Iraqi Arab families ready to leave Kirkuk

[Robbien]

Source: reuters

BAGHDAD, Iraq (Reuters) - Iraqi authorities expect to begin paying compensation next week to thousands of Arab families prepared to leave the northern city of Kirkuk under a relocation plan, a government minister said on Thursday.

Under the so-called "normalization" plan, enshrined in Iraq's constitution, Arab families who moved to Kirkuk in the 1970s and 1980s under Saddam Hussein will get 20 million dinars ($16,000) if they return to their places of origin voluntarily.

The plan is a key element in preparations for an eventual referendum on the status of the multi-ethnic city, which Iraq's Kurds want to become a part of their autonomous region.

Some Iraqi Arabs and ethnic Turkmen who do not want to leave fear they may be forced out if the vote goes ahead and want it postponed or shelved. Analysts fear a bloodbath if it takes place against the wishes of other sects.

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/articlePrint?articleId=USL2716895720070927

[Chulanowa]

1. It looks like someone learned nothing from the creation of Pakistan

Partitions are one thing. Exclusive partitions are something else entirely.

[Robbien]

2. Yup. This is bad.

But there are also many reports of the non-Kurds being terrorized by the Kurdish militia, so I can understand if some non-Kurds are willing to take money before they flee their homes.

[Chulanowa]

4. True that. Better a bad deal than no deal. n/t

[aquart]

3. Gonna be bloody.

But it was always gonna be bloody. The second Saddam died it was going to start. Which was a solid reason for keeping him alive.