[WilliamofCarmichael]

RE: "This is about an Iraqi vs Kurd confrontation in which the PKK has no say."

I understand that.

I was more interested in the statement "The KRG's current problem is Iran and Turkey – neither wants an independent Kurdistan."

I know the difference between the PKK and the KRG, PUK/KDP.

Ankara appears to me to welcome a KRG independent of the (what appears to me to be an) Iran-backed Shi'a government in Baghdad -- that was the point of linking to the article I referenced. Did you look at it? It describes how Ankara and the KRG are drawing closer together in direct opposition to Baghdad.

I've read elsewhere that Iran is encouraging the PKK along with Iran's aid to Syria where some of the PKK is hiding out -- even though there is a group similar to the PKK attacking Iran. Turkey is not happy about that.

[DJ Elliott]

My mistake - I didn't read it first. One of my suspisions is that Turkey is reserecting Ataturk’s original plan for a confederation of Turks and Kurds with an eye to regaining 1918 borders. Using the KRG to form the Kurdish component [independent KRG] so as to remove the PKK from power in the resulting confederation. Then there is factoring in the Iranian competision with Turkey in the region. One thing is clear - Turkey is turning away from Europe.

[BeauBo]

They may be exploring some Sunni/Shia alignment due to heightening tensions. Like the Turks, most Kurds are Sunni.

With Turkey now at a low level of war with Shia Iran and Iranian client Assad, the loyalty of the Kurdish minority in Syria is up for grabs. KRG could really influence them.

The Shia Government in Baghdad is siding up with the Shia Iranians. The enemy of my enemy is my friend.

Also, there is a treasure trove of oil in dispute around Kirkuk. If the Turks help the Kurds wrest it from Baghdad, it can flow out through Turkish pipelines, giving the Turks a tasty piece.