Strategic Assessment

Since the 1991 Gulf War, and even more so, following the Iraq War of 2003, the Kurds of Iraq have gained a growing level of autonomy and control of their region’s affairs. In context of the longstanding Kurdish aspiration for independence, this article focuses on whether the Kurds of Iraq are ripe to proceed to the next step and declare independence. The article will examine the achievements that the Iraqi Kurds have already made toward establishing a Kurdish independent state in northern Iraq and address the challenges that still lie ahead. Specifically, the issues of political unity and institution building, the economy and energy dimensions, the situation of the security forces, and the level of international support for the idea of independence will be addressed.