Kurds Threaten to Bolt Iraq Government

[Spazito]

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Kurdish parties warned Wednesday that they might bolt Iraq (news - web sites)'s new government if Shiites gain too much power. In another challenge to the interim administration, saboteurs blew up an oil pipeline, forcing a 10 percent cut in electricity output.


Kurdish fears of Shiite domination rose after the Americans and British turned down their request to have a reference to the interim constitution — which enshrines Kurdish federalism — included in the U.N. resolution approved Tuesday.


The country's most prominent Shiite leader, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Husseini al-Sistani, warned he would not accept mention of the interim charter in the resolution. Shiites oppose parts of the charter that give Kurds a veto over a permanent constitution due to be drawn up next year.


Meanwhile, clashes persisted Wednesday around Fallujah, a rebellious Sunni Muslim city west of Baghdad. Four members of an Iraqi force given control of the city last April were wounded when a mortar round exploded.

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http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=540&ncid=716&e=2&u=/ap/20040609/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq

[Spinzonner]

1. And so it goes

[David__77]

2. They will bolt sooner or later.

It's clear that the Kurds are on the occupation chopping block. They were fools to withdraw from Kirkuk and concede so much. The lesson of this occupation is that the most violent and combatant segments of society will gain the most benefits. The Kurds therefore lose. But the KDP and PUK have roots in radical and anti-imperialist ideologies and will not stay quiet for long.