[Tolerance Sucks Rocks]

For me personally, this trip has made clear the success of the American-led effort in Iraq. That's right, I said success. None of what is happening in the northern part of Iraq would have been possible as long as Saddam and his goons ruled Iraq.

As I understand it, the Kurds had at least some measure of independence under one of the no-fly zones. How much they had, and how much actually got done during that time, I have no idea.

However, we blowed up those Baathists real good!

[El Gato]

As I understand it, the Kurds had at least some measure of independence under one of the no-fly zones. How much they had, and how much actually got done during that time, I have no idea.

That is correct. The Kurds, those under the no fly zone, have been more or less free of Saddam since the first Gulf war, but should Iraq split into three, or even two, parts, and the US leave the area, these folks can expect the face the much larger, Turkish army. It won't be pretty.

[graf008]

From what I have read (and nothing you read anywhere can be taken as fact), Northern Iraq was somewhat autonomous since Desert Storm. That is why it is so peaceful now - the Kurds had the ability to set-up much of the structure several years ago.