Sorry Teribus--the explosion took place outside a Kurdish political office. All is not hunky-dory in Kurdish areas--and Western firms are aware of this--and, aside from oil firms, taking a wait-and-see attitude. It will be interesting to find out who was responsible for the bombing.

By the way, what about the Turkmen--and their views on the Kirkuk region? Do you have any inkling of their significance? If not you should do a bit of research.

No surprise that "Kurdistan" is pushing tourism. I hope it remains safe for tourists. Let me know if you decide to visit "Kurdistan" soon.


You still haven't learned that Iraq is not the Royal Navy. The "command and control" situation you envision is just that--in your mind. You can tell all your religious and political leaders to "take a hike" and that may well not prevent a disgruntled neighbor from seeing an opportunity to get at you--or your possessions. It's charming how you so naively cling to the "insurgency" terminology.

Civil wars are real messy--and that's what we're seeing.

Good to see you admit the UK is drawing down its troops in Iraq. Tell me, if things don't go swimmingly, do you think Mr. Brown or Mr Cameron would halt the withdrawals of UK troops. Yes or no?

Sistani--the examples you cite of his influence end with the elections-- a year ago December. As I said, recently he has not been making pronouncements--for the reason I cited.

As usual, you have proven nothing.

And, by the way, what about my question as to whether, as a law-abiding Sunni with a police force you could not trust, you would give up your weapons? Yes or no?