First, a "yes" vote will damage Iraq's unity and territorial integrity. The separation of the oil-rich Kurdish region is set to deal a heavy blow to the country politically and economically, while it is still reeling from wars and terror attacks.
If the Iraqi government intervenes militarily, a bloody conflict could be inevitable as Kurdish Peshmerga fighters, known for their capability in fighting IS militants, will prove to be a viable enemy for Iraqi government forces.
Second, the referendum could aggravate the infighting within the Kurdistan region, especially between the two major factions the KDP and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, as they could vie for the control of the government and oil like in the 1990s when they had an armed conflict.
There are also worries that violence could erupt between the predominantly Sunni Kurds and ethnic minorities including Shiite Muslims and Turkmens, due to their different positions on the referendum and other feuds.
Third, Iraqi Kurds' independence movement could inspire other Kurds living in neighboring countries, adding to the chaos and instability that have already plagued the Middle East.
Behind the warnings by Iraq's neighboring countries such as Turkey, Iran and Syria lies the deep worry that Iraqi Kurds' success in seeking independence would have a domino effect that threatens their own territorial integrity.
Kurds make up about 19 percent of the Turkish population, and about 10 percent of the population in Iran and Syria.
【国际英语资讯:News Analysis: Controversial referendum by Iraqi Kurds raises fears about opening Pandoras】相关文章:
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