The Kurds in Iraq: The Past, Present and Future

by Kerim Yıldız, Tom Blass

The Kurds in Iraq by Kerim Yildiz, explores the key issues facing the Kurds in Iraq in the aftermath of the US-led invasion and chaos of the occupation. It is the most clear and up-to-date account of the problems that all political groups face in rebuilding the country, as well as exploring Kurdish links and international relations in the broader sense. It should be required reading for policy-makers and anyone interested in the current position of the Kurds in Iraq. Yildiz explores the impact of war and occupation on Iraqi Kurdistan, and in particular the crucial role of the city of Kirkuk in the post-war settlement. He also looks at how UN rifts potentially affect the Kurds; relations between Iraqi Kurds and Turkey; relations with Iran; and US policy towards the Kurds.

Genres: History

248 pages, Paperback

First published August 20, 2004

Reviews

[Stewie Eskridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book with a ton on information about Kurdish people. Chronicles a lot of hardships the largest minority without their own country have faced throughout their history as a people. Dives deep into the Anfal genocidal massacres by the Ba'athist Saddam Hussein regime in Iraq. The description of the use of gas to kill men, women and children in camps was horrifying and disgusting yet eye opening to the horrors of the world. Author really seems to love this city called Kirkuk. There's a whole chapter on it towards the end. It is described as a city that has been in frequent turmoil because Kurdish people, the country of Turkey and the country of Iraq all want to lay claim to it. Never thought I would read about Kosovo and the Aland Islands in this book but they are both briefly mentioned.

[k.a.yya · Rating 4 out of 5]

good exposé of the erased Iraqi Kurdish genocide and an impressive historical account of the use of Kurds as political pawns by the US, Iran, Iraq, and Turkey, particularly the section detailing Kurdish involvement in Bush’s ridiculous war on terror. as a Kurd I was shocked by how little of this I knew, our history has truly been buried

[Jegr Mohammed]

I recommend all of Yildiz'z work about the Kurds.