The Strategy Page had a great article where they outlined the real truth behind the difference the Kurds have vs the rest of Iraq.
After the Kurds were removed from Saddam's control after the first Gulf War they had similar problems the rest of Iraq is having today, they fought and killed each other by the tens of thousands.
They figured out in time and with US and international help that working together and resolving problems without violence produces far more tangable results for all. However, it took them years to figure that out. However, it took years for them to figure that out. The Sunni tribes are just starting to figure that out in Iraq.
The Kurds have a decade head start on the rest of Iraq when it comes to being a democracy and working together.
ha, I copied and pasted a certain sentance twice in my last post.