One notable consequence of the Kurdish referendum has been the way it has led to closer co-operation between neighbouring states. A round of shuttle diplomacy among military top brass in Iran, Iraq and Turkey began in the run-up to the vote and has continued since. Iraqi Army chief of staff Othman Al-Ghanemi arrived in Ankara on 23 September for talks with his Turkish counterpart General Hulusi Akar. This was followed by joint exercises by Iraq and Turkish forces on 26 September.
Subscribe to Gulf States Newsletter