Negotiations are underway between the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) over the planned Kurdistan independence referendum, scheduled for Sept. 25. Numerous external powers oppose the referendum -- including the United States, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Iran, Germany and other EU powers -- and pressure is mounting on KRG President Massoud Barzani to delay the referendum. Meanwhile, Barzani is trying to turn popular approval among Iraqi Kurds for the referendum into a mandate that will improve his bargaining position. But the rallying support -- and opposition -- is bringing a political charge that's already spilled over into violence and could do so again....
