Iraq's Kurds Return to Ruined Kirkuk

[Barrett808]

By MARIAM FAM, Associated Press Writer

KIRKUK, Iraq - Crouching on the moist ground, one man digs the earth with his bare hands while his friends hoist a tree branch to serve as a makeshift electricity pole. They are among 126 Kurdish families who have lived for two months in tents on a muddy plain, awaiting a better life in the new Iraq (news - web sites).

These Kurds were forced to flee the oil-rich city of Kirkuk during Saddam Hussein (news - web sites)'s rule. Now, emboldened by the collapse of his regime, thousands of Kurds have packed up their meager belongings and returned to what was once forbidden territory.

But many found their houses had been destroyed or given away. U.S. officials say Kirkuk's infrastructure cannot support the Kurds. Security concerns have driven out international aid groups.

"My biggest worry is that if too many of them return we may have some type of a humanitarian disaster on our hands," said Maj. Michael Grondin of the 404th Civil Affairs Battalion in Kirkuk. "We can't provide them with water and food."

(more)

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20031209/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_kurdish_comeback&cid=540&ncid=1480

[hedda_foil]

1. There goes whatever Kurdish support remained.

The only question I have is will the Turks be allowed in to ravage the Kurds in the name of freedom?