The Washington Post quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Ramzy Mardini on how Iraqi Kurds are using the country’s crisis to their advantage:
Ramzy Mardini, an Iraq expert and nonresident fellow at the Atlantic Council, said he believes the Kurds are pushing for economic gains and greater control, without having to shoulder the responsibilities of full statehood.
“They’re looking to extract the economic benefit from Kirkuk and consolidate their hold on the city, without running for the exit,” Mardini said.