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Kurdistan flag row threatens to reignite Kirkuk powder keg

The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan raised the flag of Kurdistan over its headquarters in the multiethnic city of Kirkuk, fueling tensions between Baghdad and Iraqi Kurdistan over the disputed, oil-rich city.
Kurdish residents hold flags during Norouz celebrations in Kirkuk, north of Baghdad March 20, 2016. REUTERS/Ako Rasheed  - GF10000353437

SULAYMANIYAH, Iraq – The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) raised Kurdistan flags over its headquarters in Kirkuk on Jan. 9, sparking tensions between Kurds and other ethnicities in the multiethnic city and between Iraqi Kurdistan and Baghdad as well.

Kirkuk, 145 miles north of Baghdad, has a mixed population of Kurds, Turkmen and Arabs along with significant oil reserves. According to article 140 of the Iraqi constitution, the final status of Kirkuk and other areas should be resolved in a referendum to determine whether they will remain part of federal Iraq or the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region.

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