Just how big is the Peshmerga?
I have seen varying reports of 60-110,000.

Also reports that 30,000 are in Iraqi Army. Most in 2nd (Mosul) and 4th (Kirkuk/Saladin) IA Divisions.

I notice you did not mention the ROK Army Bde that is stationed in the KAR (HQ Irbil).

Michael, your articles just keep getting better and better. I don't think I could ever read enough about the Kurds. I admire them and hope to go visit Iraqi Kurdistan next year.

Why do you think W. and the gang have not talked about this? Is it because they think they'll jinx it?

Excellent article by the way

The part of Iraq which will remain as a country. The peshmerga, I suspect are less likely to give up their arms as hizbo.

I also suspect that with the recent shelling of border regions by Ayatollahland, that something is up. Maybe the Americans will finally turn them loose. I believe that Seymour Hersh has reported that the Israelis have been training their special forces (what else could they be for?) The Israeli connection goes back to the 50's.

Maybe a coordinated movement with the People's Mojihedin of Iran is in the works?

The only part of Iraq which will remain as a country. The peshmerga, I suspect are less likely to give up their arms as hizbo.

I also suspect that with the recent shelling of border regions by Ayatollahland, that something is up. Maybe the Americans will finally turn them loose. I believe that Seymour Hersh has reported that the Israelis have been training their special forces (what else could they be for?) The Israeli connection goes back to the 50's.

Maybe a coordinated movement with the People's Mojihedin of Iran is in the works?

The only part of Iraq which will remain as a country. The peshmerga, I suspect are less likely to give up their arms as hizbo.

I also suspect that with the recent shelling of border regions by Ayatollahland, that something is up. Maybe the Americans will finally turn them loose. I believe that Seymour Hersh has reported that the Israelis have been training their special forces (what else could they be for?) The Israeli connection goes back to the 50's.

Maybe a coordinated movement with the People's Mojihedin of Iran is in the works?

Mr. Toten just could not get beyond his disapproval of racial profiling “at its worst.” He is oblivious to the fact that the reason Kurdistan is relatively peaceful is because of such strict profiling. To Toten, the hurt feelings of the Arab bloggers who were turned away are too high a price to pay. That a few Arabs may otherwise be let in who would blow up a bus, hotel or marketplace does not figure in his thinking, although it’s obvious the Kurds are very concerned about this.

The “non-discrimination” is elevated above all security concerns. Would Mr. Toten prefer Kurdistan with a total freedom of movement for Arabs for a "small" price of 10 dead civilians every day?

That a few Arabs may otherwise be let in who would blow up a bus, hotel or marketplace does not figure in his thinking

Try to understand something: When I (or anyone else) write for certain magazines I am not necessarily allowed to be as opinionated as I am on my own blog.

The Kurds have the right idea here. Absolutely.

Reading between the lines of journalism, understanding what is not said and why it might not be said, is a skill worth having.

Don't tell me I am "oblivious." You don't know me, and your mind-reading skills aren't that great.

Thanks again for your excellent reporting/commenting Michael, though you are probably tired of hearing people make this type of positive comment (well, o.k, perhaps not ).

Certainly appears that you have your ear to the ground and are making prudent choices.

What affect are Egypt, Saudia Arabia and Jordan having on the Lebanon/Israel/Syria/Iran situation?

Mr. Toten,

"Don't tell me I am "oblivious." You don't know me, and your mind-reading skills aren't that great."

I didn't try to read your mind, I don't think it is necessary. I read your piece because I familiar with and respect your work.

I don't think I have to know you to comprehend this piece.
Do you really want your work to be read only by people who know you personally? Rather limited market, isn't it?

I read your piece and from it concluded that you were oblivious. If you have problem with it, write another piece and make yourself clear.

"When I (or anyone else) write for certain magazines I am not necessarily allowed to be as opinionated as I am on my own blog."

Sure, but I do hope that you will not modify your opinions just for the sake of publishing.
Hacks do it and I don't think you are a hack.

"The Kurds have the right idea here. Absolutely."
Glad to hear it. Unfortunately it didn't come thru, likely culprit is my low IQ and low reading comprehension.

Mik,

I didn't change my opinion, I removed it. I explained the situation without endorsing it or condemning it.