Iraq plans new flag after Kurdish threat

[ECH1969]

Iraq may get a new flag to replace one rejected by ethnic Kurds as a symbol of oppression under Saddam Hussein, the government said yesterday, hoping to defuse a nasty row that provoked threats of Kurdish secession.

It could be brought up as early as today in parliament.

Kurdish President Massoud Barzani banned flying the Iraqi flag in the region, home to 5 million of Iraq's 26 million people, because of its association with Saddam's Baathist rule and the deaths of many thousands in the Anfal attacks of 1988.

"This is the flag of the Baath and Anfal, of chemical attacks and mass graves," Barzani said, repeating in strong terms his warning that Kurds might one day choose independence.

http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=World_News&subsection=Gulf%2C+Middle+East+%26+Africa&month=September2006&file=World_News200609055212.xml

[krispos42]

1. Ah, a new flag for the Iraqis to burn in digust

It's been about two years since they tried that, and it ended badly for the new flag.

[ECH1969]

3. To be fair the Iraqi flag the coalition designed for them

Looked just like the flag of Israel. :rofl:

[krispos42]

4. They shout do it the normal way

Have a nationwide contest. People submit designs. Cast ballots at fairs and bazaars. Maybe through newspapers or something. It might be a unifying experience as people talk about it while they're sitting in the cafe being unemployed and dodging shrapnel.

[rodeodance]

2. qibbles about flags as our troops die (and their own people). I realize

flags are important symbols, but for petes sake!

[daleo]

5. No new flag will be seen as legitimate

As long as U.S./U.K. troops are in Iraq.

And Kurdish separatism won't disappear because of a new flag.

[Renew Deal]

6. Didn't they try this once already?

[Andrushka]

8. They certainly did

And that one wasn't as good as the first draft, I felt:

[leftchick]

7. yeah, thats the ticket!

this will solve everything! :crazy:

[0007]

9. Perhaps we should install the "Star Spangle Banner" also?