Kurdish Autonomous Region

The Kurdish Autonomous Region (Başûrê Kurdistanê in Kurdish) is a political entity established in 1970 following the agreement of an Autonomy Accord between the government of Iraq and leaders of the Iraqi Kurdish community. A Legislative Assembly was established in the city of Arbil with theoretical authority over the Kurdish-populated provinces of Arbil, Dahuk and As Sulaymaniyah.

Related Topics:
Kurdish - 1970 - Iraq - Kurdish - Arbil - Dahuk - As Sulaymaniyah

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In practice, however, the assembly was under the control of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein until the 1991 uprising against his rule following the end of the Gulf War. In the ensuing fighting and refugee crisis, the United States and United Kingdom established a "safe haven" policed with a no-fly zone covering much of the Kurdish territory. The region thus gained de facto independence, being ruled by the two principal Kurdish parties – the Kurdish Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan – outside the control of Baghdad. The region gained its own flag and even its own currency, which was worth considerably more than the Iraqi dinar.

Related Topics:
Saddam Hussein - 1991 - Gulf War - United States - United Kingdom - No-fly zone - Kurdish Democratic Party - Patriotic Union of Kurdistan - Baghdad - Iraqi dinar

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Elections held in June 1992 produced an inconclusive outcome, with the assembly divided almost equally between the two main parties and their allies. This led to tensions which ultimately sparked violence and the collapse of the autonomous government. Heavy fighting broke out on several occasions, in May 1994, September 1996, and November 1997, killing thousands. The region was effectively partitioned between the two parties. Saddam Hussein reasserted some power through assisting the KDP to capture Arbil in 1996, but was generally kept at arms' length by a combination of Kurdish strength and US-UK air patrols.

Related Topics:
Elections held in June - 1992 - 1994 - 1996 - 1997 - Arbil

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