For over a century the Kurds in Iraq have been subject to the grand schemes of other powers, denied autonomy, and have faced the onslaughts of military attacks, economic embargo, and the destruction of their native regions.

A new book published by the Kurdish Human Rights Project [1], provides an outline of some of the issues affecting the Kurds in Iraq. It is a brief exploration of past history's effect on the present, and of how both the Kurds and the international community may avoid repeating previous mistakes, laying the foundations for an autonomous region committed to a pluralistic democracy and human rights.

The book is based on research conducted since the US-led war in Iraq commenced in March 2003, throwing the future of the region into question. The authors, KHRP's Executive Director Kerim Yildiz and researcher Tom Blass, conducted the research both in London and following fact-finding missions to Iraqi Kurdistan.

The book provides a scholarly analysis of the troubled region, as well as presenting a range of recommendations to the Occupying Powers, the international community and the Kurds themselves. Its publication will assist the many stakeholders with an interest in the future of the Iraqi Kurdistan that was established after the first Gulf War in 1992.

NOTES FOR EDITORS

[1] KHRP, 'The Kurds in Iraq: The Past, Present and Future' is available from KHRP for £10.00 plus postage and packaging.