Kurds press historic independence vote despite regional fears
(WorldNews Business)

By Raya Jalabi ERBIL, Iraq, Sept 22 (Reuters) - Iraqi Kurds are expected to vote on Monday to back an independence drive that neighbouring countries and Western powers fear could break up the country and stir broader regional ethnic and sectarian conflict. Kurdish red-white-green tricolors set with a blazing golden sun adorn cars and buildings throughout the semi-autonomous northern Kurdistan region. Billboards exhort `the time is now - say `yes` to a free Kurdistan!` Massoud Barzani, president of the Kurdish region since 2005, has resisted efforts by the United Nations, the United States and Britain to delay the referendum. Neighbouring Turkey is holding army border exercises to underline...