to become independent from Iraq. This is coming to a head with Kurdish leaders accepting the results rather than reject it according to an article by the BBC. They had met this Sunday with the current Iraqi president Fuad Masum to discuss the effects of independence and reduce tensions that come with the result. This is also coming to a head with forces squaring off in the city of Kirkuk, within Kurdish claimed territory. This would not be much of an issue were it not for the rich oil fields and Iraqi airbase in the area the Kurd's claim as their own. Both the leaders of the Kurdish people and President Masum do not want violence but want to come to an agreement somewhere. Violence is still possible but after fighting ISIS peace may be attained. 

Richard Burgis

Link for article:

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-41629334