What’s Going On With Kurdish Independence?

The past few days, we’ve highlighted the Kurds—who they are, what their region looks like, and what would stand in the way of their recent push for independence.

Here are some articles we’ve referenced to understand the different perspectives on what’s going on—and what might happen next.

The president called for a referendum—now what?

KAMAL CHOMANI Push for Kurdish independence divides Iraqi Kurds Kurds split between two political parties disagree on next steps.

REBECCA COLLARD In the Midst of Iraq’s Chaos, the Kurds Inch Towards Independence Despite barriers within and without, the possibility of Kurdish statehood has never been so real.

AKRAM AL-BUNNI Will Kurds take advantage of Iraq crisis to achieve nation? The history and circumstances leading to the Kurds’ nationalistic dream.

FIRAS AL-ATRAQCHI An independent Kurdistan? Yes, but not so fast Kurdish independence is inevitable, but may be postponed due to the region’s hostile neighbors.

How are other countries responding?

FEHIM TASTEKIN Israel would welcome Kurdish state Still waiting on Iran and Turkey, Kurdish independence recognized by Israel.

NAMO ABDULLA Kurds Confident International Community Welcomes Their State Kurdish president believes U.S., Turkey won’t resist Kurds’ independence.

REUTERS Egypt’s Sisi Says Independence for Iraq’s Kurds Would Be ‘Catastrophic’  Egypt fears breakup of Iraq would lead to greater power gains by ISIS.

RUDAW Maliki Rejects Kurdish Independence Vote, Territorial Expansion Baghdad vows to send Iraqi military to control Kurdistan, declares Kurdish independence ‘unconstitutional’

Anything else we should know?

JUMANA AL TAMIMI Independence of Kurdistan will be a turning point in region’s modern history – analysts Kurdish statehood may re-draw the entire Middle Eastern map.

HAKAN OZOGLU Lessons From the Idea, and Rejection, of Kurdistan  A brief history of border conflicts, proposed maps of an independent Kurdistan.

MATT CETTI-ROBERTS, KEVIN KNODELL The ‘Peshmerga’ Are Those Who Face Death A glimpse into the lives of Kurdish fighters on the front lines.