If the Iraqi Shia parties strikes a deal with the Kurds...

[Walt Starr]

Think of this deal. The Shia's agree on the side to grant autonomy to Kurdish regions if the Kurds agree to ratify whatever constitution the Shia's write.

The Shias then go about writing a constitution which grants all legal authority to Sharia law. The Shias and Kurds approve and BAM, we have a theocratic Iraq. The Shia's then immediately pass Kurdish autonomy and we have a Kurdistan, pissing of the Turks. The Shias then demand the U.S. leave Iraq.

The Shia government could then decide in favor of unification with Iran.

Is this a nightmare scenario?

[ablbodyed]

1. Plausible but for>>>>

the unification with Iran. Much more divides them (thousands of years of history) than the unifying sect. they are different peoples. The other possibilities, however, ARE realistic.

[bryant69]

2. And they would get moer out of being seperate nations

who were allied, than they would out of unifying.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[readmylips]

3. Name Numero Uno Theocratic Nation....

United States of America...Add others: Israel, all Arabic countries, Italy, all Latin American (Catholic)countries.

One non theocratic nation: China. There's no organized religion.

[bryant69]

8. The United States isn't a theocracy

While there are some societal pressures on non-Christians, and while some are frusterated at the fact that many Americans go to church, there is no legal persecution of non-Christians. There are legal restrictions on religion in other nations in cluding some in China if memory serves. The Fulan Gong (I think it was called) was persecuted by the government.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[Igel]

4. And then Turkey and Iran annex portions of "Kurdistan."

Because the only way the Kurds would go for having Shari'a enshrined as the law of the land is if it didn't cover them. That means "autonomy" = independence.

[theboss]

5. Possible in terms of the politics. Highly unlikely in terms of unification

I don't think Iran would want the Iraqi Shias in their country anymore than Californians or Texans would want to unite with Mexico. There is a common religion but way too many cultural and economic differences.

[Pepperbelly]

6. actually ... some of the fundamentalist Suni are very close to Shia

fundamentalists with both of them wanting an Islamic Republic at best.

[AlCzervik]

7. How much oil is in the kurdish regions?

I thnk if there is a lot then that will be a big factor in how things go.

[PsN2Wind]

9. Would the Kurds demand that the U.S. leave?

They've done great since the US has given them effective autonomy in the north of Iraq. If the US pulls out, Turkey becomes a serious concern for them.