Ali Bakr (Ph.D.)
International Relations Specialist
The current situation in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq is complicated, resulting from several diverse political predicaments and because of the consequences a potential Kurdish State would have on the geographical units adjacent to it. Although the referendum held in the region on September 25, 2017 represented a significant political development after a long experience of autonomy, the consequences of the referendum process have been very severe on the geography of the Kurdish region. Also, future Kurdish ambitions have been hindered, as regional neighbouring powers, such as Turkey and Iran, have exerted all possible efforts to thwart Kurdish independence, given their security calculations and threats.
