Iraqi Kurdistan: Independence poll in the balance

The Kurdish independence referendum looked likely to go ahead as GSN was going to press, despite intense diplomatic efforts to convince the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to abandon or at least delay the vote. The poll, which is non-binding, is scheduled for 25 September. Those who have urged the KRG to put off the vote include Turkey, Iran, the United States, major European powers and the United Nations. Israel is the only country to openly support KRG President Masoud Barzani’s move.