Iraq/Kurdistan: Western Powers Press Iraq Kurd Leaders to Shelve 'Very Risky' Independence Vote

Sep 14, 2017 | Raya Jalabi and Ulf Laessing, Reuters
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The United States and Western allies pressed Iraqi Kurdish leaders to ditch a “very risky” independence vote on Thursday, presenting an alternative plan in an attempt to avoid conflict between the oil rich region and central government in Baghdad. The referendum, slated for Sept. 25, has become a potential flashpoint in the region, with Western powers concerned it could ignite conflict with Baghdad and divert attention from the war against Islamic State militants.