Kirkuk: The Central Issue of Kurdish Politics and Iraq's Knotty Problem

Abstract

Determining the future of the disputed areas of northern Iraq is the main reason behind the Kurdish involvement in rebuilding the Iraqi state. It is the major justification for continuing to remain within Iraq. It is also the main issue that has reshaped Kurdish relations with both Shiites and Sunnis. Kirkuk is also a main source of the anomalies of the Kurdish situation. On the one hand, it is difficult to imagine that the Kurds will declare an independent state without Kirkuk—or if they do so, it is unclear how it can survive. On the other hand, it is hard for the Kurds to convince others to help solve the sensitive issue of Kirkuk if they assert their desire for independence. Accordingly, in the post-Saddam Iraq the Kurds have followed a two-track policy: the first policy track is designed to peacefully legitimize their ownership of Kirkuk. This has required them to confirm their obligation to Iraq's integrity, support the Iraqi state and its institutions, be involved in the political process, and search for coalitions and good relations with other communities. The other policy track is resisting full reintegration into the country. Although the Kurds have succeeded in legitimizing their claim of Kirkuk by enshrining it in the Iraqi constitution, the implementation of their constitutional claim is going to be much more challenging and difficult to achieve.