Military operations may be over in Kurdish-held Kirkuk, but the political battle is about to begin. Iraq's Joint Operation Command announced on Oct. 17 that is it has achieved its objective in retaking territory previously controlled by the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG). Beginning its operation overnight Oct. 15., the Iraqi military seized control of critical infrastructure in Kirkuk province. Iraqi troops are now in control of important oil and natural gas company headquarters, oil fields and have reportedly taken control of the Mosul Dam. Speaking at his weekly press conference, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi denied reports that Baghdad was seeking to create new regions in Kurdish territories. (Such a move would violate the Iraqi constitution, which grants significant autonomy to Iraqi Kurdistan.)...
