Kurds lay claim to land and oil, defying Iraq's central government (click title to entry - thank you)
12:00 AM CDT on Saturday, July 11, 2009
By REESE ERLICH / Special Contributor to The Dallas Morning News Reese Erlich is a freelance journalist based in Oakland, Calif.
TAK TAK OIL FIELD, Iraq – With the passage of a controversial new constitution, the Kurdish regional parliament has added fuel to an already raging fire between Kurdish leaders in northern Iraq and Iraq's central government.
The constitution, which still must be ratified in a popular vote, asserts Kurdish sovereignty over Kirkuk and other disputed areas, including oil fields. The constitution would require Baghdad to get Kurdish government approval of any international treaty signed by Baghdad that affects several disputed provinces with sizable Kurdish populations.
Officials in the central government strongly oppose the constitution, saying it's an illegal grab for power.
Behind the legal and political dispute, however, lies a fierce struggle for control of the country's oil....
The constitution, which still must be ratified in a popular vote, asserts Kurdish sovereignty over Kirkuk and other disputed areas, including oil fields. The constitution would require Baghdad to get Kurdish government approval of any international treaty signed by Baghdad that affects several disputed provinces with sizable Kurdish populations.
Officials in the central government strongly oppose the constitution, saying it's an illegal grab for power.
Behind the legal and political dispute, however, lies a fierce struggle for control of the country's oil....
They can keep their oil. I strongly suggest Detroit 'get busy' with producing the Electric Car. And I believe the Obama Administration is opening up 13 NEW High Speed Rail Systems across the country. Well. I suggest we get on with it !
The Iraqi Central Government is trying to gain 'confidence' of the people and the international community by attempting to bring International Soccer to Baghdad.
Right.
Reuters
Saturday, July 11, 2009; 1:57 PM
ARBIL, Iraq (Reuters) - Iraq hopes to convince FIFA the country is safe enough to host official soccer matches again when the national team plays Palestine on Monday in their first international in Baghdad since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion.
The country hosted its first match since the war late on Friday, with Iraq beating Palestine 3-0 in front of jubilant supporters in the northern Kurdish city of Arbil....
The country hosted its first match since the war late on Friday, with Iraq beating Palestine 3-0 in front of jubilant supporters in the northern Kurdish city of Arbil....
