Iraqi Kurdistan plans to hold an independence referendum within “months.” This will also help formalize KRG control over disputed territory in Kirkuk province – including Iraq’s key northern oilfield of the same name – and comes as the KRG is planning to link the northern oil field to its independent export pipeline. What is not yet clear is just how close the Kurds are to achieving both goals.

Masoud Barzani, President of Iraq’s Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) summoned his parliament on 3 July to kick-start the process of holding an independence referendum. (CONTINUED - 2475 WORDS)