KURDISTAN

Half the Kurdish population of northern Iraq asks for independence. On Christmas Eve, two U.S. Army captains reflect on their time in Kurdistan:

Although we are happy with our efforts, we do wonder why more attention was not paid to Halabja. And, not just to Halabja, but to all the Iraqi Kurds. What other citizens of Iraq fought alongside (and, in many instances, in front of) U.S. forces? What other citizens of Iraq offered security and housing to U.S. forces? We do hope that the days of the international community neglecting the Kurds are coming to a close, and we will be sure to pay close attention and provide assistance in any way we can. It’s the least we can do for those who did so much for us, and who desire to do so much more for themselves.

— Steven