For the United States, the Kurdish issue touches on many vital concerns -- the future unity and stability of Iraq and the ability of U.S. combat forces to disengage responsibly; its relations with Turkey, a key North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) ally and aspirant for European Union (EU) membership; and more generally, the stability of an oil-rich region during a period of considerable uncertainty over energy security. This report argues that Washington must pay close attention to the many intertwined dimensions of the Kurdish question and, in particular, to the very real potential for conflict and outside intervention. Washington must develop a comprehensive approach that recognizes and, where possible, leverages those linkages to help usher in a stable and prosperous future. This report does not suggest that the many facets of the Kurdish issue can only be solved simultaneously, but rather that Washington has to be sensitive to how potential progress, and setbacks, n one area can affect movement elsewhere. Of primary importance should be settling Kirkuk's future and consolidating the legitimacy of Iraq's federal structure. Closely related is the development of a working relationship between Ankara and the Kurdistan Regional Government.

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