An Independent Kurdistan could be a reliable US ally, but it would be LANDLOCKED, making it dependent on Syria, Iran, or Turkey to get the oil out.
And given the short-term memory of a looming Democrat Administration if they win 2008, the Kurds will likely be left alone to fend off the wolves when the time comes.
that problem is simple (divide the nation into three- in a federation-confedration) then because the Kurds are landlocked have them negotiate with the Suni and Shia for transport rights to the Gulf-Coast (with their vested interest in the ‘oil’) too..they could negotiate for between 30-40% of the revenue, they would have an interst in keeping it safe-gaining a sale..problems solved.