Kirkuk: Referendum Brings Violence, Risk of More

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....