KURDISTAN SHORT CUTS ( Click headlines for Full Texts)

Syria’s Kurds Try to Balance Security and Alliances

The New York Times – Syria’s Kurds have mostly escaped prolonged bouts of direct conflict in the country’s civil war, but with rebel units pushing east toward the resource-rich Kurdish heartland, Kurdish militias proliferating and calls for greater autonomy growing, this may not remain the case…

Iraqi Kurds press on with oil pipe to Turkey despite U.S. fears

Reuters – Iraqi Kurdistan will press ahead with building its own oil export pipeline to Turkey, the region’s energy minister said on Thursday, despite U.S. objections due to fears the project could lead to the break-up of Iraq.…

President Barzani and Northern Ireland leaders share views on troubled past and hopes for future – KRG – President Masoud Barzani yesterday met Northern Ireland’s First and Deputy First Minister and the Speaker of the Assembly in his first official visit to Belfast which was hosted by Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster. These meetings and those with other ministers and business representatives focused on strengthening ties between the two regions through trade…..